Arequipeño

Background and History

Arequipeño cuisine, originating from the city of Arequipa in Peru, is renowned for its rich flavors and unique culinary traditions. The city's gastronomic repertoire includes a blend of Indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, which together create a diverse and flavorful palate. Arequipeño is particularly famous for its robust stews, hearty dishes, and exceptional spices, which include the liberal use of rocoto peppers and huacatay herb. One of its most iconic dishes is the Rocoto Relleno, which exemplifies the regional fare and stands as a testament to the skillful use of local ingredients.

Ingredients

• Rocoto Peppers (4 large)
• Ground Beef (500g)
• Onion (2 medium, finely chopped)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Oregano (1 tsp dried)
• Huacatay herb (1 tbsp, chopped)
• Black Olives (100g, pitted and sliced)
• Eggs (2 hard-boiled, chopped)
• Bread Crumbs (100g)
• Evaporated Milk (100ml)
• Vegetable Oil (2 tbsp)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black Pepper (to taste)

Preparation

1. Start by slicing off the tops of the rocoto peppers and carefully removing the seeds and membranes using a spoon. These peppers are quite spicy, so ensure they're thoroughly cleaned if you prefer a milder flavor. Blanch the peppers in boiling water for about 10 minutes, then drain and set aside to cool.

2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until golden and fragrant. Incorporate the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns evenly.

3. Stir in the oregano, huacatay herb, and black olives. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the ingredients to cook together for about 10 minutes, ensuring the meat is thoroughly cooked.

Cooking Process

4. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

5. Once the beef mixture is ready, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly. Carefully stuff each rocoto pepper with the beef mixture, layering chunks of hard-boiled eggs within the filling for added richness.

6. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs with the evaporated milk to create a moist topping mixture. Layer this mixture generously over the stuffed peppers.

7. Arrange the stuffed rocoto peppers in a baking dish. Cover them with their tops to help contain the flavors as they bake.

8. Bake the peppers in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the tops begin to brown and the filling is heated through. Use a cooking timer to ensure accuracy.

Enjoying Arequipeño

Once your Arequipeño is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. These robust and flavorful stuffed peppers can be enjoyed as a main course, accompanied by simple side dishes like rice or a fresh salad. The slight heat from the rocoto peppers, combined with the savory meat filling and creamy topping, offers a wonderful taste experience that embodies the essence of Arequipa’s culinary traditions. Delight in each bite with friends and family, as the dish's full flavors come to life with every mouthful.