If there’s one dish that captures the heart of Chilean cuisine, it’s papas rellenas. These golden, crispy, stuffed potatoes bring together a perfect blend of comfort and flavor, making them a beloved favorite across South America. Papas rellenas recipe chilean style, also known as “stuffed potatoes” or “potato balls,” can be customized with different fillings from savory beef to tender chicken and prepared using traditional frying methods or even air fryers for a healthier option.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious beginner, we’ll guide you through the best Chilean-style papas rellenas recipe in just five easy steps. Along the way, we’ll explore variations like chicken fillings, Peruvian-style twists, and convection oven alternatives. Get ready to master this delicious dish and make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Papas Rellenas Recipe Chilean Style
Course: Lunch Recipes, Main DishCuisine: ChileanDifficulty: Medium5
servings20
minutes30
minutes250
kcal50
minutesDeliciously crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these Chilean-style papas rellenas are stuffed with savory beef, olives, and hard-boiled egg, making for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
4 large potatoes (peeled and boiled)
1/2 lb ground beef (or chicken, if preferred)
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 tablespoons green olives (chopped)
1 tablespoon raisins (optional)
1 hard-boiled egg (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil (for frying or air frying)
Directions
- Boil the potatoes until tender. Once cooled, mash them with a bit of butter, salt, and pepper.
- In a skillet, sauté onions in a little oil until soft. Add the ground beef (or chicken) and cook until browned.
- Stir in olives, raisins (if using), and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Once the filling is ready, take a portion of mashed potatoes and flatten it into your palm. Add a spoonful of the filling and seal the mashed potatoes around it.
- Heat oil in a pan or preheat the countertop fryer to 375°F (190°C). Fry or air fry the stuffed potato balls for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Chilean-style papas rellenas!
Notes
- You can freeze the papas rellenas before frying them for later use.
Feel free to experiment with the fillings by adding cheese, peas, or different types of meat.
. Table of Contents
What is the Best Papas Rellenas Recipe Chilean Style?
Papas rellenas are made from mashed or boiled potatoes that are stuffed (typically with a flavorful meat filling), shaped into balls, and fried until golden and crisp. Here’s everything you need to know to create the best Chilean-style papas rellenas.
Traditional Recipe Ingredients
The classic Chilean recipe focuses on simple yet bold flavors. You’ll need the following:
- For the potato dough:
- 2 lbs of potatoes
- 1 egg
- Salt to taste
- For the filling:
- 1 lb of ground beef or shredded chicken
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Spices (paprika, cumin, and garlic powder)
- Handful of chopped parsley
- Oil for frying
Simplifying the Process
Looking for a no-fuss method? You can cut down on preparation time by using pre-mashed potatoes or leftover mashed potatoes from the night before. If frying feels too daunting, jump ahead to our air fryer version for a guilt-free twist.
Bolas de Papa Rellenas
Papas rellenas recipe chilean style are often compared to bolas de papa rellenas (potato balls), another variation of this dish popular in many Latin American countries. While the concept remains the same, the variations in size and fillings make each country’s version unique.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Papas Rellenas Recipe Chilean Style
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and boiling the potatoes until they are tender. A fork should easily pierce through them. Once cooked, drain the water and mash the potatoes until smooth. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool slightly so they are easier to handle, then mix in the egg and a pinch of salt. This will create a pliable dough that is firm enough to hold the filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While your potatoes are cooling, prepare the delicious filling. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Sauté the onions until they turn translucent, then add your ground beef or chicken. Season with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt to taste. Stir occasionally until the meat is fully cooked and fragrant. Stir in the chopped parsley for added freshness, and set the mixture aside to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Papas Rellenas
Take a handful of the potato dough and flatten it into a disk in the palm of your hand. Spoon a small amount of the prepared filling into the center, then carefully fold the edges of the potato dough around the filling to seal it completely. Roll the stuffed potato into a ball or oval shape, ensuring there are no cracks.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, gently lower the stuffed potato balls into the oil and fry until golden brown on all sides. Be sure to turn them occasionally for even cooking. Once done, remove the papas rellenas from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your papas rellenas hot, paired with a fresh salad, a side of pebre salsa, or even a dollop of sour cream. The crispy exterior and flavorful filling make each bite unforgettable. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish!
Tips for Success
- Perfect Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes such as Russets for a fluffier dough.
- Sealed and Secure: Ensure the potato dough fully encases the filling to prevent it from leaking while frying.
- Get Creative: Experiment with different fillings like cheese, mushrooms, or beans for a vegetarian option.
Air Fryer Version
For a lighter take on this classic dish, use an air cooker to achieve the same crispy exterior with less oil. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), spray the stuffed potato balls with a light coating of oil, and cook for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
How to Make Papas Rellenas Recipe Chilean Style with Chicken
If you’re craving something different, swapping the traditional beef filling for chicken is a fantastic option. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Guide for Papas Rellenas with Chicken
- Prepare the Potato Base:
- Boil potatoes until soft, then mash them until smooth.
- Season with salt, add one egg for binding, and mix well.
