Peruvian cuisine is renowned for its diverse flavors and culinary traditions. From the coastal delicacies of ceviche to the hearty Andean stews, Peru offers a tantalizing array of dinner options. In this article, we will explore some traditional Peruvian food recipes that are perfect for a delicious and satisfying dinner.
1. Lomo Saltado
Lomo Saltado is a classic Peruvian stir-fry dish that combines tender strips of beef with onions, tomatoes, and Peruvian yellow chili peppers. This flavorful dish is typically served with white rice and French fries. Here is a simple recipe to prepare Lomo Saltado:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of beef tenderloin, cut into strips
- 1 red onion, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 yellow chili pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over high heat.
- Add the beef strips and cook until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onions, garlic, and yellow chili pepper. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
- Add the tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
- Return the beef to the skillet and mix well with the vegetables.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Serve the Lomo Saltado over white rice, garnished with fresh cilantro. Don’t forget to add a side of crispy French fries for an authentic touch!
2. Aji de Gallina
Aji de Gallina is a creamy chicken dish that showcases the unique flavors of Peruvian yellow chili peppers. This comforting and rich stew is typically served with boiled yellow potatoes and garnished with black olives and hard-boiled eggs. Here’s how you can prepare Aji de Gallina at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of chicken breasts, boiled and shredded
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 4 Peruvian yellow chili peppers, deseeded and blended
- 1 cup of evaporated milk
- 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1 slice of white bread, soaked in milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Boiled yellow potatoes, black olives, and hard-boiled eggs for serving
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the blended yellow chili peppers and sauté for a few minutes.
- In a blender, combine the evaporated milk, grated parmesan cheese, and soaked bread. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the milk mixture into the saucepan and mix well with the onion and chili pepper blend.
- Add the shredded chicken and chicken broth to the saucepan. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Aji de Gallina over boiled yellow potatoes, garnished with black olives and sliced hard-boiled eggs.
3. Causa Rellena
Causa Rellena is a hearty and vibrant Peruvian dish made with layers of seasoned mashed potatoes and a flavorful filling. It can be served as a main course or as an appetizer. Here’s a recipe to prepare this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
- 6 large yellow potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1⁄4 cup of key lime juice
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 yellow chili peppers, deseeded and finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pound of cooked chicken or tuna, shredded
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sliced hard-boiled eggs and black olives for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, key lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you achieve a smooth and pliable consistency.
- In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and yellow chili peppers. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
- Add the shredded chicken or tuna to the pan. Mix well with the onion and chili pepper mixture. Cook for a few minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Line a rectangular or square dish with plastic wrap, leaving extra plastic hanging over the sides.
- Spread a layer of mashed potatoes at the bottom of the dish, about 1⁄2 inch thick.
- Add a layer of the chicken or tuna filling on top of the mashed potatoes.
- Place a layer of sliced avocado on top of the filling.
- Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mashed potatoes on top.
- Cover the dish with the excess plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
- Remove the dish from the refrigerator, carefully lift the causa out of the dish using the plastic wrap, and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Remove the plastic wrap and garnish the Causa Rellena with sliced hard-boiled eggs and black olives.
- Cut into individual portions and serve cold or at room temperature.
These are just a few examples of the delightful Peruvian dinner recipes that you can try at home. Venture into the flavors of Peru and experience the magic of its cuisine. Enjoy a culinary journey filled with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and unforgettable tastes.
FAQ
- What is Lomo Saltado?
Lomo Saltado is a classic Peruvian stir-fry dish that combines beef, onions, tomatoes, and Peruvian yellow chili peppers. It is typically served with white rice and French fries.
- What are the ingredients needed to make Lomo Saltado?
The ingredients needed to make Lomo Saltado are:
– 1 pound of beef tenderloin, cut into strips
– 1 red onion, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
– 1 yellow chili pepper, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of vinegar
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
- How do I make Lomo Saltado?
To make Lomo Saltado, follow these instructions:
– Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok.
– Cook beef strips until browned and set aside.
– Sauté onions, garlic, and yellow chili pepper in the same skillet.
– Add tomatoes and cook until softened.
– Return beef to the skillet and mix with the vegetables.
– Combine soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour over the beef and vegetables.
– Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
– Serve over white rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.
- What is Aji de Gallina?
Aji de Gallina is a creamy chicken dish that features Peruvian yellow chili peppers. It is typically served with boiled yellow potatoes and garnished with black olives and hard-boiled eggs.