Cultural Differences: Food

The best part about living here is the range of available and economical fresh, tropical and exotic fruit all year round!  But, in relation to Peruvian cooking: as a whole, this country's cuisine doesn't really fit into a box like some international flavors.  After moving out after high school, I loved exploring new foods, especially the vastly different flavors from around the world (think Mexican, Indian and Japanese).  So, it’s funny that Peruvian food didn't immediately hit my palate as something to be exotically enjoyed.  Having a Peruvian family and eating my lunch meals at the children’s home throughout the week, I am exposed to more everyday Peruvian cooking than most expats. It’s taken me a while to warm up to Peruvian food in general, but I’m glad that there have become a few things that I look forward to more regularly. 

Although I enjoy baking, cooking is not one of my favorite past-times, though I don’t mind too much when I have more time.  So, before marriage I was admittedly a little daunted and nervous about the having to cook for another and to figure out Peruvian cooking.  There was no need to fret.  It didn't take long to realize that as long as The Man has some meat, potatoes and/or rice all in good size portion, he is more than satisfied (sounds a lot like those farm boys back home).  Though I have learnt to cook a few specific Peruvian dishes (like Lomo Saltado), I can’t say that most of my cooking is “Peruvian”.  It’s also taken me over a year to get white rice down to near-perfection (fluffy and the just-the-right dryness), and so far that’s only for two (the family-sized potful just never turns out right).  I have been learning to distinguish between which of the hundreds of here-available potato varieties are best for baking and which are best for frying.  I have picked up some neat little tricks for high-altitude cooking like this one: just add a slice of fresh ginger to the pot to speed up cooking time for vegetables.  Learning to use a pressure-cooker was initially daunting but vital for cooking at over 11,000 ft.  I have also learned to adjust my schedule to fit in more time for shopping, washing, prepping, and cooking: because there are few ready-made, quick-to-make, pre-packaged food items to be found in Cusco! (Potatoes do not come pre-washed - that is a luxury, Canada!)

For years before coming here I rarely ate potatoes, white rice, pasta or white bread, but here  the diet is mainly (have you guessed it?) white starches- and pretty much every typical lunch or dinner meal is accompanied by white rice and/or potato.  Marriage is good for mingling favorite meals from both sides and for encouraging healthy-eating (more vegetables for him and less easy-out “non-meals” for me- like chocolate cake or corn chips and salsa).   Some days are Peruvian, some days are Canadian, some are International, and some are a mix of the in-between.  I will admit that my monthly grocery bills are higher than they could be.  In my almost two years here I have delightedly discovered where to find a variety of imported things that bring tastes from home, though it means trips to different grocery stores all around the city.  Some exciting discoveries that are often but not always in stock: cheddar and Swiss cheese (imported from New Zealand), small jars of pickles, and Chex Mix from Gatos Market; raspberry jam, small bottles of ranch dressing, Mexi-salsa and cranberry juice (made in Lima) from La Canasta; brown rice (also from Lima, but only found in this one Cusco store), dill, 5-blend Asian spice and other spices and sauces, and even Canola cooking spray from Oríon Market. 

I often find conversations with other expatriates and missionaries veer in the direction of food.  I like asking after people's favorite restaurants here.  Food’s just such a factor of home culture and what’s familiar.  We often miss those things that testify of convenience, those distinct flavors and favorites you can’t find here.  (It's kind of funny for me to realize how many of my blog posts have involved food).  Some of you may never know how appreciated are those care-packages sent from home!  I know a family that uses certain sugary treats sent from the U.S. for special occasions and rewarding especially good behavior (of their children, of course).  There's more than a few of us ladies with stashes of special tea-boxes in the cupboard.  I used to get my (somewhat coveted) cheddar cheese from a missionary who special-orders it by the block and brings it from Lima for a long list of missionaries.  (He deserves some tips).  A few of us were recently reminiscing about the convenience of boxed instant pudding.  Frankly, anything pre-cut, washed and cooked would be a great welcome to this city (perhaps that's also under category: luxury).

Truthfully, Peruvian food is quite healthy and to be vouched for: it’s all cooked from scratch- and that's not a bad habit to divulge in. And, Peruvian dishes have even been gaining International recognition. I know my friends and family from back home enjoyed most of the dishes in our wedding buffet last year (like Lomo Saltado).   For me it’s all the starch, and some of the strong meat flavors.  But, over time, I have warmed to the food in general and even have a few things I now call favorites.  

Dried toasted corn, salted and served with cubed cheese! Great for breakfast or snack.

Haba Soltero  (Broad-bean salad)

Arroz a la Cubana: Usually with rice, but in this case with potato cakes, fried banana, egg & avocado salad

Nabo with boiled corn and haba beans:  like eating spinach or brussel sprouts, this vegetable dish just makes you feel immediately healthier .  It's got a strong flavor though- a couple times a year is just enough!

Interested in trying a Peruvian recipe?

Lomo Saltado is a common tourist favorite.  It's a loin-strip beef stir-fry served with fried potatoes and rice and can be adjusted to your level of spicy based on the type of pepper you use.  My Mom and sister have long-ago inquired over this one, and make it back home.

Lomo Saltado:  beef stir-fry

Perhaps of interest:

If you are interested in trying some other great recipes, this is a great website with Peruvian recipes in English.

And this girl from church back home has an entertaining foody blog if you're the kind with time and passion for cooking.

An intriguing ABC News slideshow of What the World Eats- sure makes you think about all the packaged foods the First-World invests in, though it may spark other "food for thought".

And, the verse of the day (to keep it all in perspective):

It is written, "‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’"  -Matthew 4:4