12 Peruvian Foods That Go Beyond Quinoa
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.
Corn, potatoes, peppers, and other New World crops make up the bulk of Peru's flavorful dishes, but thanks to its 1,000+ miles of beautiful coast, fresh seafood makes regular appearances in the nation's recipe box. There's also a fair amount of influence from immigrants to the country, seen especially in Chifa, or Chinese-Peruvian, food. Get ready to get acquainted with these 12 recipes.
Yuca Fries: Yuca is a dense, starchy root vegetable that's a little like a potato. You can make it into delicious fries, and they're even good when baked. (via The Unmanly Chef)
Lomo Saltado: This stir-fry dish of steak, peppers, and onions is served over or with french fries and rice, which sop up every last bit of the savory sauce created in the pan. (via Simmer and Sauce)
Peruvian Halibut Ceviche: Seafood dishes like ceviche play an important part in its coastal cuisine. The acid from the citrus juice in this dish "cooks" the halibut, which is further seasoned by chopped chiles, red onions, and fresh veggies like tomato and avocado. (via The Roasted Root)
Peruvian Roast Chicken: Moist roast chicken is always a delight, but it's the spice rub that makes this the recipe you'll find yourself craving above all others. (via Leite's Culinaria)
Salchipapas: Hot dogs and french fries are pretty much a salty, satisfying match made in heaven. (via Tara's Multicultural Table)
Chicha Morada: Made from purple corn, this sweet drink is full of antioxidants. It's simmered with pineapple rind, apples, and spices, then served cold to refresh on even the hottest days. (via Pizca d Sal)
Arroz Chaufa (Peruvian Fried Rice): Born from the fusion of Chinese immigrant food and traditional Peruvian cuisine, Chifa is found throughout the country. Try it in this simple dish of fried rice with chicken, veggies, and eggs. (via Pizca d Sal)
Papa a La Huancína: Bathed in a creamy aji amarillo and queso fresco sauce thickened with saltines, this starchy potato dish is like a Perivan take on Disco fries. The boiled egg on top adds extra richness. (via Peru Delights)
Peruvian Causa Rellena: This layered dish is made with creamy potatoes seasoned with citrus and aji amarillo chiles, along with creamy chicken salad. You can make it ahead of time, then enjoy it for lunch all week. (via Butter and Things)
Anticuchos: Grilled chicken skewers are marinated in an aji amarillo sauce to make this dish. If you want it to be really authentic, use chicken or beef hearts; if those aren't available, chicken thighs will do in a pinch. (via Food Fidelity)
Aguadito De Pollo: This nourishing soup gets its color and bold flavor from lots of cilantro, garlic, chiles, and lime juice. Skip the noodles and add rice, and you've got the Peruvian chicken soup of your dreams. (via Gimme Some Oven)
Choripan with Tropical Salsa: The popular street food choripan is, at its most basic, a sandwich made of sausages and bread. Jazz it up with your favorite salsa, condiments, red beans, and fried ripe plantain, and you've got a meal worthy of dinner. (via Peru Delights)
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Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.