Chiri Uchu, whose name comes from Quechua, means cold chili or cold spicy. It is a unique dish that offers a combination of flavors and textures, with a balance of heat from the chili and richness from the meat. Its origin dates back to the time of the Incas, and in the colonial period, European ingredients were added. The truth is that it is an emblematic dish of Cusco cuisine, and here we tell you about its history, its ingredients, and how to prepare it.
History of Chiri Uchu
Many historians agree that Chiri Uchu originated in the time of the Incas, a powerful pre-Columbian civilization that ruled a large portion of South America. The reason for this dish is believed to be its abundance of ingredients. According to this, it began with the system of collective work between different families, who, at the end of the work day, shared their household with the others. From there, food was formed with various components from different origins, such as the coast, the jungle, and the mountains.
If initially, this collective meal with various ingredients responded to the rites of the original settlers, with the conquest of the Cusco soil by the Spanish, that changed. From then on, it became part of the celebration of Corpus Christi and other festivities related to the Catholic faith.
Ingredients of the traditional Churi Uchi recipe
- Two guinea pigs
- One chicken
- One kilo of charqui or cecina, which is dehydrated and salted beef.
- Four pork sausages.
- Four tortillas or corn tortillas.
- Half a kilo of canchita, which is toasted corn.
- Cochayuyo is a seaweed.
- Two rocotos.
- Half a kilo of fresh Andean cheese.
- Fish roe or cau cau.
Preparation
- You must begin the process one day before.
- You must bake the guinea pigs on that first day.
- Then boil the chicken together with the jerky in a pot.
- Once the previous step is completed, chop the jerky and chicken into pieces.
- You must fry the chorizos very well.
- Fry the roe.
- The tortillas or corn flour tortillas are cooked in a frying pan or on a griddle just before serving.
When serving, arrange the pieces of cheese, the strips of rocoto, the toasted corn, the roe, and the tortillas on a large tray according to what you think is best presented together with the pieces of chicken, the guinea pigs, the pieces of jerky, and the chorizo.
Chiri Uchu is eaten cold.
Where to try Chiri Uchu in Peru
Chiri Uchu has a long history in Peru and can be enjoyed in many establishments and popular fairs across the country. We're excited to recommend several places in different regions where you can savor this delicious dish, each offering a unique culinary experience.
Lima
- Chiri Uchu Restaurant: located at Jr. Condrohuasi 2447, Lima, Peru, 36, this restaurant specializing in typical Cusco food will surprise you with what it offers on its menu. Its name says it all, and you can appreciate its view of the Monastery and the Church of the Holy Trinity. In a pleasant and majestic atmosphere, you will enjoy Chiri Uchu.
Casa Pacha restaurant cafeteria: on Enrique Palacios 292, Miraflores 15074, you can enjoy specialties from all over the country in Lima, especially typical Cusco food. This Cusco kitchen offers baked guinea pigs, stuffed Roco, pork cracklings, and chiri uchu.
Once you are in the country's capital, you have these typical dishes of the city that was the political center of the great Inca empire.Cusco
- Mercado Central de San Pedro: the Mercado Central de San Pedro is a vibrant center of the city. There, families do their daily shopping, you can breathe every day, and you can see the cooks preparing the typical dishes of the Cusco region at the food stalls.
At these food stalls, you can try the best of the local cuisine, such as trout ceviche, pork cracklings, roasted guinea pig, and the famous Chiri Uchu. - Pachapapan: Located in the San Blas district, a short distance from the Plaza de Armas, this restaurant is perfect for enjoying a calm, clear day on its charming patio with a fascinating view. Its specialties include alpaca anticucho, baked trout, baked guinea pig, and chiriuchu.
- Quinta Eulalia: This restaurant has a long tradition, having served the Cusco region for more than 80 years. Its menu includes a wide variety of national and international dishes, but above all, it provides the most representative dishes of the region. It is located at Choqechaka 384, Cusco 08003.
- La Cusqueñita: This establishment, located on Centenario Avenue at 800, defines itself as a traditional picantería. It is a good place to enjoy Cusco food in a pleasant and familiar atmosphere, at excellent prices and with exceptional service.
Machu Picchu
- Ponchos Food & Wines: Ponchos Restaurant, located in Machu Picchu town, specializes in authentic Peruvian cuisine and is distinguished by its combination of traditional flavors with a particularly modern touch. The menu offers Andean soups, roasted guinea pig, the classic ceviche, chiriuchu, and other creations, such as alpaca tartar and trout tiradito.
- Chullos Restaurant: The Chullos Restaurant menu is an excellent example of Peruvian cuisine fusion with modern variants. This unique touch will give you a gastronomic experience that is out of the ordinary. Once you have experienced the unforgettable wonders of Machu Picchu, you must visit this restaurant, located at Imperio de los Incas 612, Aguas Calientes 08681.
- Full House Peruvian Cuisine: Located in the heart of Aguas Calientes, next to the river, this pleasant restaurant serves excellent Peruvian food and offers the best views of the city.
You will feel satisfied if you order the ceviche, the trout in its various forms, the ají de gallina, or the chiri uchu.
Your visit to Peru has a lot to offer you in terms of experiences, memories, and knowledge.
