Carapulcra facts for kids
A carapulcra dish
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| Place of origin | Peru, Bolivia |
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| Region or state | South America |
| Main ingredients | stew of pork, potatoes, peanut, aji panca, mirasol pepper, garlic, and clove |
Carapulcra, also called carapulca, is a very old and traditional stew from the Andes Mountains. People like the Quechua people and Aymara people have been making this dish for hundreds of years.
The name "carapulcra" comes from the Aymara language. The original word is qala phurk'a, which means "stew made with hot stones." This tells us how it might have been cooked long ago!
Today, in Peruvian cuisine and Bolivian cuisine, carapulcra is a tasty stew. It usually has pork and special dried potatoes called papa seca. It also includes yummy ingredients like peanuts, different kinds of chili peppers (like aji panca and mirasol peppers), garlic, and other spices such as clove.
A Taste of History
Carapulcra has a long history in the Andes. In ancient times, people often used meat from animals like llamas or alpacas. These animals were very important for food in the mountains.
Even today, some people still use llama or alpaca meat in their carapulcra. This keeps the old traditions alive. It connects modern meals to the past.
Main Ingredients
The main part of carapulcra is often pork. This meat is cooked slowly until it is very tender. It soaks up all the flavors of the spices.
Another key ingredient is papa seca. These are potatoes that have been dried. Drying potatoes was a way for ancient people to store food for a long time. When cooked, they become soft and delicious.
The stew gets its special flavor from chili peppers. Ají panca gives it a mild, smoky taste. Mirasol peppers add a different kind of warmth. Garlic and clove also add to the rich and complex flavors.
How to Enjoy Carapulcra
Carapulcra is a hearty and filling meal. It is often served with other simple foods. Many people eat it with plain white rice.
Sometimes, it comes with boiled potatoes. Another common side dish is yuca, which is also known as cassava. Yuca is a starchy root vegetable. It has a mild flavor that goes well with the rich stew.
This dish is a great example of how ancient traditions live on in modern food. It shows the rich history and culture of the Andean people.
Images for kids
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Learn more about Carapulcra in Spanish on Kiddle!
