Peruvian jalea, a unique and cherished seafood dish in Peruvian cuisine, is loved by people of all ages for its fresh and crunchy ingredients.
Here, we explain the history of this delicious dish and provide the classic recipe so you can prepare it in the comfort and warmth of your home.
History of jalea
Many of Peru's best dishes, including the Peruvian jalea, have their roots in Piura and Lambayeque. This dish, an ancestral heritage of the Moche culture, can be made from fish or seafood, with the latter involving a unique preparation process.
The evolution of jalea as we know it today can be traced back to the 19th century. Its preparation, a clear reflection of the influence of the ancestral Moche culture, has seen variations in the size of the fish pieces and the frying techniques. The original recipe, consisting of large pieces of roasted fish accompanied by chili, sweet potato, or corn, has evolved into a more intricate process, ensuring each bite is a burst of flavor and texture.
Traditional jalea recipe
- Four hundred grams of fish fillets cut into medium pieces.
- 8 or 10 peeled shrimp.
- 4 very clean squids cut into slices.
- A tablespoon of grated ginger.
- Two tablespoons of liquefied garlic.
- A cup of wheat flour.
- One or two beaten eggs.
- Vegetable oil, at least one cup.
- Ingredients for tartar sauce:
- Five tablespoons of mayonnaise.
- Two tablespoons of very finely chopped red onion.
- Two or three finely chopped garlic cloves.Salt to taste.
Preparation
- Start by seasoning the fish, squid slices, and peeled prawns.
- Add salt, pepper, ground garlic, and a few drops of lemon.
- Dry the pieces of prawns and the slices of squid first in the flour and then in the beaten egg.
- Fry all of this, not at the same time, over high heat in very hot oil.
- Place the fried pieces in a container with absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
- If you like, you can prepare the tartar sauce.
- In a container, mix all the ingredients thoroughly so that each diner can serve them as desired.
Where to try jalea
In Lima
La Mar Cevichería: By applying modern techniques to its traditional recipes, this famous cevichería has deservedly earned its prestige. It is located at 770 Mariscal La Mar Avenue in Lima and offers a bright and lively atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy its dishes, which feature very fresh seafood.
Pescados capital: located at 1337 Mariscal La Mar Avenue, Miraflores, it offers you creative cuisine with seafood. Its menu is highly original, featuring both creative dishes and traditional Peruvian cuisine, with ingredients of proven quality and freshness.
Cusco
Limo Peruvian Cuisine & Pisco Bar: Chef Coque Ossio's innovative approach to cuisine has led to the creation of a unique Culinary experience at Limo Peruvian Cuisine & Pisco Bar. The menu here offers a fusion of Peru's deep-rooted Andean cuisine with the ingredients and techniques of Japanese cuisine, promising a dining experience that is both familiar and exciting.
You can easily find it in the Plaza Mayor of Cusco, where the atmosphere of great historical significance will make your experience unforgettable.
Ceviche Seafood Kitchen: Located in the historic center of Cusco, it is characterized by offering contemporary Peruvian cevicheria, mixed jelly, and rice with seafood. Ceviche Seafood Kitchen features a modern style reminiscent of the Peruvian cevicheria, which has a rich tradition. In its kitchen, the freshest seafood is used to create the finest cuisine of the Peruvian coast.
Machu Picchu
Toto's House: The excellent combination of Peru's pre-Columbian culture legacy and the personal creativity of its kitchen makes Toto's House a restaurant you won't want to miss.
Toto's House is located in Imperio de los Incas, Aguas Calientes 08681, where you can enjoy Peru's modern and traditional culinary arts in a comfortable and pleasant environment.
Indio Feliz Bistro: located on Lloque Yupanqui 103 in Aguas Calientes, features a kitchen that serves a well-executed fusion of Peruvian and French cuisine in a charming atmosphere.
It is the ideal restaurant to visit after visiting the incredible citadel of Machu Picchu. Here, you can recover your energy and expand your knowledge of Peruvian gastronomy.
If you haven't yet visited Peru to experience its impressive archaeological sites, fascinating landscapes, and exceptional gastronomy, it's time to do so and live unforgettable moments.
When you're in Peru, be sure to try the traditional Peruvian dish, jalea. It is one of the most highly regarded and well-prepared dishes in Peruvian cuisine.
