History of Rocoto Relleno

If you want to know the history of Rocoto Relleno, you must read the story of Carlos Herrera, a Peruvian writer. It tells the story of an Arequipa cook named Manuel Masías, who prepared an excellent dinner for the devil in exchange for rescuing the lost life of his daughter, Delphine. Thanks to this banquet, where Chef Masías included rocoto as one of the unique dishes, he achieved the delight and satisfaction of the devil and also recovered his daughter.
Beyond this legend, the origin of rocoto relleno is rooted in rural towns since time immemorial. Today, it is an emblematic dish of the city of Arequipa.

Traditional Recipe for Rocoto Relleno

We can find multiple versions of this recipe according to the tastes and innovations of each chef and area of ​​the country. We also know that there are families that preserve the traditional recipe and transmit it to each generation, keeping the ancestral roots of their gastronomic culture. Here, we share the traditional recipe in the Arequipeño style.

Ingredients:

6 medium red rocotos
250 grams of beef
100 grams of fresh cheese
50 grams of raisins
2 boiled eggs
¼ cup of milk
1 red onion
1 tablespoon of ground garlic
1 tablespoon of yellow chili paste
1 dessert spoon of panca chili paste
3 tablespoons of tomato paste
1 splash of vegetable oil
1 pinch of salt
1 pinch of pepper
1 pinch of cumin
1 pinch of oregano
¼ cup of white vinegar
1 egg

Preparation

1. Clean the rocotos carefully to avoid burning your hands. Cut off the top and set aside. Remember to remove all the seeds and veins inside.
2. Boil them in plenty of water with a splash of vinegar and a pinch of salt until they reach a soft texture.
3. Tips: After boiling for the first ten minutes, discard the water and add new water. Continue cooking until you achieve the desired texture. This will reduce the intense spiciness of the rocotos.
4. Organize and arrange the following ingredients: ground beef, chopped onion, ground garlic, yellow chili, panca chili pastes, and tomato paste.
5. In a pan, seal the beef. Add salt and pepper.
6. Remove the meat from the heat and set aside. Use the same pan to sauté the red onion and ground garlic.
7. When the onion crystallizes, add the yellow chili and panca. Cook for a few minutes; add the meat and tomato paste—season with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano.
8. Tips: To give it a special touch, add roasted ground peanuts to the seasonings.
9. Add the raisins and boiled eggs, cut into small pieces. Taste, adjust the salt, and set aside.
10. Preheat the oven to 180 ºC. Fill the rocotos with the sofrito and place them on a baking tray.
11. Beat the egg and milk, and add them to each stuffed rocoto for better oven cooking.
12. Place slices of fresh cheese and top each rocoto with its lid. Bake at 200 ºC for 20 minutes. This recipe can also be cooked in a covered pot.

Where to Try Rocoto Relleno in Peru

You can enjoy the exquisite Rocoto Relleno all over Peru. Although it is more characteristic of the southern region, we recommend some places.
 

Arequipa

Arequipa is called the white city, and it is the best place to taste this traditional Arequipa dish.
La Nueva Palomino: This restaurant is recognized as the spicy restaurant of choice. Among its best dishes is the stuffed rocoto, which has a precise degree of spiciness, along with the traditional potato pie. Located in the Leoncio Prado 122 passage, Yanahuara.

Sol de Mayo: This vibrant dish can be tasted in Jerusalén 207, Yanahuara, which has outdoor seating and is open until 6 p.m.
 

Lima

The capital of the country is a must-see, where you will have a great variety of options.

El Rinconcito Arequipeño: From 11 am to 5 pm, at Bernardo Alcedo, 514, Lima, you can enjoy the tasty Rocoto relleno in a simple atmosphere to share with family and friends.

Picantería La Mar
Located at Sta. Rosa 388, Surquillo, Lima, is one of the busiest places and a traditional gastronomic reference in the city.

Cusco

At the foot of the Andean mountain range, one of the best places to discover the Inca culinary legacy.

Chicha: The historic center of Cusco is located in Regocijo Square. It is a restaurant that you cannot miss trying this recipe of fascinating flavors.

Trying stuffed rocoto is daring to ignite your palate, venturing to discover fiery flavors that awaken passion. Come and experience the culinary contrasts in the Andean highlands of Peru.