With influences from Indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian cultures, Peru boasts a wide array of dishes ranging from soups and stews to pies and pastries. Whether you're a fan of fresh ceviche or an aromatic rice dish, here are six traditional Peruvian recipes you can easily prepare at home.
1. Ceviche - Peru's National Dish
No list of Peruvian dishes would be complete without ceviche, Peru’s national treasure. This dish features fresh white fish cured in leche de tigre — a zesty marinade of lime juice, red onions, chili peppers, and cilantro. Traditionally, ceviche is served with sweet potato, corn, and toasted corn kernels known as cancha.
While the limes might not be as zesty or the sweet potato as creamy as in Peru, most countries can source these ingredients, allowing you to recreate this refreshing dish at home!
2. Lomo Saltado - Beef Stir-Fry
Another iconic dish, Lomo Saltado is a popular Peruvian beef stir-fry. Tender strips of marinated beef (usually sirloin) are cooked at high heat with tomatoes and onions, blending Peruvian and Chinese culinary influences. This dish is served with white rice and crispy fries, balancing flavours and textures for a satisfying meal.
With accessible ingredients and an easy method, Lomo Saltado is a delicious recipe to try at home that’s loved by both locals and visitors.
3. Aji de Gallina - Comforting Chicken Stew
If you're a fan of creamy stews, you'll love Ají de Gallina! This comforting dish features shredded chicken in a rich, slightly spicy sauce made from ají amarillo, evaporated milk, and cheese.
While ají amarillo can be difficult (and costly!) to find outside of Peru, yellow or orange bell peppers make a great substitute. Served with rice, boiled potatoes, and garnished with olives and a hard-boiled egg, this dish is a flavourful favourite that’s sure to satisfy.
4. Papa a la Huancaína - Potatoes in a Creamy Sauce
A popular Peruvian starter, Papa a la Huancaína consists of boiled potato slices smothered in a creamy, mildly spicy huancaína sauce made from ají amarillo. This dish is simple to prepare but packs a flavourful punch, making it well worth a try.
Like Ají de Gallina, the ají amarillo can be substituted with yellow or orange bell peppers for those who can’t find it locally.
6. Pollo a la Brasa - Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken
Peruvian Pollo a la Brasa, or rotisserie chicken, is marinated in a flavourful blend of garlic, cumin, paprika, soy sauce, and other herbs and spices, then roasted until tender and juicy. Traditionally served with crispy fries and a selection of dipping sauces, this dish may be a bit time-intensive but is absolutely worth the effort.
Bringing Peruvian Food to your doorstep
If you're based in the UK and are looking to sample the authentic flavours of Peru, without the hassle of cooking, then you're in luck!
We prepare and deliver Peruvian delights such as Tamales, Alfajores and Turrones and deliver them to anywhere in the UK. You can order these from the Cecilia Tupac shop.
Alternatively, if you're a big fan of Empanadas then you'll love our new website 'Empanada Express' - a UK nationwide Empanada deliver service offering 12 delicious Empanada flavours.
In 2023, we also hosted 3 Peruvian Events where we offered traditional homemade Peruvian food that people could sample. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so that you don't miss the next event!
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