Peruvian Sandwiches

Peruvian Sandwiches Recipe: A Delicious Blend of Potatoes, Tuna, and Fresh Peas

Region / culture: Peru | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 3

Introduction

Peruvian sandwiches are a delicious and unique dish that combines the flavors of tuna, potatoes, and fresh vegetables. This recipe is a perfect blend of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.

History

Peruvian sandwiches have their roots in traditional Peruvian cuisine, which is known for its use of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. This dish is a modern twist on classic Peruvian flavors, combining the traditional ingredients of potatoes and tuna with a modern twist of fresh vegetables and spices.

Ingredients

12 yukon gold potatoes
coarse salt, to taste
1 can of oil-packed Italian tuna
0.5 cup of fresh peas
1 tbsp of minced jalapeno pepper
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1 celery stalk, chopped
0.25 cup of mayonnaise
2 tsp of fresh lemon juice
Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
3 large eggs
2 tbsp of olive oil
0.33 cup of cilantro sprigs

How to prepare

Place the potatoes in a pot of salted water.
Boil and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes.
Combine the tuna, peas, jalapeno, tomatoes, celery, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
Season with salt and pepper.
Drain and peel the potatoes.
Transfer the potatoes to a food mill placed over a medium pot and mill them.
Mash the potatoes.
Add the eggs.
Season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook the potato patties for 3 to 4 minutes.
Mound the tuna mixture on each of three potato patties.
Top with cilantro.

Variations

Add avocado slices or pickled onions for extra flavor.
Use canned salmon or chicken instead of tuna for a different twist.
Top the sandwiches with a fried egg for added protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the potatoes until they are tender but not mushy, as they will be mashed and formed into patties.

- Mixing the tuna mixture with mayonnaise and lemon juice adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the dish.

- Cooking the potato patties in olive oil gives them a crispy exterior and a delicious flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Peruvian sandwiches with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling and mashing the potatoes creates a creamy base for the sandwiches.

- Cooking the potato patties in olive oil gives them a crispy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use sweet potatoes instead of yukon gold potatoes for a different flavor.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter option.

Make Ahead Tips

The tuna mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The potato patties can also be formed ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Peruvian sandwiches on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve these sandwiches with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing pisco sour cocktail for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Per serving, this recipe contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Per serving, this recipe contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Per serving, this recipe contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Per serving, this recipe contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the cherry tomatoes and cilantro, and potassium from the potatoes.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, this recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Peruvian sandwiches are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the flavors of tuna, potatoes, and fresh vegetables. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy this unique and flavorful dish for a taste of Peru in your own home.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria in Lima, Peru. We decided to venture out to a local market to pick up some fresh ingredients for lunch, and that's when I saw it - a vendor selling these delicious looking Peruvian sandwiches.

I couldn't resist the temptation and decided to try one. Oh, the flavors that exploded in my mouth! The combination of tender roasted pork, tangy pickled onions, creamy avocado, and spicy aji sauce on a crusty French roll was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I immediately knew I had to learn how to make these sandwiches myself.

I asked the vendor for the recipe, but he just smiled and said it was a family secret passed down through generations. Undeterred, I decided to try and recreate the sandwich on my own. I went back to Maria's house and spent the rest of the afternoon experimenting in her kitchen.

After a few failed attempts and a lot of trial and error, I finally nailed it. The secret, I discovered, was in the marinade for the pork. A combination of garlic, cumin, oregano, and a splash of vinegar gave the meat a depth of flavor that was simply divine.

I also learned the importance of the pickled onions, which added a tangy crunch to the sandwich. I soaked thinly sliced red onions in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt, letting them sit for at least an hour to develop their flavor.

And of course, no Peruvian sandwich would be complete without a generous dollop of aji sauce. This bright green condiment made from aji peppers, cilantro, and lime juice added a spicy kick that tied the whole sandwich together.

Once I had perfected the recipe, I couldn't wait to share it with my family back home. I made the sandwiches for a Sunday brunch, and they were an instant hit. My grandchildren couldn't get enough of them, and they begged me to make them again and again.

As the years went by, I continued to refine the recipe, making small tweaks here and there to suit my family's tastes. I even entered a cooking competition at the local fair and won first place with my Peruvian sandwiches. The judges were blown away by the bold flavors and unique combination of ingredients.

Now, whenever my grandchildren come to visit, they always ask me to make them Peruvian sandwiches. It has become a family tradition, one that I am proud to pass down to the next generation. I love sharing the story of how I learned to make these sandwiches, and I hope that one day they will do the same with their own children.

So here I am, a grandmother with a passion for cooking and a treasure trove of recipes from around the world. But it is the Peruvian sandwiches that hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of that sunny day in Lima when I discovered a culinary gem that would become a beloved family favorite. And as I watch my grandchildren devour their sandwiches with smiles on their faces, I know that some recipes are more than just food - they are a link to our past and a bridge to our future.