Llapingachos

Llapingachos are Ecuadorian fried potato cakes filled with cheese and made with boiled and mashed potatoes seasoned with onions and spices. The potato patties are grilled until golden brown and crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside.

These delectable fried potato cakes are typically served with salsa de mani (creamy peanut sauce) and eaten for breakfast or lunch alongside various side dishes such as chorizo sausages, avocados, fried eggs, lettuce, and a pickled red onion and tomato salad. If you like a little heat in your food, try a good drizzle of aji criollo hot sauce on top.

Llapingachos, like humitas, predate Hispanic times and are a delectable example of Ecuadorian Highland cuisine. It gets its name from the Kichwa word llapina, which means "to crush into a soft and mushy consistency." If you intend to travel to Ecuador, Llapingachos is one of the must-try dishes for you.