Peru, a nation with rich cultural history, offers a wide variety of unique flavors and dishes, making it a sought-after culinary destination. Our guide explores delicious, authentic Peruvian recipes for dinner that you can recreate at home.
- 1. Lomo Saltado: A Peruvian Stir-fry
- 2. Aji de Gallina: Creamy Peruvian Chicken Stew
- 3. Ceviche: Peru’s National Dish
- 4. Arroz con Pollo: Chicken and Rice, the Peruvian Way
- 5. Causa Rellena: Layered Potato Casserole
- 6. Rocoto Relleno: Stuffed Spicy Peppers
- 7. Anticuchos de Corazón: Grilled Heart Skewers
- 8. Papa a la Huancaína: Creamy Potato Salad
- 9. Carapulcra: Dried Potato Stew
- 10. Tacu Tacu: Peruvian Bean and Rice Patty
1. Lomo Saltado: A Peruvian Stir-fry
Ingredients: Beef tenderloin, red onion, tomato, aji amarillo, garlic, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, vegetable oil, fries, and cilantro.
This popular dish mixes traditional Peruvian ingredients with a hint of Asian flavor, reflecting Peru’s cultural diversity.
2. Aji de Gallina: Creamy Peruvian Chicken Stew
Ingredients: Chicken breast, aji amarillo paste, condensed milk, chicken broth, garlic, onion, bread, parmesan cheese, black olives, hard-boiled eggs, and rice.
This rich, creamy dish offers a perfect blend of heat from the aji amarillo and creaminess from the milk and cheese.
3. Ceviche: Peru’s National Dish
Ingredients: Fresh white fish, limes, red onion, cilantro, aji limo, sweet potato, and corn.
Ceviche, an internationally recognized dish, is simple yet bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. Its acidity pairs well with the sweet potato’s softness.
4. Arroz con Pollo: Chicken and Rice, the Peruvian Way
Ingredients: Chicken, rice, cilantro, beer, garlic, red bell pepper, peas, carrot, and corn.
This one-pot dish is comfort food at its finest, with a distinctive green hue from the cilantro and a hearty, satisfying taste.
5. Causa Rellena: Layered Potato Casserole
Ingredients: Yellow potatoes, lime, aji amarillo paste, olive oil, chicken, mayonnaise, avocado, tomato, and hard-boiled eggs.
Causa Rellena is a delicious, colorful dish where layers of potato and aji paste blend with various fillings. It’s visually appealing and equally satisfying to taste.
6. Rocoto Relleno: Stuffed Spicy Peppers
![A serving of Rocoto Relleno with cheese melted on top.]
Ingredients: Rocoto peppers, ground beef, onions, garlic, black olives, raisins, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, milk, and potatoes.
This dish from the Arequipa region uses rocoto peppers, known for their heat, stuffed with a savory filling, making it a spicy delight.
7. Anticuchos de Corazón: Grilled Heart Skewers
Ingredients: Beef heart, red wine vinegar, cumin, garlic, aji panca paste, and potatoes.
A popular street food, Anticuchos de Corazón might sound adventurous to some, but its rich, grilled flavor is worth the culinary leap.
8. Papa a la Huancaína: Creamy Potato Salad
Ingredients: Yellow potatoes, aji amarillo paste, queso fresco, evaporated milk, saltine crackers, lettuce, black olives, and hard-boiled eggs.
This creamy, comforting dish features a spicy, cheesy sauce over boiled potatoes, served over lettuce for a contrast in textures.
9. Carapulcra: Dried Potato Stew
Ingredients: Dried potatoes, pork, chicken, peanuts, aji panca paste, garlic, and cloves.
Carapulcra is a flavorful, hearty stew with a unique taste thanks to the dried potatoes and a hint of sweetness from the peanuts.
10. Tacu Tacu: Peruvian Bean and Rice Patty
Ingredients: Cooked rice, canary beans, onion, garlic, aji amarillo paste, and salsa criolla.
Tacu Tacu, originally a leftover dish, transforms simple ingredients into a crispy, flavorful patty, often served with a tangy salsa on top.
These recipes reflect the diversity and depth of Peruvian cuisine. By trying them, you’re not just cooking dinner — you’re embarking on a culinary journey through Peru. Enjoy the flavors!
