El Senorio de Sulco Papas a la Huancaina

Source: Flavio Solorzano Alvarez, executive chef, El Se orio de Sulco, Lima, Peru

1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
5 Ajies amarillo, seeded, de-veined and chopped
3 or 4 saltines
1/2 pound fresh white cheese, cubed
1 cup evaporated milk
Oil, as needed
Salt to taste
Juice of 1/2 Key lime

For serving:
6 potatoes, cooked (cold)
Lettuce leaves, as needed
Boiled egg slices, as needed
Black olives, as needed
Cooked corn kernels, as needed

In a small skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and, over medium heat, saut the onion, garlic and aji amarillo until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Remove onion mixture from the heat and in a blender or a food processor fitted with a steel blade, blend together with the crackers, white cheese, evaporated milk and salt, adding just enough vegetable oil to give the mixture a smooth creamy consistency.

Add the juice of 1/2 Key lime and blend for a few seconds more. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt if necessary. Let sauce cool to room temperature or chill in the refrigerator.

To serve, pour the sauce over sliced cold boiled potatoes and garnish with boiled egg slices, olives, cooked corn kernels and lettuce leaves.

Serves 6.