Budget-friendly Peru Food Recipes

Peruvian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and unique combinations. While some may assume that preparing authentic Peruvian dishes can be expensive, there are plenty of budget-friendly recipes that still capture the essence of this vibrant culinary tradition. In this article, we will explore some delicious yet affordable Peruvian food recipes that you can easily recreate at home.

1. Ceviche

Ceviche is a popular dish in Peru that combines fresh seafood with tangy citrus flavors. It is incredibly simple to make and requires minimal cooking. Here’s how you can prepare a budget-friendly ceviche:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of white fish fillets (tilapia, sole, or flounder)
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• ¹⁄₂ cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
• ¹⁄₄ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¹⁄₄ cup of chopped cilantro
• 1 hot pepper (optional), finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cut the fish fillets into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, combine the fish, red onion, lime juice, and lemon juice.
3. Let the mixture marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the citrus juices to “cook” the fish.
4. Add the chopped cilantro and hot pepper (if desired) to the mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
6. Serve the ceviche chilled, garnished with additional cilantro leaves if desired.

2. Papa a la Huancaína

Papa a la Huancaína is a classic Peruvian appetizer that features boiled potatoes smothered in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce made from cheese and yellow peppers. It is a hearty and affordable dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a light meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, boiled and sliced
• 1 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
• ¹⁄₂ cup of evaporated milk
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 3 yellow chili peppers, seeded and deveined
• 4 saltine crackers
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lettuce leaves for garnish
• Black olives for garnish
• Hard-boiled eggs, sliced (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the feta cheese, evaporated milk, vegetable oil, yellow chili peppers, and saltine crackers. Blend until smooth.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more evaporated milk to achieve a creamy consistency.
3. Season the sauce with salt and pepper according to your taste.
4. Arrange the sliced potatoes on a serving platter or individual plates.
5. Pour the creamy sauce generously over the potatoes.
6. Garnish with lettuce leaves, black olives, and sliced hard-boiled eggs if desired.
7. Serve the Papa a la Huancaína at room temperature or chilled.

3. Lomo Saltado

Lomo Saltado is a popular Peruvian stir-fry dish that combines marinated strips of beef with onions, tomatoes, and French fries. It is a hearty and flavorful meal that can be prepared on a budget.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of beef sirloin, cut into thin strips
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups of French fries (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the beef strips, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, cumin powder, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
3. Add the marinated beef and cook until browned, stirring constantly.
4. Add the sliced onions and tomatoes to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until they soften.
5. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Add the French fries to the skillet and toss everything together.
7. Remove from heat and serve the Lomo Saltado hot with rice or crusty bread.

4. Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is a nutritious grain that originated in the Andean region of Peru. It is not only packed with essential nutrients but also budget-friendly. This simple quinoa salad recipe offers a refreshing and healthy option for a quick meal or side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of cooked quinoa
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• ¹⁄₄ cup of red onion, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, bell pepper, tomato, red onion, and fresh parsley.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss until well combined.
4. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
5. Refrigerate the quinoa salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light meal on its own.

These budget-friendly Peruvian recipes allow you to explore the vibrant flavors of Peru without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a fan of seafood, potatoes, meat, or grains, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, gather your ingredients, put on your chef’s hat, and embark on a culinary adventure with these delicious and affordable dishes!

FAQ

Q1: What is ceviche?

A1: Ceviche is a popular Peruvian dish that combines fresh seafood with tangy citrus flavors.

Q2: What ingredients are needed to make ceviche?

A2: The ingredients needed for ceviche are white fish fillets, red onion, lime juice, lemon juice, cilantro, hot pepper (optional), salt, and pepper.

Q3: How do you make ceviche?

A3: To make ceviche, you need to cut the fish fillets into small pieces, combine them with the other ingredients, let the mixture marinate in the refrigerator, and then serve it chilled.

Q4: What is Papa a la Huancaína?

A4: Papa a la Huancaína is a classic Peruvian appetizer that consists of boiled potatoes smothered in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce made from cheese and yellow peppers.