5 Peruvian Recipes to Make With Kids
Date: April 18, 2023
Estimated reading time: 4 min
Table of Contents:
- Papas a la huancaína
- Arroz con pollo
- Causa rellena
- Anticuchos
- Mazamorra morada
Want to get your kids into geography?
Today, we’re taking them on a culinary journey to Peru!
Peruvian cuisine is a fusion of flavors and cultures influenced by indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian cuisine.
It is known for its vibrant and diverse dishes that will be sure to delight the taste buds of the whole family.
What’s more, besides tasting new delicious recipes, cooking Peruvian meals with your children will allow them to learn more about Peruvian culture without feeling like they’re even learning!
So, let’s get cooking!
Papas a la huancaína
image source: allrecipes.com
Papas a la huancaína (translated to potatoes Huancayo style) is a traditional Peruvian dish originating from the city of Huancayo, located high in the Andes. This delicious meal has become a staple across the country, and consists of boiled potatoes served with a spicy and creamy cheese sauce often made with chile peppers (called ají amarillo in Spanish), queso fresco, and evaporated milk.
Not only is Papas a la huancaína easy to make, but it’s also an excellent way to introduce kids to Peruvian spices and ingredients.
Some things your children can help with include boiling the potatoes, blending the sauce, and decorating the dish with boiled eggs and olives. Here’s an easy-to-make Papas a la huancaína recipe.
Arroz con pollo
image source: eatperu.com
Arroz con pollo is a popular Peruvian dish that is similar to Spanish paella. It is made with chicken, rice, vegetables, and spices such as cumin, garlic, and turmeric. While it might seem simple to put together, there’s much more to the dish than meets the eye, and the palate!
Indeed, the dish is rooted in Spain’s history. In 711, the Moors invaded Spain, and quickly developed irrigation systems. And this, in turn, allowed them to cultivate rice.
Arroz con pollo was born and quickly became a popular communal dish that was then introduced to Peru and other Latin American countries by the Spanish conquistadors.
The Peruvian version of the dish usually features cilantro. We love this recipe by Eat Peru.
Causa rellena
image source: eatperu.com
Since Peru is the birthplace of potatoes, it’s not surprising that so many dishes are potato based. And cause rellena is no exception.
This authentic Peruvian dish is a tiered meal similar to a layered potato salad. It’s made with mashed yellow potatoes seasoned with lime and yellow Peruvian chile pepper and filled with chicken, tuna, or vegetables.
But where did this dish originate from?
Well, causa means cause in Spanish. And legend has it that when José de San Martín, the protector of Peru, fought for Peruvian independence from Spain, he called for Peruvians to support the cause for independence by providing food for their soldiers. And guess what? One of the most common dishes at the time was this very same layered potato dish!
Here is a great recipe.
Check out another recipe: 11 Moroccan recipes to try with your kids
Anticuchos
image source: eatperu.com
Anticuchos are a popular Peruvian street food made with beef hearts marinated in spices and grilled on skewers.
But they weren’t always made with beef. Here’s the story.
Anticuchos translates to “cuts from the Andes region.” The first mention of anticuchos dates back to the Pre-columbian era in the Andes. Initially, the Incas used to make anticuchos with Ilama meat, but the Spaniards adapted the dish by replacing Ilama meat with beef pieces, adding new spices, and placing the meat on skewers. And ta-da modern day Peruvian anticuchos were born ;)
Trust us, your kids will absolutely love the delicious aromas and flavors of this hearty meal (pun intended)!
Here’s a great recipe.
Mazamorra morada
image source: amigofoods.com
And, of course, we couldn’t write about delicious Peruvian recipes to make with kids without introducing the Mazamorra morada!
This refreshing traditional Peruvian dessert is made with purple corn, fruit, and spices. It is similar to a fruit compote and is usually served with arroz con leche or sweet potato. Eating mazamorra morada is like biting into a blackberry pie but with more spices and tropical flavors!
It’s a favorite across the country and works well to pack in a lunchbox or enjoy at the end of dinner on a cold winter night. Here’s an easy recipe.
Want To Try Our Landmark Kids Subscription Boxes?
Cooking with kids is a fun and educational activity that can help develop their curiosity, creativity, and imagination. We hope you and your kids enjoy making these delicious Peruvian recipes! If you want more resources to teach your kids about culture and geography the fun way, don’t hesitate to sign up for our newsletter. As a bonus, you’ll get 15% off your first mystery subscription box order!