Andes Blanco

Background and Description

The Andes Blanco is a traditional South American dish originating from the Andean regions of Peru and Bolivia. It holds a special place in the hearts of the locals due to its comforting nature and the use of local ingredients such as potatoes and cheese. This dish exemplifies the rich culinary history of the Andes, where simple ingredients come together to create deeply satisfying flavors.

Ingredients

• Potatoes - 1 kg
• Queso Fresco - 300 grams
• Whole Milk - 250 ml
• Butter - 50 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 large, finely chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Fresh Cilantro - for garnish

Preparation

The preparation of Andes Blanco begins with a selection of potatoes, ideally those that are fluffy and absorbent to soak up the delicious sauce. Here’s how you can prepare this delightful dish:

Step 1: Peel and Cook the Potatoes

1. Peel 1 kg of potatoes and cut them into chunks.
2. In a large pot, place the potato chunks and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt.
3. Boil the potatoes until they are tender. This should take around 20 minutes, but you can refer to a cooking timer to ensure you do not overcook them.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a separate pan, melt 50 grams of butter over medium heat.
2. Add 2 cloves of garlic and 1 finely chopped onion to the pan. Cook until the onions become translucent.
3. Pour in 250 ml of milk and stir in the 300 grams of crumbled queso fresco until it melts and forms a smooth sauce.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Process

Once the potatoes are boiled and the cheese sauce is ready, it's time to combine them:

Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Sauce

1. Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot.
2. Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes and stir gently to mix, ensuring each piece is coated.
3. Simmer on low heat for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top of the dish before serving for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Enjoying Andes Blanco

Andes Blanco is best enjoyed fresh and hot. It can be served as a main dish or alongside grilled meats. A crisp salad with fresh ingredients can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy texture of the Andes Blanco.

For a truly authentic experience, pair it with a traditional beverage such as chicha morada, a sweet and tangy drink made from purple corn.