Cau Cau de Pollo is a delicious and comforting stew that combines tender chunks of chicken and diced potatoes with a blend of traditional Peruvian herbs and spices.
A popular household meal in Peru, this robust and flavourful dish has a rich history. Learn more about its origins and how you can prepare it at home.
What is Cau Cau de Pollo?
Cau Cau de Pollo is a traditional Peruvian stew made with chicken, potatoes, ají amarillo (Peruvian yellow chili), and a variety of herbs and spices. Its distinctive yellow color comes from the ají amarillo, giving the dish a bright, appetizing appearance. Cau Cau is part of Peru's rich Criollo cuisine, which blends indigenous, Spanish, and African culinary influences.
Typically served with steamed white rice, Cau Cau de Pollo is a satisfying and delicious dish, making it a favourite both in households and restaurants throughout Peru.
History of Cau Cau
Although its exact origins are debated, many believe that Cau Cau originated from a blend of Spanish and African culinary traditions brought to Peru during the colonial period. The dish gained popularity in Lima, where it was traditionally made with potatoes and tripe, flavoured with herbs and ají amarillo.
Over time, variations of Cau Cau emerged as families adapted the recipe to include different meats. One such variation is Cau Cau de Pollo, which preserves the essence of the original dish but uses chicken instead of tripe, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
How to make Cau Cau de Pollo
Follow these simple steps to prepare an authentic Cau Cau de Pollo at home:
Brown the Chicken: In a large pot, brown the chicken pieces on all sides.
Add the Ingredients: Set the chicken aside, and in the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and ají amarillo paste. Add herbs and spices, then mix in the diced potatoes and broth.
Let it Stew: Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken and potatoes are tender.
Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh herbs and serve with steamed white rice on the side.
Cau Cau de Pollo Recipe
Prefer a visual guide? Follow the video recipe below for a step-by-step demonstration on how to make this delicious Cau Cau de Pollo at home.
Cau Cau Ingredients
300 gr of chicken breast
1 onion
1 tablespoon of garlic paste
4 tablespoons of aji amarillo paste
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
1 carrot
1/2 teaspoon of oregano
3 medium-sized potatoes
2 cups of stock/broth
1/2 cup of green peas
Mint/Parsley to taste
Salt, pepper, cumin to taste
Comments