Peruvian gastronomy, widely known throughout the world for its diversity and richness, includes an ancient dish: olluquito with charqui.
This dish is a unique combination of olluco, a potato tuber, and the intense flavor of charqui, a type of dried alpaca or llama meat. This distinctive blend, rich in protein and essential nutrients, has been a fundamental part of the Peruvian diet since ancient times, offering a taste experience like no other.
We will tell you about it, including its origin, history, ingredients, proper preparation, and the best places in the country to try it.
History of Olluquito con Charqui
This popular dish dates back at least four thousand years. According to historians, it originated in the Chinchaycocha lagoon, in the high plains of Junín. This lagoon, known for its picturesque beauty and rich biodiversity, was home to ancient inhabitants who began raising camelids, such as llamas, and cultivating various types of tubers, such as olluco.
Like everything in human history, this dish has evolved, adapting to specific changes and preferences without losing its characteristic flavor. This evolution, a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of olluquito with charqui, will make you feel connected to its journey.
Evolution of the dish
As far as evolution is concerned, only the type of meat used for its preparation has changed. In some cases, alpaca or llama meat has been replaced with beef, pork, and even horse meat.
In addition to these variations, the most specialized and recognized chefs in Peru have incorporated, due to their creativity, some additional ingredients in the dish itself or its surroundings.
The traditional recipe for olluquito con charqui
- Half an olluquito.
- 400 grams of charqui.
- One large onion.
- One tablespoon of minced or ground garlic.
- Two tablespoons of ground yellow chili.
- One tablespoon of panca chili paste.
- A pinch of ground black pepper.
- A little ground cumin.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Finely chopped cilantro.
Preparation
- Cut the vegetables into small pieces.
- Wash the ollucos very well and cut them into thin slices or julienne strips.
- It is essential to remove the bitterness from the olluco, which you will do by putting it in water with salt, shaking it with your hands, and then washing it with plenty of water and letting it drain.
- Heat a pot, pour in a splash of oil, and when it is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for a couple of minutes until it becomes a little lighter.
- Add the chopped garlic and leave it for a couple of minutes as well.
- You add the ground yellow chili, the panca chili paste, the ground black pepper, a pinch of ground cumin, and a teaspoon of salt to this.
- Keep this mixture on medium heat and stir it occasionally until it reaches a texture similar to jam.
- Add the jerky to this mixture. You must have previously soaked the dehydrated meat for at least two hours and preferably all night before.
- This process helps to rehydrate the meat and remove excess salt. After soaking, wash it thoroughly to ensure it is safe for consumption, then shred it or cut it into thin strips.
- Finally, add the olluquito and a sprig of cilantro. Stir everything very well, then cover the pot and let it cook halfway. You will not need to add water or meat broth. The olluco releases its water.
Where to try olluquito con charqui in Peru
Like any very popular specialty of Peruvian cuisine, you can embark on a culinary adventure to enjoy olluquito con charqui in various cities or towns in different regions of the country. Below, we recommend some places where you can taste it, promising an exciting journey for your taste buds.
In Lima
José Antonio Restaurants: This Peruvian Creole restaurant, located in San Borja and San Isidro in Lima, serves delicious olluquito with charqui.
Panchita: Enjoy the traditional Olluquito with charqui at this Peruvian Creole food restaurant, located in San Borjas and Miraflores, in Lima.
In Cusco
Barranco Restaurante Criollo: offers the rich and varied culinary traditions of Cusco and other regions of Peru. In its kitchen, the essence of Creole flavors is preserved in each dish.
It is located on Avenida José Gabriel Cosio 407, Cusco 08001, and its space is quite pleasant, comfortable, and familiar. The aromas and flavors of its food, which celebrates Peruvian cuisine, will captivate you.
Tunupa: is listed as one of the best restaurants in the city of Cusco. It is located opposite the Plaza de Armas and is the ideal establishment for the quality of its food and the spectacular views that you can enjoy from there.
If you want to try Cusco food, Tunupa is what you deserve. In addition to the excellence of its menu, you can enjoy typical live music from the area.
Once you know the recipe and how to prepare olluquito con charqui, you can try to make this ancient dish. However, it would be much better to plan your visit to Peru so you can enjoy it prepared by expert chefs in one of the places we recommend. We would love to hear about your experiences with this dish, so feel free to share them with us!
