Tallarines Rojos, or "Red Noodles," is a well-known Peruvian dish that blends the flavours of Italy and Peru. Inspired by the classic Spaghetti al Pomodoro, this dish consists of pasta served in a rich tomato-based sauce, flavoured with a variety of herbs and spices.
In this recipe, we'll be making Tallarines Rojos with Ground Beef, but you can also prepare it with meat on the side, or make a vegetarian version if you prefer.
What are Peruvian Tallarines Rojos?
Tallarines Rojos is a dish found in almost every Peruvian household, and for good reason! This satisfying and flavorful meal is easy to prepare and loved for its versatility, with many variations using chicken, tuna, or just vegetables instead of beef.
As with many Peruvian dishes, Tallarines Rojos takes inspiration from international cuisine, in this case, Italian. It originated following the influx of Italian immigrants to Peru in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Over time, these immigrants recreated some of their favourite pasta dishes, adapting the flavours with local ingredients, to form a uniquely Peruvian twist on Italian classics. The sauce, in particular, stands out with the addition of Peruvian native chili like ají amarillo, along with other local vegetables.
How are Tallarines Rojos Served?
Peruvian Tallarines Rojos can be enjoyed on their own or served with meat, such as steak or chicken. In this recipe, we'll be mixing the ground beef directly into the sauce, making it more like a hearty meat sauce similar to a Bolognese.
Additionally, Tallarines Rojos is often paired with other dishes, such as Papas a la Huancaína, a creamy potato dish.
While less common, it's also a Peruvian tradition to serve white rice alongside various dishes, and Tallarines Rojos is no exception — even though it already contains plenty of carbohydrates from the pasta.
How to make Peruvian Tallarines Rojos?
Here's a step-by-step guide to making Tallarines Rojos at home:
Prepare the Pasta: Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water, following the instructions on the packet. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Brown the Meat: Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Fry it until browned, then set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same pot, fry onions, peppers, garlic, and carrots until soft. Then, add the tomatoes and ají amarillo paste, cooking until the sauce thickens.
Add the Beef: Return the browned beef to the sauce, mixing well. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, seasoning with oregano, cumin, and any other spices to taste.
Add in the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring everything together until the noodles are fully coated.
Serve: Serve the Tallarines Rojos by itself or with your preferred sides. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for extra flavour.
Peruvian Red Noodles Recipe
Prefer a visual guide for making your Peruvian Red Noodles: Tallarines Rojos con Carne Molida? Watch the video below for a step-by-step demonstration on how to create this delicious dish.
Tallarines Rojos Ingredients
400 gr of spaghetti
250 gr of tomato sauce
3 chopped tomatoes
1 large carrot
500 gr of ground beef
1 large onion
1 tablespoon of garlic paste
1 tablespoon of tomato puree
2-3 bay leaves
3 mushrooms
2 cups of water or beef stock
Salt, pepper, cumin, oregano to taste