Many people who explore the world of international cuisine often find themselves fascinated by the complex and contrasting flavors of Peruvian food. When considering which recipes to add to this list, I came across a website that said, “Peruvian food is a cuisine of opposites,” and I thought, “That couldn’t be more true.” These words resonated with me as I explored various Peruvian side dishes, each one showcasing the unique blend of flavors, textures, and temperatures that define this cuisine.
The best Peruvian chefs know exactly how to use contrasting elements to their advantage, mixing spicy with sweet, creamy with crunchy, and mild flavors with robust ones. They also make liberal use of spice and seasonings in their food – even in their desserts – and incorporate a variety of fresh veggies into their dishes. For this list, I’ve tried to stick to recipes that are relatively simple to make but have an intense amount of that typical Peruvian flavor.
Peruvian Chopped Salad
Just when I thought I had a good idea about what a Peruvian salad should be, I started researching recipes and discovered that they can be quite diverse. It’s not uncommon for them to have a mix of sweet and tangy flavors from ingredients like corn, tomatoes, and red wine vinegar. The brightness of lemons, the crunch of sea salt, and the savory flavor of olives add depth to this salad, while the fresh earthiness of onions, parsley, radishes, and mint bring it back down to earth.
To top it all off, a few spicy jalapenos are often added for an extra kick. If you take a close look at this salad, you’ll notice that it’s a true study in contrasts. But don’t let its complexity fool you – the end result is incredibly delicious and well worth trying.
Peruvian Pan de Anis (Anise Bread)
Creating delicious sweet bread recipes is always on the culinary agenda for many enthusiasts. If you’re one of them and looking for something new to try, consider making Peruvian pan de anis, also known as anise bread. This recipe stands out from others with its unique combination of ingredients that go beyond the standard yeast, eggs, flour, water, and a touch of sugar – it incorporates anise seeds, which give the bread a distinct flavor profile.
When you take your first bite, the warmth and fluffiness will melt in your mouth, pairing perfectly with a warm cup of black coffee or a strong tea, making for an ideal breakfast or afternoon treat.
Peruvian Potato-Chicken Salad (Causa Rellena)
Often described as a culinary paradox, this Peruvian potato-chicken salad defies conventional expectations of what a salad should look like. While its ingredients are straightforward – potatoes, chicken, vegetables, and a special ingredient or two – the final product bears little resemblance to your average garden-fresh mix. Its presentation is more akin to a rich dessert, with a creamy texture that’s as enticing as it is unexpected.
The key to this dish lies not just in its flavor profile, which balances cool, creamy, and savory notes with a spicy kick from the aji amarillo chili paste, but also in its carefully constructed layers. Achieving perfection requires patience and attention to detail, but the payoff is well worth the effort – even the most skeptical eaters will be impressed by both its appearance and taste.
Yuquitas Fritas (Peruvian Yucca Fries)
Cooking yuquitas fritas is a relatively quick process that requires only a short amount of time to prepare. These delicious sticks take about an hour to cook in their entirety, but the preparation itself can be completed within 15 minutes or less with just four simple ingredients at hand. Yuquitas fritas have earned their place as the Peruvian equivalent of French fries, prized for their crispy texture, crunchy exterior, and satisfying salty flavor that leaves you wanting more.
Salchipapas
Keen cooks can recreate this mouth-watering Peruvian dish in under 35 minutes with a mere handful of ingredients. It’s an incredibly tasty combination of starchy goodness and savory meatiness, reminiscent of the authentic flavors found on bustling streets. For those who appreciate good street food, the experience is nothing short of incredible, though it can be quite elusive.
The name may sound exotic and intimidating, but in reality, this dish is simply succulent sausage piled high atop crispy French fries, accompanied by a medley of delectable condiments.
Tacu Tacu
When taking your first look at this recipe, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of ingredients and the considerable cooking time involved. However, don’t be discouraged – tacu tacu is actually quite straightforward to prepare. As long as you’re comfortable with basic tasks like soaking beans and sautéing ingredients, you’ll find that making it a breeze.
This traditional Peruvian dish can be thought of as a creative interpretation of rice and beans, where they’re cooked together before being molded into a patty reminiscent of a hash brown. The finished product is then served with a variety of accompaniments, including a fried egg, crispy plantains, and a tangy onion relish. With its bold flavors and satisfying textures, tacu tacu is sure to win you over – especially given its generous use of garlic and onions.
Fried Plantains
Just as much as I love the crunch of fried plantains, I couldn’t leave these off my list. They offer an irresistible combination of delightfully crispy exteriors and soft, tender interiors. Lightly sweet but not cloyingly so, they don’t conform to traditional Western notions of sweetness. In fact, their flavor profile is far from sugary, which might be a surprise given the name ‘fried sweet plantains.
‘ This doesn’t mean they should be reserved for dessert alone; typically, people serve them as a side dish alongside rice and beans, soups, stews, or other savory meals. If you do decide to use them as a sweet treat, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon, sugar, or nutmeg before serving – this transforms them into more pastry-like bites rather than chips.
Peruvian Mixed Bean Salad
Savory and colorful, this Peruvian side dish is a delightful creation of chickpeas, black beans, and mixed beans, earning its name through sheer variety. While the name might suggest that beans are the primary ingredients, they’re merely part of the ensemble. The dish is also enriched with an assortment of vegetables, including grape tomatoes, jalapeno and yellow peppers, adding a burst of flavor to each bite.
Avocado adds creaminess, while parsley provides freshness, and garlic cloves offer a pungent aroma. It’s the judicious use of seasonings that brings all these elements together in harmony. A feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds, this salad boasts an array of colors – greens, reds, browns, yellows, and more – making it an exciting and festive addition to any gathering.
When serving, you can present it immediately, but I find that allowing it to chill in the fridge for at least a few hours prior is essential, as it gives all the flavors ample time to meld together perfectly.
Papa a la Huancaina
Peruvian Rice
Peruvian dishes are often known for their bold flavors and rich textures, but one exception stands out – Peruvian rice. This simple staple requires a mere six ingredients: rice, garlic, olive oil, water, lemon juice, and salt, which can be combined in just 35 minutes to create a delicious meal. What’s remarkable about this dish is its light and delicate taste profile, with the subtle nuances of garlic, salt, and lemon juice adding a hint of complexity without overpowering the palate.
Interestingly, Peruvian cuisine typically involves more robust flavors, but the rice is intentionally mild and unassuming, making it an ideal base for various toppings such as onion relish, peppers, marinated meats, or roasted vegetables. Despite its modest flavor, the dish remains filling and satisfying, much like other rice-based meals, and can be enjoyed on its own without needing any additional accompaniments.
10 Traditional Peruvian Sides (Authentic Menu)
Among the various culinary delights that Peru has to offer, some truly stand out for their flavor and authenticity. One of the most enjoyable aspects of experiencing Peruvian cuisine is trying its delicious side dishes. From the simplicity of a chopped salad to the crispy goodness of fried plantains to the comforting warmth of rice, each dish offers a unique taste experience.
Instructions
Look for a recipe that resonates with you, whether it’s a family favorite or something new to try. Once you’ve chosen a dish, gather all the necessary ingredients and tools to make the process smoother. With some planning, you can prepare a delicious Peruvian side in 30 minutes or less, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special occasion.
