Around the World: Peruvian Cuisine

Amidst coronavirus, I’m sticking to what I – and a lot of other people – love most: cooking and baking.  One challenge I’ve presented to myself is to make a dish (or dishes) of international cuisines every week, learn some words from the language, and e-visit some of the country’s landmarks.  Some of these dishes will be more complex than others, based on what ingredients I have available in the house.

A hotel on a family trip always had an internationally-themed dinner every day. One of my favorites was Peruvian night, when I discovered one of the most delicious and light fish dishes: ceviche. Read more to find out how to make your own vegan version!

Peruvian cuisine encompasses ingredients and processes from the indigenous Inca civilization, Africa, and Europe. Peruvian staples include corn, potatoes, amaranthaceaes (such as quinoa), and legumes.

THE DISH: CEVICHE (GF + V)

This vegan ceviche has become my new favorite summer dish. It’s tangy, flavorful, and takes minutes to prepare.

Ceviche is considered to be the national dish of Peru. Ceviche is cooked sea bass served cold, marinated in lime juice, and accompanied by onion, boiled corn (choclo), salt, hot chilies (aji), and dry roasted corn kernels (cancha) for a crunch. Other variations use mahi mahi, tilapia, or halibut, and some countries even use scallops and octopus. Ceviche is often served with a side of sweet potatoes or plantain chips. I personally love Siete’s grain-free tortilla chips – you can’t go wrong with any of their flavors.

Instead of using fish though, this recipe uses hearts of palm, which is a rather unconventional ingredient.

  • What is it?
    • Hearts of palm is a vegetable from the inside and growing bud of certain palm trees.
  • What does it taste like?
    • Hearts of palm tastes similar to artichokes/white asparagus. However, it has a milder flavor and that’s why it’s so versatile.
  • What are its nutritional values?
    • According to healthline.com, per 100 grams, hearts of palm are low calorie (36 calories) and low fat (less than 1 gram). It’s rich in potassium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc.

Recipe: Carrots & Flowers’ Vegan Hearts of Palm Ceviche

USEFUL WORDS

The most common language of Peru is Spanish, although Quechua, Aymara, and other indigenous languages are spoken in certain spots.

Greetings

  • Hola –> Hi
  • Buenos días –> Good morning or Good day
  • Adiós –> Good bye
  • ¿Cómo estás? (Informal) and ¿Còmo está usted? (Formal) –> How are you?
    • RESPONSE:  Estoy bien, gracias –> I’m fine, thank you.

Conversation

  • ¿De dònde eres? (Informal) and ¿De dònde es usted? (Formal) –> Where are you from?
    • RESPONSE: Soy de ___ –> I’m from ___
  • ¿Cómo te llamas? (Informal) and ¿Cómo se llama usted? (Formal) –> What’s your name?
    • RESPONSE: Me llamo ___ –> My name is _____
  • ¿Qué te gusta hacer? –> What do you like to do?
    • RESPONSE: Me gusta ___ –> I like to ____
      • Cocinar – to cook
      • Bailar – to dance
      • Hacer deporte – play sports
      • Viajar – to travel
  • Me gustaría ____ –> I would like ____
  • Mucho gusto –> Nice to meet you
  • Gracias –> Thank you
  • De nada –> You’re welcome

LANDMARKS

Peru is home to one of the most famous citadels in the world: Machu Picchu. Aside from that incredible landmark, I wanted to explore Peru’s rich nature spots.

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, Cusco

The mountain gets its unique marbling effect by years of weathering, sedimentary deposits, and environmental conditions. It’s colors include gold, lavender, red, and turquoise.

Huacachina

Huacachina is a tiny village nestled in sand dunes.

Maras Salt Mines

Maras is known for its salt mines, which includes thousands of individual salt pools dating to Incan times.

Máncora

Máncora is famous for its sandy beach and lively nightlife scene.

See you in the next country! Hasta la próxima!

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