Season 10 - Lunch / S10L10
Ecuadorian Llapingachos (Potato Patties)
Story
It was a Sunday morning in Quito, and little Don Luis sat at the edge of the kitchen table, hypnotized by the sizzling sound coming from the griddle. His abuela had already rolled up her sleeves and was flipping golden discs of potato patties—llapingachos—with the smooth elegance only years of love and practice could bring. Every bite had a hidden surprise: stretchy cheese, perfectly melted inside that creamy mashed potato. They were always served with a sunny fried egg, peanut sauce drizzled like a painter’s final stroke, and avocado slices fanned out like feathers on a proud peacock. That Sunday breakfast became a lifelong memory—and now, a dish Don Luis shares with you in his own kitchen, apron on, smile wide. 🥔🧀🥑 Time + Nutrition + Cost
Ingredients
- 2 lbs 🥔 russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup 🧀 mozzarella or quesillo, shredded (for filling)
- 1 tbsp 🧈 butter or oil (for mashing)
- 1 tsp 🧂 salt (plus more to taste)
- 0.5 tsp 🌶️ achiote powder (for color, optional)
- 2 tbsp oil for frying 🫒
- 2 eggs 🍳 (optional, for serving)
- 1 avocado 🥑, sliced (for garnish)
- Peanut sauce (homemade or store-bought, for serving – recipe below!) 🥜
- Optional Quick Peanut Sauce:
- 0.25 cup peanut butter
- 0.5 cup milk 🥛
- 1 garlic clove 🧄
- 0.5 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
- Blend and simmer until creamy
Instructions
- 1Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15–20 min). Drain and mash with butter, salt, and achiote if using. Let cool slightly.
- 2Form balls with your hands and flatten into discs. Add a pinch of cheese in the center and gently shape them back into patties.
- 3Heat oil in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- 4Optional: Fry eggs sunny-side up 🍳.
- 5Assemble: Serve patties with peanut sauce, avocado slices, and egg on top.
About the narrator
Don Luis · A character for three generations
Don Luis is the brand character and narrator for this catalog: a warm voice for Puerto Rican family recipes tested by the real creator behind the brand. The project carries three generations of flavor and writes each recipe step by step so any kid can follow it.
Read our mission →