Chilean Papas Rellenas Recipe
A classic Chilean comfort food, Papas Rellenas are crispy golden potato patties stuffed with a savory beef filling that includes onions, garlic, hard-boiled eggs, and olives or raisins. Perfectly fried to seal in flavor, these handheld treats offer a satisfying bite with every mouthful.
Ingredients
- 2.2 lbs Potatoes
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 large Onions
- 2 cloves Garlic
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 chopped Hard-Boiled Eggs
- ¼ cup Raisins or Olives
- Oil for Frying
- ½ cup Flour
- 2 Eggs
Instructions
- -Prepare the PotatoesWash, peel, and cut potatoes into chunks. Boil in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender. Drain and mash until smooth. Let cool to room temperature.-Make the FillingIn a skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.Remove from heat and stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs and olives or raisins. Let cool.-Assemble the Papas RellenasWith damp hands, take a portion of mashed potato and flatten it into a disc (~1/4 inch thick). Add a spoonful of filling in the center and carefully wrap the potato around it, sealing completely. Shape into a ball or oval.-Coat the PapasRoll each stuffed potato in flour, then dip in beaten eggs to coat evenly.-Fry to PerfectionHeat oil in a pan over medium heat. Test the oil with a small piece of potato—it should sizzle and float.Fry the papas rellenas for 3–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Adjust heat as needed.-Drain & ServePlace fried papas on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with pebre or a simple salad.
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold for best texture.
- Let both mashed potatoes and filling cool completely before assembling.
- Lightly moisten hands to shape and seal papas easily.
- Ensure the filling is fully enclosed to avoid leakage while frying.
- Add herbs or chili flakes to customize the filling.
- For a lighter option, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Freeze uncooked papas for later—fry directly from frozen.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness—avoid the microwave.