Bolivian Papalisa Potato Ají de Papalisa

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Traditional Bolivian lunch dish featuring tender papalisa potatoes in a rich, spicy ají rojo sauce with fresh herbs. This latin american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs papalisa potatoes, peeled and halved, aji rojo paste, small onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large saucepan, heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 tbsp aji rojo paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to release the sauce’s aroma.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and halved papalisa potatoes to the saucepan, stirring them to coat evenly with the sauce.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups water, season with 1 tsp salt, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 1 tbsp lime juice for brightness, mixing gently before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Bolivian Papalisa Potato Ají de Papalisa take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bolivian Papalisa Potato Ají de Papalisa?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep aji rojo paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bolivian Papalisa Potato Ají de Papalisa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bolivian Papalisa Potato Ají de Papalisa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Bolivian Papalisa Potato Ají de Papalisa vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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