bolivian Recipes
20 delicious bolivian recipes from around the world
Anticuchos de Corazón
Marinated and grilled skewers of beef heart, a popular street food in Bolivia. The marinade, often featuring vinegar, garlic, cumin, and aji panca, tenderizes the heart and imparts a smoky, savory flavor.
Api Api
Api Api is a traditional Bolivian drink, particularly popular in the eastern regions like Santa Cruz. It's a sweet, thick, and often slightly tart beverage made from a base of corn (usually purple corn, but white corn can also be used), flavored with spices, and sometimes served with a side of 'buñuelos' (fried dough fritters).
Cuellitos de Cerdo en Chancaca
Cuellitos de Cerdo en Chancaca (pork neck in chancaca sauce) is a rich and flavorful dish where tender pork neck is braised in a sweet and savory sauce made from chancaca (unrefined cane sugar), spices, and often a touch of vinegar or citrus for balance. It's a comforting and traditional meal.
Cuentitas
Cuentitas are small, fried dough balls, often served as a sweet treat or snack. They are typically made from a simple flour and water dough, seasoned with anise, and then deep-fried until golden brown. They can be enjoyed plain or dusted with sugar.
Cuñape Dulce
A sweet variation of the traditional Bolivian cuñape (cheese bread), this version incorporates a touch of sweetness, often served as a dessert or a sweet snack, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
Fricase Paceño
A hearty and flavorful pork stew originating from the highlands of Bolivia, particularly La Paz. Fricase Paceño is characterized by its rich, spicy broth, tender pork, and is traditionally served with chuño (freeze-dried potatoes) and mote (hominy). It's often enjoyed as a late-night or early-morning meal, especially during celebrations.
Keperí
A popular dish from the lowlands of Bolivia, particularly Santa Cruz, featuring tender, slow-cooked beef (often flank steak) marinated in a flavorful mixture and grilled or roasted to perfection. It's known for its smoky aroma and succulent texture.
Lechón al Horno
A traditional Bolivian roasted suckling pig, marinated and slow-cooked to achieve incredibly tender and flavorful meat with crispy skin. It's a celebratory dish often prepared for special occasions and holidays.
Majadito de Charque
A traditional and hearty dish from the eastern regions of Bolivia (Beni and Santa Cruz), Majadito de Charque is a flavorful rice dish mixed with shredded, salted dried beef (charque). It's often prepared with achiote for color and served with fried plantains and fried eggs, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
Mondongo Paceño
A hearty and flavorful tripe stew, considered a delicacy in La Paz, Bolivia. It's slow-cooked with a rich blend of spices, vegetables, and often served with rice and chuño (Andean potato).
Pacumutu
Pacumutu is a popular Bolivian dish consisting of marinated meat (beef and/or chicken) and vegetables threaded onto skewers and grilled or pan-fried. It's often seasoned with a flavorful blend of soy sauce, garlic, and spices, making it a delicious and versatile option.
Pajitas de Queso
Pajitas de Queso are crispy, savory cheese straws, a popular snack or appetizer in Bolivia. They are made with a simple dough of flour, cheese, butter, and sometimes a touch of ají amarillo for a subtle kick.
Papas a la Huancaína Boliviana
A delightful Bolivian take on the classic Peruvian dish, featuring boiled yellow potatoes smothered in a creamy, slightly spicy cheese sauce, often garnished with hard-boiled eggs and olives. This version incorporates local Bolivian flavors and ingredients.
Pique Locha
A hearty and flavorful dish from the Cochabamba region, Pique Locha is a variation of the popular Pique Macho, often featuring thinly sliced beef, sausages, potatoes, and a spicy sauce, but typically served in a more manageable portion.
Pique Macho
Pique Macho is a monumental Bolivian dish originating from Cochabamba, known for its hearty and spicy nature. It's a generous platter piled high with a mix of fried beef, sausages, and french fries, topped with a vibrant medley of sautéed onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and locoto peppers, often finished with hard-boiled eggs.
Salteñas de Pollo
Bolivian baked empanadas filled with a savory, slightly sweet, and spicy chicken stew. The dough is rich and slightly sweet, while the filling is a gelatinous, flavorful mixture that makes salteñas a beloved snack and breakfast item.
Silpancho
Silpancho is a hearty and iconic Bolivian dish, characterized by its layers of thinly pounded, breaded, and fried beef cutlets served over rice, topped with fried eggs and a fresh tomato and onion salsa. It's a complete meal that offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, from the crispy meat to the runny yolk and the bright salsa.
Sopa de Maní
Sopa de Maní, or Bolivian Peanut Soup, is a rich and comforting dish. It features a creamy peanut broth base, often made with beef or chicken, and includes vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and peas. It's typically served with a side of llajua (spicy salsa) and sometimes garnished with fried potatoes or fresh herbs.
Sopa de Quinua
A hearty and nutritious soup made with quinoa, a staple Andean grain, often combined with meat (beef or lamb), vegetables, and flavorful spices. It's a comforting and filling dish, perfect for colder days.
Trucha con Salsa de Maní
A delightful dish featuring pan-seared trout, coated in a seasoned mixture, and served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. This recipe highlights the use of local ingredients, with trout often sourced from Bolivia's high-altitude lakes and the peanut sauce adding a distinctive nutty flavor.