Bolivian Anticuchos

Name: Bolivian Anticuchos
Prep time: 4 h 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: Bolivia
Ingredients: Beef heart, trimmed and cut into cubes — 600 g (1.3 lb); Garlic cloves, minced — 4; Aji panca paste — 2 tbsp; Vinegar — 2 tbsp; Cumin — 1 tbsp; Dried oregano — 1 tsp; Vegetable oil — 2 tbsp; Salt and pepper — to taste; Boiled potatoes and peanut sauce, to serve; Wooden or metal skewers

The Quirky Foodster Team

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20 min plus 4 hr marinating

Prep

10 min

Cook

Servings

Ingredients

Beef heart, trimmed and cut into cubes — 600 g (1.3 lb)
Garlic cloves, minced — 4
Aji panca paste — 2 tbsp
Vinegar — 2 tbsp
Cumin — 1 tbsp
Dried oregano — 1 tsp
Vegetable oil — 2 tbsp
Salt and pepper — to taste
Boiled potatoes and peanut sauce, to serve
Wooden or metal skewers

Method

Combine garlic, aji panca paste, vinegar, cumin, oregano, oil, salt and pepper to make the marinade.
Toss the beef heart cubes in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
Thread the marinated meat onto skewers.
Grill over hot charcoal or a hot griddle for 3-4 minutes per side, basting occasionally with leftover marinade, until charred outside and tender within.
Serve hot with boiled potatoes and a spoonful of peanut sauce.

Introduction: Anticuchos — skewers of marinated beef heart, grilled over charcoal — trace back to colonial-era Andean cooking and are found in variations across the region.

Cultural Background: Anticuchos — skewers of marinated beef heart, grilled over charcoal — trace back to colonial-era Andean cooking and are found in variations across the region. In Bolivia, they are a quintessential evening street food, sold from carts with a side of boiled potato and peanut sauce.

Tips: Beef heart is naturally lean and can toughen quickly — do not overcook past medium.

Variations: A milder version uses beef sirloin instead of heart for those less accustomed to organ meat. Vegetarian / Vegan Note Firm marinated mushroom or seitan skewers, grilled the same way, make a plant-based alternative.

Storage: Refrigerate cooked skewers for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat briefly on a hot grill or pan; avoid long reheating, which toughens the meat further.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx., 2 skewers): 280 kcal, 30g protein, 14g fat, 6g carbohydrate.

FAQs:

Q: Do anticuchos have to use beef heart?
A: Traditionally yes, though sirloin or other cuts can be used for a milder result while keeping the same marinade and grilling method.