Peruvian Anticuchos
Peruvian Anticuchos Recipe - Delicious Beef Skewers with Cumin and Garlic
Introduction
Peruvian Anticuchos are a popular street food in Peru, typically made with marinated and grilled meat skewers. This dish has a rich history and is enjoyed by many for its bold flavors and unique cooking techniques.
History
Anticuchos have been a part of Peruvian cuisine for centuries, dating back to the Inca Empire. Originally, this dish was made with llama meat and marinated in a mixture of spices and vinegar. Over time, the recipe evolved to include different types of meat, such as chicken or beef, and is now a staple in Peruvian street food culture.
Ingredients
- 3 Aji or jalapeno chiles, chopped, stems and seeds removed
- 3 tbsp Dried crushed red chiles (Piquin chiles) seeds included
- 1 tbsp achiote (red seeds of annatto tree, available in Latin markets, or in some spice areas of grocers)
- 1.5 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 0.75 cup red wine vinegar
- 0.5 tsp salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 4 lb (1.81 kg) beef heart, cut into 1" cubes (substitute sirloin or chicken breast)
How to prepare
- Simmer the Annatto and cumin seeds in the oil for 5 minutes.
- Strain the oil and discard the seeds.
- Put all the ingredients for the marinade in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Marinate the meat in the mixture overnight, refrigerated.
- Thread the meat onto skewers and grill over charcoal.
Variations
- Use beef or pork instead of chicken for a different flavor.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers and onions to the skewers for a more balanced meal.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to marinate the meat overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Use a charcoal grill for authentic smoky flavor.
- Soak wooden skewers in water before threading the meat to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Anticuchos with a side of Peruvian corn and potatoes for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use jalapenos instead of Aji chiles for a milder heat.
- Substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
Marinate the meat the night before and store it in the refrigerator until ready to grill.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Anticuchos on a platter with a drizzle of chimichurri sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a colorful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair the Anticuchos with a glass of Peruvian Pisco Sour for a traditional Peruvian dining experience.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the grill until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Per serving: 250 calories
Carbohydrates
Per serving: 5g
Fats
Per serving: 10g
Proteins
Per serving: 30g
Vitamins and minerals
Per serving: Vitamin C - 20%, Iron - 15%
Alergens
Contains: None
Summary
Peruvian Anticuchos are a high-protein dish with moderate amounts of fats and carbohydrates. They are also a good source of Vitamin C and Iron.
Summary
Peruvian Anticuchos are a delicious and flavorful dish that showcases the bold flavors of Peruvian cuisine. With a rich history and versatile recipe, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was many years ago when I was traveling through Peru, exploring the vibrant markets and bustling streets of Lima. I stumbled upon a street vendor selling Anticuchos, skewers of marinated and grilled meat that were sizzling on a hot grill. The aroma wafted through the air, enticing me with its smoky, savory scent.
Curious, I approached the vendor and asked him about the dish. He smiled warmly and explained that Anticuchos were a traditional Peruvian street food made with marinated beef heart, grilled to perfection. Intrigued by the unique flavors and the sense of community that surrounded the food stall, I knew I had to learn how to make this dish myself.
I spent the next few days wandering through the markets, talking to locals and gathering ingredients. I learned that the key to a good Anticuchos lies in the marinade - a blend of spices, vinegar, and garlic that tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor. I watched as the vendor expertly skewered the marinated meat and cooked it over an open flame, the flames licking at the meat and creating a mouthwatering char.
After observing the process multiple times, I finally mustered up the courage to ask the vendor for his recipe. He laughed heartily and told me that the secret to great Anticuchos was not just in the ingredients, but in the love and care put into making them. He graciously shared his recipe with me, and I scribbled it down in my notebook, determined to recreate the dish back home.
When I returned to my kitchen, I gathered the ingredients and began marinating the beef heart, carefully following the vendor's instructions. As the meat soaked up the flavors of the marinade, I could already smell the familiar aroma that had captivated me in the streets of Lima. I skewered the meat and grilled it over a hot flame, the sizzle and crackle of the meat filling my kitchen with a comforting sound.
As I took my first bite of the homemade Anticuchos, memories of Peru flooded back to me. The sights, the sounds, the flavors - all of it came rushing back in a wave of nostalgia. I closed my eyes and savored the taste of the tender beef heart, the smoky char mingling with the tangy marinade. It was as if I was transported back to that bustling street corner, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city.
Since that fateful day, Anticuchos have become a staple in my kitchen. I've shared the recipe with friends and family, each time regaling them with tales of my adventures in Peru. The dish has become a symbol of my love for travel and my passion for exploring new cuisines. Every time I make Anticuchos, I am reminded of the kind vendor who shared his recipe with me, and the sense of camaraderie that comes with sharing food with others.
As I sit down to enjoy a plate of homemade Anticuchos, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back with each bite. The flavors of Peru, the warmth of the street vendor's smile, the sense of discovery and adventure - all of it comes together in this humble dish. And as I take another bite, I am grateful for the experiences that have brought me here, to this moment of joy and connection through food.
Categories
| Beef Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Peruvian Meat Dishes | Peruvian Recipes | Red Wine Vinegar Recipes |