Olluquito con Charqui
A hearty and flavorful Peruvian classic, Olluquito con Charqui features tender olluco (an Andean tuber) simmered with savory charqui (traditional dried and salted meat, often llama or beef). This dish boasts pre-Columbian heritage and offers a unique taste of the Andes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Charqui (dried llama or beef jerky)
- 1 kg Olluco (Andean tuber)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion
- 2 tbsp Ají Amarillo paste
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil or Lard
- 1 cup Water or Broth
- to taste Salt
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Charqui: Rinse the charqui thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess salt. Place it in a bowl and cover with plenty of cold water. Let it soak for at least 12 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator, changing the water once or twice if possible. After soaking, drain the charqui and shred it into thin, bite-sized strips. Discard any tough or gristly bits.
⏱️ 12 hours (soaking) - 2
Prepare the Olluco: While the charqui is soaking, wash the olluco well. Peel if the skin is tough, otherwise, scrub thoroughly. Julienne the olluco into thin strips, about 2-3 mm thick. Aim for consistent size for even cooking.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Sauté Aromatics and Charqui: Heat the vegetable oil or lard in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat (180°C / 350°F). Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the ají amarillo paste and ground cumin, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Add the shredded charqui and sauté for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to brown slightly and release its flavors.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Add Olluco and Simmer: Add the julienned olluco to the pot. Stir well to combine with the charqui mixture. Pour in about 1 cup of water or broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook gently. Stir occasionally.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 5
Cook Until Tender: Continue to simmer, covered, for about 30-40 minutes, or until the olluco is tender but still retains a slight bite (al dente). Avoid overcooking, as the olluco can become mushy. If the mixture becomes too dry during cooking, add a little more water or broth, a quarter cup at a time. Season with salt to taste, keeping in mind the charqui is already salty.
⏱️ 30-40 minutes - 6
Serve: Once the olluco is tender and the flavors have melded, remove from heat. Ladle the Olluquito con Charqui into serving bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Olluco is a unique, slightly starchy Andean tuber known for its vibrant colors (ranging from yellow to red) and a texture that can be both tender and slightly crunchy when cooked properly.
- ✓Charqui is a traditional method of preserving meat by drying and salting it. It imparts a deep, savory, and salty flavor to the dish. If charqui is unavailable, very lean, unsweetened beef jerky can be a substitute, but soak it longer to soften.
- ✓This dish is a testament to ancient Andean culinary traditions, utilizing indigenous ingredients that have sustained communities for centuries.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a milder flavor, use fresh, thinly sliced beef or pork instead of charqui. Brown the fresh meat well before adding the onions.
- If you prefer a less intense flavor, you can parboil the shredded charqui for a few minutes after soaking to further reduce its saltiness.
- Some variations include adding a tablespoon of ají panca paste for a different chili flavor profile.