Cau cau is a stew made with beef tripe cut into small pieces, chopped potatoes, and seasoned with oil, onion, garlic, chili, turmeric, and mint leaves.
The history of cau cau
The origin of cau cau remains unclear, as several theories exist regarding its origins. What is clear is that this dish has authentic Peruvian roots.
It is said that its name comes from the Chinese migrants who arrived in Peru almost 200 years ago. When they were learning Spanish to communicate with the locals, they used the word caucau to mean that something should be cut into small pieces.
In any case, it is said that the Spanish conquistadors prepared their large meals based on beef, but they did not use the offal. They were given to African slaves, including tripe, and they devised a way to prepare them for food.
The traditional recipe for cau cau
- One cup of chopped onion.
- Half a cup of diced carrot.
- One and a half teaspoons of ground garlic.
- Four tablespoons of ground yellow chili.
- One tablespoon of turmeric.
- Half a kilo of beef tripe, cut into medium cubes.
- Half a kilo of cooked beef feet, cut into medium cubes.
- Six cups of broth from the feet and tripe.
- Two kilos of medium-sized diced potatoes.
- Half a cup of shelled peas.
- Half a cup of chopped mint.
- Four cups of cooked rice.
- Oil.
- Salt, pepper, and cumin to taste.
Preparation
- In a pot, heat the oil over low heat. There, brown the onion with the garlic, yellow chili pepper, and turmeric for a few minutes.
- When the seasoning is golden, add the chicken legs, tripe, and the broth from cooking the chicken legs and tripe.
- Cook for about 10 minutes and season with cumin, pepper, and salt. Taste to ensure all the flavors are at their best.
- Then add the potatoes, carrots, and peas. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes.
- When it's ready, add the mint.
- Serve with a portion of white rice.
Where to try cau cau
Here are some recommended restaurants where you can delight in the intense flavor of this nutritious dish, which is very popular in Peru.
Lima
Antigua Taberna Queirolo: A long-standing restaurant that charms with its food, the attention of its staff, and the atmosphere of its establishment. It is located at 1090 San Martín Avenue.
Las Delicias del Cau Cau: As its name suggests, cau cau is its specialty among other traditional dishes of the country. You will find it at 690 José León Avenue.
Cusco
Tunupa restaurant is one of the best you can find in Cusco. It is located across from the Plaza de Armas and offers, in addition to its excellent food, almost incredible views.
No matter where you are in Peru, you'll always find a good plate of Peruvian food. You'll always delight in the incredible flavor of its famous and celebrated dishes.
Although the origins of a particular dish aren't always clear, you can still enjoy many of them from a long list, such as cau cau.
