Anticucho facts for kids
A standard serving of Peruvian anticuchos with some corn and potatoes.
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| Alternative names | Anticuchos de corazon |
|---|---|
| Type | skewer |
| Course | Main dish |
| Place of origin | Peru |
| Region or state | Andes |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Meat |
Anticuchos (say: an-tee-KOO-chos) are popular and tasty meat dishes. They come from the Andes mountains in South America. People have been eating them since before Christopher Columbus arrived!
The word Anticuchos comes from the Quechua language. It means "Anti-style cuts" or "Eastern-style cuts." The "Anti" part refers to the eastern region of the Andes.
Today, you can find Anticuchos in Peru and other countries. They are often sold by street vendors from carts. The meat is usually marinated in vinegar and spices. These spices can include cumin, ají pepper, and garlic. While you can make Anticuchos with any meat, the most popular kind uses beef heart. This is called anticuchos de corazón. Often, a boiled potato is added to the end of the skewer.
Contents
History of Anticuchos
Anticuchos have a very long history. They were first made by the Inca people in the Andes. When the Spanish explorers arrived in the 1500s, they discovered this dish.
Over time, new ingredients from Europe were added. For example, garlic became a common spice. Also, beef started to replace the traditional llama meat used by the Inca.
This dish was very popular among the Inca people. Today, it is still loved across many South American countries. Sometimes, modern versions use different kinds of meat.
In Peru, Anticuchos are a big part of the country's food traditions. They are especially popular in July during the Fiestas Patrias, which celebrates Peru's Independence Day. People enjoy them at outdoor parties and barbecues.
How to Cook Anticuchos
Traditional Anticuchos are made with small pieces of beef. These pieces are usually about 2 to 5 centimeters big. They are cooked on a metal skewer. The skewer is about 30 to 40 centimeters long.
Sometimes, other things are put on the skewer too. These can include pieces of sausage or vegetables. Onions, peppers, carrots, and mushrooms are common choices. It's a lot like cooking meat on a barbecue!
The meat is seasoned with salt. Sometimes, people add vinegar or lemon juice for extra flavor.
A popular sauce for Anticuchos is made from garlic, onion, and chopped cilantro. It also has vinegar, lemon juice, and even beer. This sauce is brushed onto the Anticuchos while they cook.
Anticuchos are usually not the main dish of a meal. Instead, they are served alongside other grilled meats. They go well with side dishes like choripanes (sausages), potatoes, and salads.
Anticuchos in Different Countries
Peru
Anticuchos are a very important part of traditional Peruvian food. They are eaten by people from all walks of life. You can find them everywhere, especially as street food.
Bolivia
In Bolivia, Anticuchos are also popular. They are made with heart meat, usually beef or chicken. They are served with roasted potatoes. A special peanut sauce often comes with them.
See also
In Spanish: Anticucho para niños
