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.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Potatoes(cut into thick strips for fries)
- 2 quarts Vegetable oil(for frying)
- 500 g Beef sirloin(thinly sliced or cubed)
- 500 g Sausages (chorizo or Vienna sausages)(sliced)
- 2 medium Red onions(sliced)
- 2 large Tomatoes(sliced or diced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(sliced)
- 2 medium Locoto peppers (or jalapeños)(sliced, seeds removed for less heat)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Vinegar
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Salt(to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(to taste)
- 4 large Hard-boiled eggs(sliced, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the french fries: Peel and cut potatoes into thick strips. Fry in hot oil (355°F/180°C) until golden and crispy. You may need to fry them twice for extra crispiness. Drain and set aside.
💡 Tip: Double-frying ensures maximum crispiness. - 2
Cook the sausages in a skillet until browned. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, brown the beef slices or cubes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
💡 Tip: Use the rendered fat from the sausages to cook the beef for added flavor. - 3
In the same skillet, sauté the sliced onions until softened. Add minced garlic, sliced tomatoes, and bell pepper. Cook for a few minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- 4
Add soy sauce, vinegar, cumin, salt, and pepper to the vegetables. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: This creates the flavorful sauce base. - 5
Return the cooked beef and sausages to the skillet with the vegetables. Mix well to combine flavors.
💡 Tip: Allow flavors to meld for a few minutes. - 6
Add the sliced locoto peppers (or jalapeños) for spice. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
💡 Tip: Locotos are traditional and provide a unique heat. - 7
To assemble, spread a generous layer of crispy french fries on a large serving platter. Top with the beef and sausage mixture. Garnish with sliced hard-boiled eggs and chopped fresh parsley.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately while hot for the best texture.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The spiciness of Pique Macho comes from the locoto peppers; adjust to your tolerance.
- ✓Using a mix of beef and different types of sausages adds complexity.
- ✓This dish is meant to be shared and is often served in very large portions.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include additional ingredients like chicken, cheese, or even shrimp.
- A spicy salsa called 'llajua' is often served on the side.