Contrary to what some might think, the historical homeland of the potato is not Ireland – or Idaho, for that matter. Its culinary birthplace is instead Peru, and this is deliciously evident in the Peruvian treat papa rellena. This toothsome dish starts with mashed spuds that are wrapped around a filling of beef, onions and olives to form a potato-shaped zeppelin that is then deep fried to a crisp and served with marinated onions. A fine version of this dish is served up at Rinconcito Sudamericano for $5. But perhaps the most spectacularly yummy papa rellena we’ve tried yet came from Rogers Park’s Taste of Peru (above) for $4.35. Not only is it full of tasty chunks of good beef, but also the heaping helping of sweet, marinated onions on the side provides a dreamily tangy foil to this hearty potato dish.
Rinconcito Sudamericano
1954 W. Armitage Ave.
773-489-3126
Taste of Peru
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6545 N. Clark St.
773-381-4540
What’s your favorite Papas Rellena?
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