Peruvian stuffed peppers (Rocoto relleno)
(Peruvian stuffed peppers)
Rocoto relleno is the most famous appetizer from the Peruvian city of Arequipe, consisting of a spicy, oven-baked rocoto chili pepper stuffed with ground beef, onions, and pieces of hard-boiled eggs. The stuffing is traditionally seasoned with cumin, chili paste, salt, and ground pepper.
Rocoto is often served with a slice of queso fresco cheese melted on top of the stuffing. This flavorful appetizer is often accompanied by baked potatoes or various salads on the side.
Recipe variations
Arequipa-Style Rocoto Relleno
The following is the traditional recipe for a traditional Arequipe-style rocoto relleno, a Peruvian classic where rocoto peppers are hollowed out, boiled to reduce their heat, and then filled with a savory blend of minced pork, beef, fragrant spices, and herbs. The filling is enriched with roasted peanuts, raisins, and hard-boiled eggs, adding depth to every mouthful. Once stuffed, the peppers are topped with cheese, bathed in a mixture of beaten egg and milk, and baked until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
Cusco-Style Rocoto Relleno
The following is the traditional Cusco-style rocoto relleno recipe. The robust rocoto peppers, known for their heat, are filled with a mix of beef, peas, carrots, peanuts, and raisins. The peppers are blanched to lessen their spiciness before being stuffed and coated in a light batter after stuffing, then fried until golden. The recipe gives instructions for all the steps and needs lots of prep work, i.e., blanching vegetables and chopping.
Peruvian stuffed peppers (Rocoto relleno) Authentic recipe
The following is the traditional recipe for a traditional Arequipe-style rocoto relleno, a Peruvian classic where rocoto peppers are hollowed out, boiled to reduce their heat, and then filled with a savory blend of minced pork, beef, fragrant spices, and herbs. The filling is enriched with roasted peanuts, raisins, and hard-boiled eggs, adding depth to every mouthful. Once stuffed, the peppers are topped with cheese, bathed in a mixture of beaten egg and milk, and baked until the cheese is perfectly ... Read more
WHERE TO EAT The best Peruvian stuffed peppers (Rocoto relleno) in the world (according to food experts)
"She uses many of the same classic recipes - some more than a century old - that her mother and grandmother used, and her preparations of regional standards such as rocoto relleno have become the definitive recipes."
"A pepper stuffed with beef stew covered with a melted cheese sauce! Crazy! I recommend going to Ary Quepay."
"This tasty restaurant offers one of the boldest stuffed rocotos, full of meat and with lots of cheese. The food at this restaurant also stands out for its reasonable prices."
"The stuffed rocoto was extremely pleasing to the eye and palate as well. If you are looking to try a larger portion of the rocoto dish, Rocoto Rellena (with either beef or alpaca) is also an option."
"Standouts include an ultradelectable rocoto relleno with a nutty, rich sauce."
"The chalkboard menu features the phenomenal rocotto relleno (spicy peppers stuffed with beef, peas and carrots topped with dribbling cheese)."
"Just blocks from the famous Surquillo market, diners share two long tables to feast on stuffed rocoto peppers."
"Where to eat? Laurita Cau Cau restaurant."
"Pamper your palate with a rocoto relleno, spicy pepper stuffed full of flavorful minced-beef, baked and topped with molten cheese."
"Sample some of delights, like Rocoto Relleno, red chillies stuffed with sautéed mince."
