Peruvian Ingredients: Purple Corn

Unique taste and a intense dark purple tone. This variety of corn grows in the Andean region of South America, and it's been used in Peruvian cuisine for more than two thousand years. In fact, it was called "moro sara" in the Inca Empire. Today is still one of the most iconic ingredients in Perú. Purple corn is the main ingredient of the refreshing "Chicha Morada" and the traditional "Mazamorra".

Purple corn (Zea Mays) is rich in anthocyanins and therefore has some nutritional benefits that are worth mentioning. It' has antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties, and it also helps controlling hypertension.

7 Facts About Purple Corn:

1. "Chicha Morada" is the most traditional drink in the country, and it's made with Purple Corn, sugar, water, pineapple and cinnamon.

2. Some ancient cultures in South America - before the Incas - were already preparing drinks with Purple Corn.

3. It's also used as colorant by many industries.

4. It inspired the creation of Chicha Sour, a sweet twist of Pisco Sour.

5. The are more than six variants in Peru.

6. Some researches suggest it could help treat colon cancer.

7. Coca Cola Company attempted to create a chica flavored soda in Peru, with negative results.

Comments

Recipe: Peruvian Caldo de Gallina (Chicken Soup)

A soup from the coast of Peru, made with chicken and noodles. It has a strong taste and people usually eat it in the morning, specially after a party night. Ingredients for Caldo de Gallina: 1 5–6-lb. stewing chicken or hen 2 leeks, trimmed, roughly chopped, and washed well 2 ibs celery, roughly chopped 2 carrots, roughly chopped 1 1" piece ginger, peeled and smashed 1 head garlic, halved crosswise 6 medium yukon gold potatoes, peeled and left whole 6 oz. dried egg noodles Kosher salt, to taste 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved 2 tbsp. chopped cilantro 4 scallions, thinly sliced 2 limes, quartered 1 fresh red chile (such as fresno), stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped Preparation: We must start by rinsing the chicken under cold water and remove and discard giblets (or set aside for another use). Put chicken, leeks, celery, carrots, ginger, garlic, and 5 quarts cold water into an 8-quart stockpot. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to mediu...

Recipe: Rocoto Relleno (Stuffed Hot Peppers)

Hot, delicious and unique. One of the most well known rocoto dishes in Peru is the rocoto relleno . This is a traditional entree from the Andean city of Arequipa , made with rocoto (chili pepper). Besides the meat, it can be stuffed with many another ingredients. As for the ideal stuffing, this beef mix contains beef, pork, onion, garlics, margarine (or butter), cream, peacans and it will be a heaven meal. Ingredients: • 7 rocotos with a wide base • 3/4 cup of red vinegar • 200 g (1/2 lb) of ground beef • 100 g (1/4 lb) of ground pork • 3 tablespoons of olive oil • 3 tablespoons of tomato sauce • 1/2 glass of dry white wine • 2 tablespoons of cream • 1/4 cup of ground peacans • 1/2 cup of beef stock • 1 tablespoon of aji panca paste • 6 small potatoes, cooked and peeled • 1 red onion, chopped • 2 cloves of garlic, ground • 1/4 cup or margarine or butter • 1/2 tablespoon of flour • 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese • 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese • 2 tablespoo...

Peruvian Ingredients: Kiwicha

Known as one of the main seeds in Peruvian agriculture landscape, Kiwicha has been a popular ingredient for decades. The scientific name - Amaranthus caudatus Linnaeus - shows that its part of a large family of short-lived plants with dense flowers, and are cultivated in many parts of South America. The plant is also knows as "Amaranth" or "Love-lies-bleeding" and actually has a long history in the continent. There's clear evidence that it has been planted and manipulated 4 thousand years ago by the the Inca population. Kiwicha has an outstanding nutritional value and was considered by the Incas as a super food, even though they never used that term of course. A serving of pure grain has 15 to 18% protein (which helps build bones and muscles). To this is added a high percentage of calcium, iron, phosphorus and zinc. It's also rich in vitamin A - which has antioxidant properties and preserves the health and proper functioning of specific tissues, such as the...

Peruvian Cuisine - Recipes, Ingredients and Traditions of Peruvian gastronomy for the world

Search This Blog