Causa — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

Causa is really seasoned mashed potato, so a starchy yellow potato and fresh lime juice make the tangy, aji-tinted base that keeps its shape cold. Rice the potatoes while they are still warm and season them aggressively with lime and aji. Then chill the mash firm before you layer it so it slices cleanly.

The Ingredients — and where to get them

Cook for 6 servings

Yellow potatoes

Starchy potatoes rice into a smooth, dense mash that holds a layered shape when cold.

2 lb

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Chicken breast

Poached and finely shredded for the filling; a mild, moist meat that carries the mayo and lime.

3/4 lb

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Lime

The acid that seasons the potato base; fresh juice is bright where bottled tastes dull.

3 limes

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Aji amarillo, red onion, avocado

Aji tints and warms the mash; onion and avocado go into the filling for crunch and richness.

1/4 cup / 1 onion

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Eggs

Hard-boiled for garnish over the top layer; buy fresh so the yolks stay bright.

3 eggs

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Using chicken breast? It behaves the way it does for a reason — what this cut is for and how to cook it →

The Rundown

Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean

About as virtuous as dinner gets.

EffortSome doing

Cook it with

No-cook

The Method

Cook and riceBoil potatoes whole until tender, peel while warm, and pass through a ricer for a lump-free mash.
Season the baseBeat in lime juice, aji amarillo, oil, and salt while warm. Taste; it should be bright and a touch spicy. Chill until firm.
Make the fillingMix shredded chicken with mayo, minced red onion, and lime. Fold in diced avocado just before assembling.
Layer and chillIn a ring mold, press potato, then filling, then potato. Chill 30 minutes, unmold, and top with sliced egg and olive.

The Toolkit

Potato ricer · Ring mold · Offset spatula · Citrus juicer

Straight Answers

Can you make Causa in an air fryer? — Not needed

It’s a salad — nothing to air-fry once it’s tossed. You can crisp a topping in one, though: croutons, bacon, or chickpeas in a single layer while you build the rest.

Can you freeze Causa? — Best fresh

Not really — the vegetables and dressing turn to mush once thawed. Salads are a make-fresh thing.

Can you make Causa ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it actually wants a few hours in the fridge for the flavors to settle. Make it ahead and give it a stir before serving.

Is Causa gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Causa vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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Causa, and where to source it