Causa de Camarones

Step 1

Fill a medium pot with water, add a large pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat until large bubbles roll across the surface, about 5 minutes.

Step 2

While water heats, cut potatoes into halves or quarters so each piece is roughly 2 inches across. Leave skin on.

Step 3

Cut all three limes in half crosswise, then squeeze each half into a small bowl until you have about 1/2 cup of juice.

Step 4

Cut each avocado in half lengthwise around the pit, twist to separate, remove the pit, then scoop the flesh into a separate bowl.

Step 5

Place potato pieces into boiling water and cook until a fork slides through the thickest piece with no resistance, about 12 minutes.

Step 6

While potatoes cook, place shrimp into a bowl and pour 1/2 cup of the lime juice over them, stirring to coat every piece.

Step 7

Let shrimp sit in lime juice at room temperature, stirring once halfway through, until they turn opaque pink throughout, about 8 minutes.

Step 8

When potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander and set aside to cool for 2 minutes.

Step 9

While potatoes cool, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and remaining lime juice to the avocado bowl, then mash with a fork until mostly smooth with small chunks remaining.

Step 10

Season avocado mixture with salt and pepper by pinching a small amount of each between your fingers and stirring in, tasting as you go.

Step 11

Mash cooled potatoes with a fork in a separate bowl until smooth, then season with salt and pepper the same way.

Step 12

On a serving plate, layer half of the mashed potato mixture in an even 1/4-inch-thick layer across the surface, like spreading frosting on a cake.

Step 13

Spread the avocado mixture in an even layer on top of the potatoes, using a spatula to smooth it.

Step 14

Drain shrimp in a fine-mesh strainer over a small bowl (discard the liquid), then arrange shrimp in a single layer on top of the avocado.

Step 15

Top the shrimp with the remaining mashed potato mixture, smoothing it into a thin, even layer.

Step 16

Cover the plate with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes before serving, or up to 4 hours if prepared ahead.