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Peru is a country packed with culture and hidden gems at every corner. From the mysterious Nazca Lines, to the incredible Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, there’s no end to how this mesmerising destination manages to captivate you. And Peru’s cuisine adds to its magnetism too. Every dish in Peruvian cuisine has a story that’ll give you glimpses of a culture that has existed for centuries.
One such dish is Pollada Peruana – a marinated chicken dish. Here’s a simple Pollada Peruana recipe, which you’ll learn how to make during a Peruvian cooking class on our Peru Uncovered trip! You’ll get to taste the incredible flavours, and learn the story behind this dish which is just as wholesome as the meal itself.
The story behind Pollada Peruana
Pollada Peruana is so deeply integrated into Peruvian culture, that it now represents the spirit of community for the people. Pollada – which literally means “chicken party” is more than just a recipe. It’s a tradition that has brought families and friends together for years.
It’s said that during difficult times, particularly when the Peruvian people were facing an economic crisis, a family would host a Pollada and sell tickets to their friends and family. Then they would all enjoy a dinner of chicken and fries together, and in turn, raise funds and support the family in need.
This dish uses simple ingredients, due to this history, as they are almost always found in a Peruvian kitchen, and are cheap to acquire if not.
Recipe
So, if you’re looking to host a chicken party with your friends, and want an easy-to-make but oh-so-delicious Pollada Peruana recipe, here’s one you’ll love!
Ingredients:
- 20g ground garlic
- 20g Panca chilli paste (or any other chilli paste)
- 20g Mirasol chilli paste (or any other chilli paste)
- Olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 kg chicken legs
- 100g carrot
- 2 potatoes
Preparation:
- Mix olive oil, panca chilli paste, mirasol chilli paste, ground garlic, and salt in a bowl to make a marinade.
- Add the pieces of chicken to the mixture, coat it well and let it marinate for 6 hours.
- Meanwhile, chop the potatoes and carrots into finger-sized chips.
Method:
- Once the chicken has marinated, transfer the chicken to a baking tray along with the marinade.
- Add your carrot and potato chips to the baking tray.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C, and let the chicken & chips cook for about 35 minutes.
Serve:
Once ready, the aroma of the flavourful chicken will be taking over your kitchen. Scoop out a piece of the piping hot chicken and serve it with chips. It’s best enjoyed with your friends and family, so don’t hesitate to share!