Soltero Arequipeño

Soltero Arequipeño is a traditional Peruvian salad hailing from Arequipa, a beautiful city known for its rich culinary heritage. The dish showcases a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, local cheese, and traditional ingredients, all combined to create a refreshing and flavorful salad that is perfect for any occasion. Soltero Arequipeño serves as a representation of Arequipa’s diverse cultural influences and its dedication to using fresh, seasonal produce. Often enjoyed as an appetizer or as a light meal, this salad captures the essence of Arequipeño culinary traditions.

Ingredients

To prepare an authentic Soltero Arequipeño, you will need the following ingredients:

• Choclo (Andean corn)
• Green peas
• Fresh tomatoes
• Red onions
• Yellow bell pepper
• Rocoto pepper
• Boiled potatoes
• Fava beans
• Queso fresco (fresh cheese)
• Black olives
• Parsley, finely chopped
• Lime juice
• Vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil

Cooking Time

Total time: approximately 20 minutes. For more precise timing, consider using a cooking timer.

Preparation

1. Begin by preparing all the vegetables. Chop the tomatoes, red onions, and yellow bell pepper into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
2. Carefully dice the rocoto pepper. Be sure to remove the seeds unless you prefer a spicier salad.
3. Boil the potatoes until they are tender, then let them cool before cutting into cubes.
4. Cook the choclo and peas until just tender, then drain and set aside.
5. Crush or dice the queso fresco into bite-size pieces and pit the black olives if needed.

Assembly

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the choclo, peas, tomatoes, red onions, yellow bell pepper, and diced rocoto.
2. Add the cooked potatoes and fava beans to the mix.
3. Add the chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.
4. Add the diced queso fresco and black olives to the bowl, mixing everything gently to avoid mashing the ingredients.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, vinegar, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and olive oil to create the dressing.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing lightly to ensure even coating.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or black pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Soltero Arequipeño is best enjoyed fresh to savor the vibrant combination of flavors. It can be served on its own as a light meal or accompanied by grilled meat or fish to balance the meal. Pairing with a chilled glass of white wine enhances the dish’s refreshing qualities.