- Cook the Chicken Filling:
- Shred cooked chicken breast into fine pieces.
- Sauté onion in a pan with olive oil and add your chicken.
- Season with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add a touch of chicken broth to keep it moist while cooking.
- Shape and Stuff:
- Take a ball of mashed potatoes, flatten it in your hand, and add a spoonful of chicken filling in the center.
- Close it up to form a ball or oval shape.
- Coat and Fry:
- Coat the stuffed potato balls lightly in flour or breadcrumbs.
- Fry until golden on all sides.
- Optional – air crisp fryer Version:
If you prefer a healthier approach, spray the potato balls with cooking oil and place them in the rapid air cooker at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.
These chicken-stuffed papas rellenas are tender, juicy, and perfect for a cozy dinner or as a party snack!
Meatball-Style Twist
Looking for something more versatile? Use the same chicken filling with mashed potatoes to create potato meatballs. Coat them in breadcrumbs, bake, fry, or air fry, and enjoy as a creative appetizer.
Exploring the Peruvian Twist: Papas Rellenas Peruanas
Although papas rellenas are a staple in Chilean cuisine, their Peruvian counterpart deserves recognition. Here’s how the two differ:
Unique Features of Peruvian Papas Rellenas
- Peruvian versions often use a spiced beef filling, combined with boiled eggs, olives, and raisins for a sweet-savory flavor profile.
- The potato dough tends to be softer and sometimes incorporates a bit of flour for texture.
Air Fryer Option for Peruvian-Style Papas Rellenas
For a modern spin, try papa rellena peruana en oil-less fryer! Coat the potato pockets with oil or breadcrumbs, then cook evenly in the electric fryer. The result? An addictive crispy exterior and a tender filling.
Comparisons with the Chilean Style
While Chilean-style papas rellenas focus on simplicity—mainly flavored with garlic, onion, and parsley—Peruvian-style adds extra layers of complexity with their additional ingredients.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Papas rellenas, whether Chilean, Peruvian, or creatively adapted, can be elevated with the right accompaniments. For a traditional serving style, pair them with a fresh salsa, such as pebre for Chilean recipes or salsa criolla for Peruvian variations. A side of creamy avocado slices or guacamole adds richness and a touch of freshness to balance the crispy, flavorful bites. For a heartier meal, serve your papas rellenas alongside rice and beans or a refreshing cabbage slaw.
For beverage pairings, a crisp and citrusy drink like a Peruvian chicha morada or a light white wine pairs beautifully with the dish’s savory flavors. Whether as a snack, appetizer, or main course, papas rellenas shine as a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.
Papas Rellenas Recipe Air Fryer: The Healthier Alternative
Traditional deep frying delivers unbeatable crispiness, but an air fryer offers a healthier way to enjoy papas rellenas without sacrificing flavor.
Why Use an air frying oven?
- Healthier Preparation – Reduce oil consumption while still achieving a crispy exterior.
- Convenience – turbo fryers are easy to clean and require little prep.
- Consistent Results – Achieve even cooking without constant monitoring.
Best Tips for Air Crisp Oven Papas Rellenas Recipe Chilean Style
- Preheat your healthy fryer for even results.
- Spray the potato balls with oil to enhance crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the no-oil fryer basket; leave space between each ball for air circulation.
Inspiration from Porto’s Bakery
Known for its iconic potato balls, Porto’s Bakery achieves a similar golden perfection in their famous recipe, making it a hit among hot air cooker enthusiasts. Though not a replica, you can draw inspiration from their techniques when making your papas rellenas.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Papas Rellenas Every Time
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, these tips will help ensure stunning results:
Streamline the Process
- Use pre-mashed potatoes or a quick-mash method if you’re short on time.
- Opt for an fry air machine to simplify cleanup without compromising on taste.
Experiment with Fillings
- For vegetarians, try stuffing your potato balls with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cheese.
- Love beef? Incorporate raisins, olives, or even chili flakes into your beef filling for extra flair.
Achieve the Perfect Crust
- Always coat your papas rellenas in flour, breadcrumbs, or oil before frying or air-frying.
- Keep your oil at the optimal frying temperature (around 350–375°F) for crispy, golden brown results.
Bring Chilean Flavor to Your Table
Papas rellenas are more than just a dish—they’re a celebration of vibrant Chilean flavors and culinary creativity. Whether you opt for the traditional recipe, the chicken variation, or the healthier air crisp machine method, this guide has all the tips and tricks you need to succeed.
Now it’s your turn to give it a go! Experiment with different fillings, styles, and techniques, and don’t forget to share your masterpiece in the comments below. Who knows? You might discover your own unique twist on this beloved classic.
Experience the vibrant and diverse flavors of Chilean cuisine right in your own kitchen! From the rich, hearty stews like Pastel de Choclo to the fresh and zesty Ceviche, Chile offers a variety of dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Discover authentic recipes and cooking tips to elevate your culinary skills and impress your guests. For an in-depth exploration of Chilean recipes, visit Chilean Culinary Delights.