MAIN INGREDIENTS
Lomo saltado is a traditional dish consisting of stir-fried marinated slices of sirloin or beef tenderloin, onions, yellow Peruvian chilis, and tomatoes. The dish is typically served with French fries and rice on the side, and can be found on the menus of almost all Peruvian restaurants, whether simple or upscale.
The dish has had a big Asian influence due to the influx of Chinese immigrants during the 19th century. Over the years, some Chinese cooking techniques were combined with the Peruvian, and new dishes were invented, such as lomo saltado. Today, there are many variations on the dish, so beef can be replaced by chicken, when it is called pollo saltado.
MOST ICONIC Lomo saltado
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Ceviche is the national dish of Peru consisting of slices of raw fish or shellfish that is spiced with salt, onions, and chili peppers, then marinated in lime juice. Due to the acidity of lime juice, the texture of the fish changes, as does its color – from pink to white.
The acidic marinade, also known as leche de tigre (lit. tiger's milk) "cooks" the meat without any heat involved in the process. For ceviche, fresh fish is an imperative, as fish and shellfish that are not fresh can cause food poisoning. Peruvians are used to fresh ingredients, so the fish will sometimes be prepared for ceviche less than an hour after being caught.
MOST ICONIC Ceviche
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Sopa de quinoa is a traditional quinoa soup originating from Peru. Although there are many variations and recipes, the soup is usually made with a combination of quinoa, carrots, celery, leeks, garlic, cabbage, vegetable or chicken stock, onions, cumin, salt, and pepper.
The quinoa is boiled in vegetable or chicken stock, and the vegetables, garlic, and seasonings are then added to the pot, and the soup is simmered until everything is soft. Once done, sopa de quinoa is served piping hot, and it’s often garnished with chopped coriander before serving.