Craving something different for supper tonight? Prepare to ignite your taste buds with this collection of tasty Peruvian side dishes! I’ve compiled 10 recipes that showcase the vibrant and diverse flavors of Peruvian cuisine, so buckle up.
1. Peruvian Mixed Bean Salad
This vibrantly colored Peruvian side is deliciously called Mixed Bean Salad. With the three types of beans, however, that is not all there is to it. You will also find grape tomatoes, yellow and jalapeno peppers, avocado, garlic cloves, parsley, and a plethora of seasonings.
With all the colors, from red to brown to yellow, it’s a festive and exciting salad for barbecues. You can serve it right away, but I think it tastes better if chilled for a few hours to let the flavors merge.
2. Peruvian Potato-Chicken Salad (Causa Rellena)
Let me say with total confidence that this Peruvian potato and chicken salad doesn’t resemble any salad you’ve encountered. If prepared as directed, it looks more like flan. In spite of its unusual presentation, it is, in fact, a potato and chicken salad.
This layered meal requires patience and time. Nevertheless, the finished dish will surely create an impression. Its mouthwatering flavors make it a treat for the senses.
3. Peruvian Rice
I’ve chosen Peruvian rice as the last dish, a simple Peruvian mainstay. It needs just six ingredients, including rice, garlic, olive oil, water, lemon juice, and salt. It takes 35 minutes to make.
The overall flavor isn’t strong, making it a light dish. Although that is unusual for Peruvian dishes, it works here.
Topping with marinated meats, onion relish, peppers, or roasted veggies makes this dish complete. It’s a tasty filler with just enough flavor to be enjoyable by itself.
4. Salchipapas
You can whip up this authentic Peruvian dish in 35 minutes using fewer than 10 ingredients. Its name may be difficult to pronounce, but it is delicious. This dish features sausage and French fries with a medley of delicious condiments.
I mean this in the best way possible because good street food is hard to come by. It tastes meaty and starchy and has a unique taste.
5. Tacu Tacu
You may be a bit intimidated at first glance. Though it calls for tons of ingredients and a lengthy cooking time, tacu tacu isn’t hard to prepare. Just sauté the ingredients, soak the beans, and you’re good to go.
This is a Peruvian take on rice and beans. They are cooked, then shaped into a patty like a hash brown.
Served with fried plantains, a fried egg, and a savory onion relish, tacu tacu is fried food with a garlic and onion kick. What’s not to love?
6. Peruvian Chopped Salad
Let’s begin with this simple, 20-minute Peruvian salad. It’s a hearty and dense choice, similar to a shoepeg corn salad more than any restaurant salad. It boasts the sweetness and tartness of corn, red wine vinegar, and tomatoes.
There’s also the zest of lemons, sea salt, and olives, as well as the fresh earthiness of onions, parsley, radishes, and mint. To top it off, there are a few jalapenos for a spicy kick. Though it may be a study in opposing flavors, this salad is insanely delicious.
7. Yuquitas Fritas (Peruvian Yucca Fries)
Even though these fries require an hour to cook, you can put together Yuquitas Fritas in 15 minutes or less using just four simple ingredients.
These crispy, salty treats are the Peruvian alternative to French fries. They’re yummy, crunchy, and salty.
8. Papa a la Huancaina
Of all the recipes you see here, this appetizer showcases the “Peruvian cuisine of opposites” the best. Papa la Huancaina is created with slices of boiled potatoes immersed in Huancaina sauce. Huancaina sauce is rich, cheesy, smooth, velvety, and a touch spicy.
Once you include the lettuce, eggs, olives, and parsley, it’s salty, fresh, savory, bitter, and cheesy all at once. It’s so good.
9. Peruvian Pan de Anis (Anise Bread)
For a new sweet bread recipe, try the Peruvian pan de anis. In addition to normal bread fixings, including flour, yeast, water, and eggs, this bread also incorporates ⅓ cup of sugar and anise seed.
A cup of strong tea or black coffee makes this bread even better. It’s warm and fluffy.
10. Fried Plantains
And of course, I couldn’t forget the fried plantains. They feature delightfully crisp outsides coupled with soft, tender insides. Though the name may imply otherwise, these plantains aren’t particularly sweet.
These fried plantains are usually served alongside other tasty dishes. However, adding cinnamon, sugar, or nutmeg can give them a pastry-like quality.