Papa Rellena, literally meaning "stuffed potato," is a beloved Peruvian dish that consists of mashed potatoes formed into a croquette shape and filled with seasoned ground beef, then breaded and fried to golden perfection.

This dish emerged during the late 19th century when Peru was experiencing significant economic hardship. Potatoes, native to Peru with over 4,000 varieties, became a crucial staple food. The ingenious combination of potatoes with meat filling created a filling and satisfying meal that could feed many.

The preparation involves boiling and mashing potatoes until smooth, then forming them around a savory filling of ground beef cooked with onions, garlic, cumin, and ají panca (Peruvian red pepper paste). The potato-wrapped filling is then dipped in egg, breaded, and fried until crispy golden brown on the outside while remaining soft inside.

While the traditional filling uses ground beef, modern variations include chicken, tuna, or vegetarian options with cheese and vegetables. Some cooks add raisins and olives to the meat filling for a sweet and salty contrast, while others incorporate hard-boiled eggs or different spices to create their unique versions.

In Peru, Papa Rellena is enjoyed as both a street food and home-cooked meal. It's often served with criolla sauce (lime-marinated red onions) or ají sauce for added kick. You'll find these golden croquettes at food carts, markets, and restaurants throughout the country, particularly during lunch hours.

While delicious, Papa Rellena is a calorie-dense dish due to the potato and frying process, typically containing around 400-500 calories per serving. The dish contains gluten from the breadcrumbs used for coating, though gluten-free alternatives can be used. For a healthier version, some people opt to bake rather than fry them, though this sacrifices the traditional crispy exterior.