3 Native Peruvian Vegetables You Must Try On Your Travels
Do you enjoy exotic cuisines from around the world when you’re traveling? Then you’re surely in for a treat if you’ve planned a vacation to Peru. After checking out Machu Picchu and the Rainbow Mountains, you might be surprised by the appetite you’ve worked up. But fortunately, there’ll be lots of delicious food to eat when you’re here.
Among the many indigenous fruits and veggies, here are three Peruvian vegetables you cannot skip trying.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a ubiquitous grain-like kernel used to make numerous Peruvian dishes. “Quinoa Salad” is one well-known version. Cooked quinoa is combined with vibrant vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions in this light salad.
It is frequently tossed in a tangy lime vinaigrette and topped with herbs like cilantro or parsley to make a filling side dish or a light supper.
Choclo (Corn)
Another prominent Peruvian vegetable is Choclo or corn, which you’ll find used in several dishes across the country. But one of our personal favorites is Humitas, which are spicy corn tamales that are usually loaded with seasoned maize, onions, and occasionally cheese. They are cooked till soft while enclosed in corn husks. Humitas are consumed as a classic appetizer or side dish.
Yuca (Cassava)
The final Peruvian vegetable to make it to this list is Yuca, otherwise known as Cassava. This is a starchy root vegetable used to create dishes like Yuca Rellena. This delicious and hearty dish involves boiling yuca until tender, mashing it, and stuffing it with a savory filling such as seasoned ground meat, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. The stuffed yuca is then baked or fried and served as a satisfying main course.
Besides these Peruvian vegetables, there’ll be plenty more exciting foods for you to try on our tours. To fully immerse yourself in the culture and traditional practices of the Quechua and other native communities of Peru, we recommend signing up for a tour with our expert tour guides.
If you need additional information or have any special requests, send them our way via our website.
