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The Recipe · No.767 · Papas a la Huancaina

Papas a la Huancaina, and where to source it

Papas a la Huancaina — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Papas a la Huancaina Peruvian 5best2buy.com

Cook the aji amarillo paste and onion in a little oil before blending. That quick fry softens the raw pepper bite and caramelizes its sugars, so the finished sauce tastes deep and smooth instead of sharp and grassy.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook15 min
Makes4 servings
CuisinePeruvian
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains  dairy · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Yellow potatoes
Boiled whole, peeled, and sliced thick. A waxy yellow potato holds its shape. Fresh.
4 large
Aji amarillo paste
Peruvian yellow chili for the color and the gentle heat. Local.
1/2 cup
Local / market
Queso fresco
Salty fresh cheese is the body of the sauce. A good crumbly fresh cheese.
200 g
Evaporated milk
Blends to a smooth cream that will not split. A rich whole milk works too.
1/2 cup
Crackers
A few soda crackers thicken the sauce as it blends. Pantry.
4
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
Air fryer
The Method
  1. Cook the aromaticsSoften onion, garlic, and the aji amarillo paste in a little oil until fragrant.
  2. Blend the sauceBlend the cooked base with the cheese, evaporated milk, and crackers until velvety.
  3. AdjustLoosen with a little milk or thicken with another cracker until it coats a spoon.
  4. PlateLay the potato slices on a platter, pour the sauce over, and garnish with boiled egg and olives.
The Toolkit

Blender · Saucepan · Knife

Straight Answers
Can you make Papas a la Huancaina in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Papas a la Huancaina? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Papas a la Huancaina ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Papas a la Huancaina gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).

Is Papas a la Huancaina vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

Community Notes

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