Peru, a country known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes, is also a food lover’s paradise. With a diverse range of flavors and ingredients, Peruvian cuisine offers a unique culinary experience that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. From the fresh seafood of the coast to the hearty stews of the Andes, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Peru’s culinary scene.
If you’re looking to explore the flavors of Peru from the comfort of your own home, we’ve got you covered with five must-try recipes that are sure to transport you to the streets of Lima or the markets of Cusco. So grab your apron and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure through the flavors of Peru.
1. Ceviche
Ceviche is perhaps the most iconic dish in Peruvian cuisine, and for good reason. This refreshing and tangy dish is made by marinating fresh seafood in a mixture of lime juice, chili peppers, onions, and cilantro. The acidity of the lime juice “cooks” the seafood, resulting in a dish that is light, flavorful, and perfect for a hot day.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of fresh white fish (such as halibut or sea bass), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup of fresh lime juice
– 1 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1-2 chili peppers, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the fish, lime juice, onion, chili peppers, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the fish is “cooked” through.
3. Serve the ceviche chilled, garnished with additional cilantro and slices of avocado.
2. Lomo Saltado
Lomo Saltado is a classic Peruvian stir-fry that combines tender strips of beef with onions, tomatoes, and French fries. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce, vinegar, and spices, resulting in a savory and satisfying meal that is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of beef tenderloin, cut into thin strips
– 1 red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/4 cup of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– French fries, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat some oil over high heat. Add the beef strips and cook until browned.
2. Add the onions and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the tomatoes, soy sauce, vinegar, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.
4. Serve the lomo saltado hot, with a side of French fries.
3. Aji de Gallina
Aji de Gallina is a creamy and spicy chicken stew that is packed with flavor. The dish gets its name from the aji amarillo peppers that give it its signature bright yellow color and spicy kick. The stew is thickened with bread and walnuts, resulting in a rich and satisfying meal that is sure to warm you up on a chilly night.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds of chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 aji amarillo peppers, seeded and diced
– 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
– 4 slices of bread, crusts removed
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1 cup of evaporated milk
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Hard-boiled eggs and olives, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and aji amarillo peppers. Cook until softened.
2. In a blender, combine the walnuts, bread, chicken broth, and evaporated milk. Blend until smooth.
3. Add the blended mixture to the skillet, along with the shredded chicken. Cook until the stew thickens.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve the aji de gallina over rice, garnished with slices of hard-boiled eggs and olives.
4. Causa Rellena
Causa Rellena is a beloved Peruvian dish that combines layers of seasoned mashed potatoes with a filling of chicken, tuna, or shrimp. The dish is typically seasoned with aji amarillo peppers and lime juice, giving it a tangy and spicy flavor. Causa Rellena is often served as an appetizer or light lunch, but it can also be enjoyed as a side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and boiled
– 1/2 cup of aji amarillo paste
– 1/4 cup of lime juice
– 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
– 1 pound of chicken, tuna, or shrimp, cooked and shredded
– 1 avocado, sliced
– Hard-boiled eggs, sliced
– Olives, for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mash the boiled potatoes with the aji amarillo paste, lime juice, and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Line a baking dish with a layer of the mashed potatoes. Top with the shredded chicken, tuna, or shrimp.
3. Add another layer of mashed potatoes on top of the filling.
4. Refrigerate the causa rellena for at least one hour, or until set.
5. Serve the causa rellena chilled, garnished with slices of avocado, hard-boiled eggs, and olives.
5. Alfajores
Alfajores are a popular Peruvian dessert that consists of two buttery shortbread cookies sandwiched together with dulce de leche. The cookies are often dusted with powdered sugar or coconut, adding a touch of sweetness to this indulgent treat. Alfajores are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a sweet ending to a meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of butter, softened
– 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– Dulce de leche, for filling
– Powdered sugar or coconut, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract.
2. Gradually add the flour and cornstarch to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out circles using a cookie cutter.
4. Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
5. Let the cookies cool completely before sandwiching them together with dulce de leche.
6. Dust the alfajores with powdered sugar or coconut before serving.
Recipe Amounts:
– 1 pound of fresh white fish
– 1 cup of fresh lime juice
– 1 red onion
– 1-2 chili peppers
– 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
– Salt and pepper
– 1 pound of beef tenderloin
– 1 red onion
– 2 tomatoes
– 2 garlic cloves
– 1/4 cup of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
– Salt and pepper
– French fries
– 2 pounds of chicken breasts
– 1 onion
– 2 garlic cloves
– 2 aji amarillo peppers
– 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
– 4 slices of bread
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1 cup of evaporated milk
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper
– Hard-boiled eggs and olives
– 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes
– 1/2 cup of aji amarillo paste
– 1/4 cup of lime juice
– 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
– 1 pound of chicken, tuna, or shrimp
– 1 avocado
– Hard-boiled eggs
– Olives
– Salt and pepper
– 1 cup of butter
– 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– Dulce de leche
– Powdered sugar or coconut
So there you have it – five delicious and authentic Peruvian recipes that are sure to transport you to the vibrant markets and bustling streets of Peru. Whether you’re craving the tangy flavors of ceviche, the spicy kick of aji de gallina, or the sweet indulgence of alfajores, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings for Peruvian cuisine. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey through the flavors of Peru. ¡Buen provecho!