Peru does not only boast of having some of the finest dishes in America, but also in the world over. Some of the mouth watering dishes in Peru include Pachamanca, chupe de camarones, cevinche and juanes. Peru’s climatic and ecological diversity makes the South American nation a major producer of fresh produce, which is used to prepare the wide variety of Peruvian dishes. Peru also has rich fishing grounds which produce some of the world’s best species of fish and which are the main staple food of Peru’s north coastal communities. Here are some of Peru’s most famous dishes
Cevinche
This is arguably Peru’s most famous and common dish which is prepared in nearly all 5 star restaurants in Lima, Peru’s capital, thus making it one of the country’s special dishes. The main ingredients used to prepare Ceviche include sea bass, octopus, shrimp and other seafood. Cevinche is prepared by marinating all its ingredients in lime juice and then serving it with corn, sweet potatoes, lettuce and onions. It also doesn’t require cooking with heat, since its ingredients are consumed raw.
Quinoa Pilaf
This dish is prepared using Quinoa, a cereal grain which is also a staple food for the native Andes of South America and Peru. It is prepared in a method similar to rice. The ingredients used to prepare Quinoa pilaf include olive oil, quinoa, garlic, pepper, onions, chicken broth, vegetables and a variety of South American spices. Some of the reason which makes Quinoa pilaf a special dish is that, it is easy on stomach, easy to digest, rich in proteins and tasty. Quinoa pilaf is a great source of fibers, sugars and starch. To prepare Quinoa pilaf, start by rinsing Quinoa is a bowl until the water runs clear. Use a sieve to completely drain the water. Boil chicken broth in a large saucepan and then add Quinoa and cook for 15 minutes. Cook the vegetable and the olive oil in a separate saucepan; add garlic, chopped onions, pepper and other spices. Cook for 10 minutes then add the cooked Quinoa and stir to mix them adequately.
Cuy
This is a staple meat from the Peruvian guinea pig. It is among the most special dishes to the Peruvian diet, since it symbolizes the Da Vinci’s last supper in a cathedral located in Cusco, where there is a sculpture of Jesus and the 12 disciples sitting around a plate of Cuy. The meat although quite bony, is prepared by baking or barbecuing on a spit and then served whole. Cuy has a sweet and pleasant gamy taste similar to that of a rabbit or a wild fowl.
Lomo Saltado
This dish was introduced to Chile by Chinese immigrants who visited the country a hundred years ago in search of work. Some of the ingredients used to prepare Lomo Saltado include beef, peppers, tomatoes and onions. The beef is first blended in a cooking pan and then marinated in soy sauce, vinegar and spices. It is then stir fried with tomatoes, cucumber and onions. Lomo Saltodo is traditionally served with French fries or white rice. This dish combines Peruvian and Chinese cultures thus making it a very popular dish in Peru.
Aji De Gallina
This Peruvian dish was introduced by French chefs who sought asylum in Peru and by extension South America, during the French revolution. It is a chili peppered chicken, flavored with garlic, cheese and Peruvian chili. It is a special dish during cold days in Peru. It is served with steamed rice and potatoes.
Pollo a la Brasa
Also known as Blackened Chicken or Peruvian chicken, Pollo a la Brasa is also a popular Peruvian dish. Its main ingredients include roasted chicken flavored with Peruvian spices. It is a special dish in Peru since it doesn’t require a lot of preparations; therefore it can be prepared easily at home. It can be served with potatoes, white rice, French beans and vegetables. These are just a handful of some of the most delicious and popular Peruvian dishes. There are apparently many others which cannot apparently be exhausted in this article. If you visit Peru, you are bound to learn more about other dishes.