Peru - A Gourmet's Paradise. Part 1: Fish and Seafood



 Peru Was Chosen The World's Leading Culinary Destination 2013 by the World Travel Awards and this is only one more landmark in the countries success story about food and gastronomy.

 Lima, the capital has become a gastronomic mecca and culinary tourism is booming.

Prestigious magazines as "The Economist" and BBC Travel published articles about Peru's Gastronomic Revolution and it's impact on the economy and social structure of the country.

Here, food cuts across all social, racial and geographic barriers.

People may literally swallow poor public administration, overpowering bureaucracy and a high crime rate but poorly prepared food is seldom tolerated.  

No matter if rich or poor, Peruvians pride themselves in eating well.

The cuisine is Fusion cuisine at is best, with a huge variety of ingredients  provided by the different geographical and climate zones of the country. The main geographical zones are the coast, the Andean Highlands and the jungle.

It is one of the ten countries world wide called "mega-diverse" regarding its bio-diversity and has one of the richest fishing grounds of our planet thanks to the cold water Humboldt Current.

The cuisine is influenced by native and foreign cuisines , brought by immigrants to the country. Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Italian and German dishes that are adapted with local ingredients go hand in hand with indigenous plates often dating from the Inca and Pre Inca period.

The Peruvian Nobel Price winner Mario Vargas Llosa calls it "one of the most inventive and refined cuisines in the world".

 But most important of all it represents Peruvian culture and identity and is a matter of national pride to all Peruvians.  

So as you can see, I'm lucky enough to live in a foodies paradise.

But I suppose we all get hungry about so much theory so let's get right to the subject and present you some of the Peruvian flagship dishes.

As already mentioned, there is a large varity of different meals, so the first part of this gourmet trip is dedicated to fish and seafood. 

Enjoy the trip!

Arroz con mariscos (Rice with seafood)

Tiradito con salsa de ajii amarillo (raw fish cut sashimi style and  marinated in yellow chilly sauce)

The shining star of Peruvian cuisine : Ceviche mixto (raw fish and seafood marinated in lime juice with chili, fresh coriander and onions served with yellow corn and sweet potato)

Ceviche de pescado (Ceviche for purists only with white fish like sea bass)

Conchitas a la parmesana (Gratinated scallops a la Parmesana)

As you can see in this pic my son couldn't wait to try :) 

Pulpo al Olivar  (Octopus in Black Olive Sauce)

Causa (cooked, mashed yellow potatoes mixed with lime juice,chili, onions and oil.)

Stuffed with a variety of foods like fish, chicken,seafood avocados or tomatoes. It is a delicious treat and everybody has his (her) favorite stuffing.  This ones are topped with fish and avocado and the other one with black olive sauce and crab meat.

Leche de pantera (Panther's milk) 

The ceviche juice that is with vodka. Tastes fantastic and after that whether you sleep for 3 days or you climb up the walls :) 

Grilled Octupus  with a spicy cheese Sauce and a glass of chilled Pisco Sour.

Still hungry? Visit the dessert selection at my FB page.
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Wishing all of you a Happy Easter and great Holidays!

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From Spain With Love: Royal Delights

Traveling to Spain is almost like coming home for us.

We speak the language, are familiar with the mentality, love the culture, climate and the glorious food this country has to offer.

We have visited several places like Sevilla, Granada and Barcelona among others before but of Madrid we've only seen the airport Barajas so far.

Unrightfully, as I must admit.

Madrid is a lovely, vibrant city that hosts several of the worlds most beautiful museums of fine art.

Close to Madrid is the city of Toledo, once the country's capital.

Toledos Cathedral, castles, monasteries and churches are true marvels and we were fascinated by the architecture and beautiful location.

Though I have to confess that the only thing I didn't expect at all was that the city is so bitter cold in winter.

Coming from a country with long,  cold winters and being a fan of skiing and ice skating, I never thought  that in sunny Spain we would literally every hour longing to go to a place that offers hot beverages :) 

 A matter of national pride: Gorgeous hams and chorizos  at display at a shop in Madrid

A wonderful tasting seafood salad at a little restaurant in the neighborhood of hour hotel that offers lunch menus at very reasonable prices. Find the recipe at the end of the post.

A herald, bearing the kings code of arms, is looking contemplative since centuries at the visitors of Toledos' Cathedral.

A seven-branched candelabrum on the road  to the Jewish quarter, Toledo

View of one of the breathtaking beautiful churches of Toledo

Another breathtaking beauty: Manuscript of the bible of Saint Luis from the 13th Century

Cute marketing: Vitrine of a pastry shop showing nuns preparing delicate sweets  which you can buy in the same shop.

Sweets on display at the same shop

A small shop selling the famous Spanish Saffron, Toledo

Entrance to the Cathedral, Toledo

Colorful, handmade ceramics, Toledo

A Gothic style window in one of the monasteries with a view at a gorgeous orange tree bearing fruits in December despite of the cold in Toledo 

Historic Chef : Portrait of George Washington's cook by Stuart Gilbert 1755-1828, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid

A delicious selection of typical appetizers, Madrid

 Selection of tapas on display at the market hall, Madrid

Visitors crowding at the market hall in Madrid, enjoying  wine and tapas (the typical Spanish appetizers)

Mediterranean prawn salad

We had this wonderful tasting seafood salad at a little restaurant in the neighborhood of our hotel that offers lunch menus at very reasonable prices.

After coming back to Vienna, I tried to recreate this amazing salad and, according to my fiercest critics (best husband of all & sons :) ), it was a total success.

Mediterranean Shrimp Salad

1 1/2 ripe but firm finely chopped tomatoes

1 1/2 spoonful finely chopped spring onions (only the green part)

1/2kg unpeeled shrimps

1/2 cup extra virgin Spanish olive oil

 (best quality guarantees best results)

1 spoonful mild white vinegar

2 spoonful of prawn stock for the dressing

11/2 cup prawn stock to simmer the shrimps

1 spoonful freshly squeezed orange juice

Method:

Peel and devein shrimps.

Prepare shrimp stock:

1/4 cup canola oil

Shrimp shells from 1/2 kg shrimps

Heat oil in a large saucepan and cook shells until toasted, stirring frequently ( you want them to release their flavor only, not to brown them too much)
Add about 2 cups cup of water or until shells are covered.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. 

Press shells down with a spatula to extract the flavor.

Cook about 7-8 minutes.

Strain stock, season with salt and pepper, discard solids and let cool down. 

Apart, bring shrimp stock to a simmer in a large saucepan.

Add peeled shrimps and cook until opaque, about 5 minutes.

During the last 30 seconds add spring onions.

Strain, set apart and let cool down..

Mix shrimps and spring onions with the tomatoes.

Apart, prepare the dressing:

Mix shrimp stock,olive oil. vinegar and orange juice until creamy.

Pour over the salad, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Mix well and let rest at least for 10 minutes before serving.

Bon appétit!

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