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Peruvian Potato and Chili Stew

Locro De Papas, Papa Con Ají, Peruvian Potato Stew

Peru

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Recipe Snapshot

The essentials, at a glance

A hearty and comforting stew featuring tender potatoes and vibrant Peruvian chillies. This dish balances earthy root vegetables with a spicy kick and a touch of sweetness from corn. It represents the rustic, nourishing essence of Andean home cooking.

The Americas Lunch Snack
Gluten-Free
Difficulty

Easy

Servings

4

Prep Time

15 minutes

Make Time

35 minutes

Calories

280 / serving

Diet

Vegan

Protein 7.0g
Fat 9.0g
Carbs 42.0g

Above values do not change with any serving size changes you make below

May not be suitable if you suffer with:
Acid Reflux
Indigestion
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Track cooking progress forPeruvian Potato and Chili Stew

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STEP 1

Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into bite-sized cubes. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop the carrots and bell pepper, and prepare the chili peppers by removing seeds if a milder heat is preferred.

Ingredients

Servings: 4
4 medium
1 large , diced
3 , minced
2 medium , chopped
1 , diced
3 fresh , chopped
1 tsp
1 tsp
950 ml / 4 cups
400 g / 14 oz
150 g / 1 cup
1 tbsp
Salt and to taste
for garnish
Ingredients at a glance
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Instructions

Main
Step 1 instruction thumbnail 1

Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into bite-sized cubes. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop the carrots and bell pepper, and prepare the chili peppers by removing seeds if a milder heat is preferred.

Step 2 instruction thumbnail 2

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then add the minced garlic and sauté for one more minute until fragrant.

Step 3 instruction thumbnail 3

Stir in the chopped carrots and bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4 instruction thumbnail 4

Sprinkle in the cumin and smoked paprika, stirring well to coat the vegetables and toasting the spices for about a minute.

Step 5 instruction thumbnail 5

Add the cubed potatoes, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to ensure potatoes are submerged and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6 instruction thumbnail 6

Reduce heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.

Step 7 instruction thumbnail 7

Stir in the corn kernels and chopped chili peppers 5 minutes before the stew is finished. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8 instruction thumbnail 8

Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Other considerations for this recipe

Flavor Enhancement
Add a splash of lime juice just before serving to brighten the flavours of the stew.
Vegetable Variations
Customise the dish by including other vegetables such as zucchini or green beans.
Thicker Texture
For a creamier consistency, mash a few of the potato cubes against the side of the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this hearty stew with your favourite bread or served over a bed of quinoa for a complete meal!

Nutritional Benefits

Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and potassium for energy and heart health.

Carrots and bell peppers offer a high concentration of beta-carotene and vitamin C.

Garlic and onions contain organosulfur compounds that support immune function.

Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Nutritional information is provided as a general guide only. Values may vary and should not replace professional medical or dietary advice.

A Taste of the Andes

Peruvian Potato and Chili Stew
Andrew T.
Andrew T.

Ají amarillo and jalapeño peppers provide a fruity, vibrant heat that transforms humble root vegetables into something truly special. By sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the potatoes, we build a deep, aromatic base that carries the earthy notes of cumin and smoked paprika throughout the pot.

I love how the sweetness of the corn kernels cuts through the spice, creating a balanced flavour profile that feels both rustic and refined. For those who prefer a thicker consistency, mashing a few potato cubes against the side of the pan adds a lovely creaminess to the broth.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty stew is fantastic served in a deep bowl with a crusty piece of bread to mop up every drop. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end really brightens the dish, making it a perfect, warming lunch that brings a bit of Peruvian sunshine to the table.

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Yumpedia: Peru

The Story Behind the Region & Its Cuisine

Peruvian Potato and Chili Stew history

The history of the potato is inextricably linked to the Peruvian Andes, where thousands of varieties were domesticated over millennia. Potatoes served as the primary caloric foundation for the Inca Empire, allowing for the support of large populations in challenging high-altitude environments. This stew is a modern reflection of that ancestral reliance on the tuber, blended with colonial influences.

The introduction of Spanish settlers brought new ingredients to the region, including onions, garlic, and olive oil, which merged with indigenous staples. The use of ají peppers, particularly the ají amarillo, is a hallmark of Peruvian cuisine, providing a distinct fruity heat that defines the national palate. These peppers have been cultivated in the region since pre-Columbian times and remain central to almost every savoury dish.

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