Causa Limeña de Lentejas y Champiñones (Layered Peruvian Potato Terrine with Lentils & Mushrooms)

Ingredients

Method

1. 1

   Rinse the lentils, put them in a medium saucepan with 3 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt, bring to a simmer, then cook until tender but not mushy.

   Lentils are done when they hold shape but are easily crushed between fingers.

   25 min
2. 2

   Place potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water, add 1 tsp salt, bring to a boil and simmer until fork‑tender.

   Start potatoes in cold water so they cook evenly.

   18 min
3. 3

   While lentils and potatoes cook, thinly slice the onion, clean and slice the mushrooms, and mince the garlic.

   Do this while things simmer to save time.

   8 min
4. 4

   Heat 2 tbsp neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the sliced onion until soft and translucent.

   4 min
5. 5

   Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet, sprinkle smoked paprika and optional cumin, then cook until the mushrooms are browned and their liquid has mostly evaporated.

   Let mushrooms brown without stirring constantly for better flavor.

   8 min
6. 6

   Stir the cooked lentils into the mushroom mixture with 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp ají amarillo paste, chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp salt and pepper, and warm through; add up to 2 tbsp broth or water if the mixture seems dry.

   2 min
7. 7

   Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot, add 3 tbsp lime juice, 3 tbsp ají amarillo paste, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt and pepper, then mash until smooth and evenly seasoned.

   A potato ricer makes a silkier causa, but a fork or masher works fine.

   6 min
8. 8

   Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan or a 7–8-inch ring mold with plastic wrap; press half the mashed potato evenly into the bottom and up the sides.

   6 min
9. 9

   Spread the warm lentil‑mushroom filling evenly over the potato layer, then arrange avocado slices in a single layer on top of the filling.

   4 min
10. 10

    Top with the remaining mashed potato, press to smooth, wrap tightly, and chill in the refrigerator to set.

    Chilling makes unmolding clean and keeps avocado from sliding.

    30 min
11. 11

    Unmold the causa onto a platter, slice into portions, drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and scallions, and serve.