Jalea facts for kids

Jalea mixta (mixed) from Chiclayo, Perú

Jalea is a delicious Peruvian cuisine dish. It is made mostly from fried fish, squid, and other yummy seafood. It's a very popular meal in Peru, often enjoyed by families and friends.

What is Jalea?

Jalea is a mix of different seafood that has been lightly breaded and then deep-fried until it's golden and crispy. It's known for its amazing crunch on the outside and tender, juicy seafood inside. People in Peru love Jalea because it's full of flavor and fun to eat.

Key Ingredients of Jalea

The main ingredients in Jalea are usually fresh fish and various kinds of seafood.

• Fish: Often, white fish like corvina or sole are used. These fish have a mild taste that goes well with the frying process.
• Seafood: Besides fish, Jalea often includes:

* Squid (calamari rings) * Shrimp * Scallops * Sometimes even octopus or mussels

All these ingredients are cut into bite-sized pieces before cooking.

How Jalea is Made

Making Jalea involves a few simple steps:

• Marinating: First, the fish and seafood are often soaked in a mix of lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. This adds a lot of flavor and makes the seafood tender.
• Breading: After marinating, the pieces are lightly coated in flour or a special corn flour mix. This coating is what makes the Jalea so crispy when it's fried.
• Frying: Finally, the coated seafood is deep-fried in hot oil until it's golden brown and cooked through. It cooks quite fast!

What to Eat with Jalea

Jalea is usually served with several tasty side dishes that make the meal complete:

• Yuca: This is a starchy root vegetable, similar to a potato, that is often fried and served alongside Jalea.
• Plantains: Sweet plantains, which are like large bananas, are also fried and add a sweet contrast to the savory Jalea.
• Salsa Criolla: This is a fresh Peruvian onion salad. It's made with thinly sliced red onions, lime juice, cilantro, and sometimes a bit of chili. It adds a fresh, tangy flavor.
• Tartar Sauce: A creamy sauce, often homemade, is also a common dip for Jalea.
• Lime: A fresh lime wedge is always served with Jalea, allowing you to squeeze fresh juice over the fried seafood for an extra zing.

Where to Find Jalea

Jalea is a very common dish throughout Peru. You can find it in many places:

• Restaurants: Most Peruvian restaurants, especially those specializing in seafood, will have Jalea on their menu.
• Street Food: In some areas, you might find vendors selling smaller portions of Jalea as a quick and tasty snack.
• Homes: Many Peruvian families also make Jalea at home for special occasions or just a delicious meal.

It's a dish that celebrates the rich seafood found along Peru's coast and is a favorite for many people, both in Peru and around the world.

See also

In Spanish: Jalea (gastronom%C3%ADa) para ni%C3%B1os