7 Things You Need To Know About Peruvian Cuisine

1. 7 Things You Need To Know About Peruvian Cuisine Peruvian cuisines offer an unmatched blend. The foods are robust yet delicate, while some have an acidic taste that melds with the starch. You also get to experience hot and cold served on the same plate. The balance in Peruvian cuisine offers spicy and bold flavors that deepen with every bite, giving you an unmatched experience. Peruvian cuisine is prepared through unique cooking techniques to give a rich taste, which makes the food popular across all continents. But how much do you know about Peruvian cuisine? Here are seven things you should know: 1.Corn fits everywhere As a traditional staple, corn is a common ingredient in most Peruvian cuisines and fits into any dish. Besides, there are numerous corn varieties in Peru, making it a staple. So, expect to find some corn in your meals, desserts, bread, snacks, or even drinks. It fits everywhereperfectly. The corn comes in different colors, which adds color to the food. For example, Choclo is corn on the cob and is often eaten with fresh cheese as a snack. Unlike the common sweet corn, choclo corn kennels are not very sweet but boast a delicatenutty flavor. On chewing, you will notice a denser consistency compared to common corn. 2.You are yet to get the best of Peruvian cuisine until you try the famous ceviche They say if you don’t like ceviche, you aren’t Peruvian. Ceviche is considered the heart of Peruvian foods and ranks top among popular dishes across the world. The dish consists of a slice of either shellfish or raw fish spiced with chili peppers, onions, and salt marinated in lime juice. It is a unique meal because the acidic lime juice is considered enough to cook the fish, so no heat is used. It is served with sweet potatoes or corn-on- the-cob as a side dish if you order it as the main course. 3.Peruvian food shares some similarities with Chinese food During the 19th century, some Chinese immigrants arrived in Peru and worked on plantations and railroad constructions. They made tasty Chinese foods and introduced new ingredients from Chinese.Over time, there was a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese foods. For example, Chifa dates back to the 19th century and is a traditional food whose ingredients are a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese traditional ingredients and traditions. 4.There are thousands of varieties of potatoes While potatoes are common worldwide, they shine brightest in Peru, where more than 4,000 potato varieties aregrown. Interestingly, potatoes are so prevalent that there is a National Potato Day celebrated every year on 30th May. Besides being a food, potatoes are an integral part of otherPeruvian heritage. As such, potatoes are included in most

2. meals, and there are numerous potato recipes like Causa Rellena and Papa a la Huancaina. 5.Some dishes are prepared through an earth oven What better way to be conservative of the environment than by making the best use of nature when you can? Some Peruvian dishes are prepared through pachamanca, an earth oven. They dig a hole in the ground, place thefood, and cover it up to cook. Most potatoes and spice-marinated meat is prepared this way. 6.Fast food is common Peruvians, too, love fast food, which is readily available on the streets. A common fast food is salchipapas, consisting of potato fries and sausage, served with mayonnaise and some tomato sauce on the side. As you sample Peruvian cuisines, ignore the calories and dig right into these fast foods. 7.Guinea pig is a delicacy In some countries,the guinea pig is considered a pet; in Peru, it is a traditional delicacy and a great source of protein. Guinea pigs are well-spiced, marinated, grilled, and served with potatoes. Besides the fascinating history of Peru and the diverse landscape, Peruvian cuisine has also been attracting people worldwide. Fortunately, you don’t need to travel miles across the world to Peru. Come have a taste of Peruvian cuisine at El Gordo for an unforgettable experience.