By Introduction
Peru is an incredibly diverse country, with its population spanning many different languages and cultures. As such, Peruvian cuisine is just as diverse and tasty as the people who make it. From classic dishes like ceviche to fusion foods like chicharron de calamares, Peruvian food has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular Peruvian dishes, with a few tips on how to prepare them in your own home kitchen. So get ready to explore Peru’s amazing culinary scene; you’re sure to find something delicious!
Popular Peruvian Foods
Peru is a South American country with a rich culture and diverse cuisine. The country’s cuisine is a blend of indigenous, African, Asian, and European influences.
Some of the most popular Peruvian foods include ceviche, a dish made with fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juice; pollo a la brasa, grilled chicken; lomo saltado, stir-fried steak with vegetables; arroz con pollo, chicken and rice; and papa a la huancaína, boiled potatoes in a spicy cheese sauce.
Peruvian food is often served with side dishes such as white rice, French fries, boiled yuca (cassava root), or sweet potato. And don’t forget to try a Pisco Sour, Peru’s national cocktail!
1. Ceviche
A national dish of Peru, ceviche is a seafood dish typically made with white fish, lime juice, onion, and chili peppers. Ceviche is often considered a raw dish, as the lime juice cooks the fish. It is typically served with sweet potato and corn on the cob.
2. Anticuchos
Anticuchos are a Peruvian dish of skewered, grilled meat. The most common type of meat used is beef, but chicken and fish are also popular. Anticuchos are typically served with a side of boiled potatoes and a spicy dipping sauce.
If you’re looking for a delicious, hearty dish to try during your next visit to Peru, be sure to give anticuchos a try!
3. Causa Rellena Alimeña
Causa Rellena Alimeña is one of the most popular Peruvian foods. It is a dish made of mashed potatoes, filled with chicken, fish, or vegetables, and then fried. Causa Rellena Alimeña is usually served with a side of salad or rice.
4. Aji de Gallina
Aji de gallina is a Peruvian dish made with shredded chicken, potatoes, aji amarillo (a type of chili pepper), and spices. The dish is usually served with white rice on the side.
This dish is said to have originated in the city of Arequipa, which is located in the southern part of Peru. The name “aji de gallina” literally means “chili pepper chicken”.
The dish is typically made by boiling chicken until it is cooked through. The chicken is then shredded and mixed with a sauce made from aji amarillo, milk, and spices. Potatoes are usually added to the dish as well.
Aji de gallina is usually served with white rice on the side. It can also be served with boiled eggs, green peas, or avocado slices.
5. Lomo Saltado
Lomo saltado is one of the most popular Peruvian dishes and is typically made with beef, tomatoes, onions, and french fries. The beef is cooked in a stir fry with the other ingredients, and the dish is often served with rice.
6. Papas a la Huancaina
Papas a la Huancaina is one of the most popular Peruvian foods. It is made with boiled potatoes, cheese, and a spicy sauce. The sauce is made with aji amarillo (yellow pepper), milk, and other spices. Papas a la Huancaina is typically served as a starter or main course.
7. Cuy Chactado
Cuy chactado is a dish made of fried guinea pig, and it is one of the most popular Peruvian foods. This dish is usually served with potatoes and a salad, and it is a common sight at Peruvian restaurants. Cuy chactado is a delicious dish that is sure to please any Peruvian food lover.
8. Pollo a la Brasa
Pollo a la brasa is one of the most popular Peruvian foods. It is a whole chicken that has been marinated in spices and then grilled over an open fire. The result is a juicy, flavorful chicken that is often served with potatoes and a salad.
9. Arroz con Pato
Arroz con pato, or rice with duck, is a popular Peruvian dish that is often served for special occasions. The dish is made with white rice, duck, and a variety of spices and seasonings. It is typically served with a side of boiled potatoes and a salad.
10. Tacu Tacu
Tacu tacu is a dish made of beans and rice, usually served with a protein such as steak or chicken. The name tacu tacu comes from the Quechua word for “to press,” because the beans and rice are pressed together into a patty before being fried. Tacu tacu is typically served with a side of avocado, salsa, and/or lime wedges.
11. Rocoto Relleno
Peruvian cuisine is known for its wide variety of flavors and ingredients, and one of the most popular dishes is Rocoto Relleno. This dish is made with a Rocoto pepper, which is a type of chili pepper that is native to Peru. The pepper is stuffed with cheese and ground meat, then fried or baked.
Rocoto Relleno is often served as a main course, but it can also be enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish. If you’re looking for a delicious way to add some spice to your next meal, give Rocoto Relleno a try!
12. Pachamanca
Pachamanca is a traditional Peruvian dish that consists of slow-cooked meat and vegetables. The meat is usually lamb or pork, and the vegetables can include potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, beans, and corn. The dish is typically cooked in an underground oven, which gives it its distinctive flavor.
13. Papa Rellena
Papa rellena is a Peruvian dish that consists of a potato stuffed with meat and then fried. It is a popular street food in Peru, as well as being served in restaurants. The dish can be made with various types of meat, but the most common is beef.
Papa rellena is typically served with a side of rice and beans, as well as a salad or salsa. In Peru, it is common to eat papa rellena for breakfast or lunch, but it can also be eaten for dinner. The dish is usually accompanied by a beverage such as soda or beer.
14. Arroz Chaufa Peruano
Arroz chaufa is a popular Peruvian dish that consists of rice, meats, and vegetables stir-fried together. It is often served with a fried egg on top, and can be made with either white or brown rice. The dish is said to have originated in the city of Lima, and is now popular all over Peru.
15. Carapulcra
A traditional Peruvian dish, carapulcra is a stew made with dried potatoes, pork, and spices. The dish is said to have originated in the Andes mountains, and is still popular there today. Carapulcra is typically served with rice or beans, and can be garnished with cilantro or onions.
Why Peruvian Food is so Popular?
Peruvian food has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason! The cuisine is incredibly diverse, with influences from indigenous, Spanish, African, Asian, and European cultures. Peruvian dishes are often very flavorful and colorful, with a variety of fresh ingredients. Here are some of the most popular Peruvian foods that you should try:
Ceviche: This dish is typically made with fresh fish or seafood that is marinated in lime juice and mixed with onions, chili peppers, and cilantro. It’s a refreshing and healthy option that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course.
Papa a la Huancaína: Papa a la huancaína is a potato dish that is commonly served as a side dish or appetizer. It’s made with boiled potatoes that are covered in a creamy sauce made from cheese, milk, chili peppers, and Huancaína sauce.
Aji de Gallina: Aji de gallina is a chicken stew that is flavored with plenty of spices, including aji amarillo (a type of yellow chili pepper). The dish is usually served over rice or potatoes and garnished with hard-boiled eggs and black olives.
Lomo Saltado: Lomo saltado is a stir-fry dish that typically includes beef, tomatoes, onion, french fries, and spices. It’s often served with rice on the side.
Conclusion
With its vast array of flavors and textures, Peruvian food is an amazing experience for the taste buds. From the hearty stews of ceviche to the smoky flavors of anticuchero, there’s something for everyone in this cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a three-course meal, Peru has something unique to offer your palate. Try out some popular Peruvian dishes today and explore some new and delicious tastes!
