The Deviled Eggs Everyone Will Be Talking About This Easter
If deviled eggs are making an appearance on your Easter table, they should do more than just sit pretty. At Tio Lucho’s, Chef Arnaldo Castillo rethinks the classic with a distinctly Peruvian approach, layering in aji amarillo, fresh lime, and a creamy causa base that brings depth, brightness, and just the right amount of heat. Finished with crispy chips and a drizzle of annatto oil, this version transforms the familiar into something far more memorable. Not just a side, but the dish everyone ends up talking about.
Recipe Below.
Tio Lucho’s Peruvian Deviled Eggs (Causa-Style)
Makes 6 deviled egg halves
Ingredients
For the eggs
- 3 large eggs
For the filling
- ½ cup causa base (recipe below)
- Salt, to taste
For the causa base
- 1 medium potato
- 1 cup Duke’s Mayonnaise, plus more as needed
- 3 tablespoons aji amarillo paste
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (to taste)
- Salt, to taste
Annatto Oil (Optional)
- 1 cup annatto seeds
- 1 quart neutral oil (such as canola or grapeseed)
Combine seeds and oil in a saucepan over low heat.
Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. Let steep 15 to 20 minutes, until the oil is infused and deep golden in color.
Strain out seeds and cool completely before using.
For garnish
- Paprika
- Crumbled kettle-style potato chips
- Bacon bits (optional)
- Olive oil
- Annatto seed oil (optional)
- A light drizzle of olive oil and annatto oil
- Flaky sea salt and chopped chives
Prepare the Eggs
Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the water reaches a boil, remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 10 minutes.
Transfer eggs to an ice bath and cool completely. Peel and slice in half lengthwise. Carefully remove yolks and set aside; arrange whites on a serving platter.
Make the Causa Base
Place the potato in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Season generously with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender.
Drain and let cool to room temperature. Peel completely, then pass through a ricer or mash until completely smooth.
Stir in mayonnaise, aji amarillo paste, lime juice, and salt. Mix until smooth and well-seasoned, adding more mayonnaise as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine the egg yolks with ½ cup of the causa base. Mash and fold together until smooth. Season to taste with salt.
Transfer mixture to a piping bag fitted with a tip, or to a zip-top bag with one corner snipped.
Assemble
Pipe filling evenly into egg whites.
Garnish with paprika, crumbled potato chips, and bacon bits, if using.
Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil and annatto oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and chopped chives.
Chef’s Note: Extra causa base can be used to make a traditional Peruvian causa or saved for another use.




