Peruvian Anticuchos
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the garlic, aji panca paste, vinegar, cumin, oil, salt and pepper into a marinade.
- Toss the beef heart cubes in the marinade, coating thoroughly, and let marinate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
- Thread the marinated meat onto skewers.
- Grill over hot charcoal (or a hot grill pan), basting with any remaining marinade, for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred outside and cooked to preference.
- Serve hot with boiled potato.
Introduction: Skewers of marinated beef heart, grilled over charcoal and basted with aji panca sauce, one of Peru's most iconic and beloved street starters.
Cultural Background: Anticuchos trace their roots to pre-Columbian and colonial-era Peru, the beef heart marinated in a vibrant aji-based sauce and grilled over open flame, a treasured dish found at street stalls and celebrations alike.
Tips: Marinate for as long as possible, ideally overnight, for the deepest, most characteristic flavour. Beef heart is naturally lean and can toughen if overcooked — grill just until nicely charred and tender.
Variations: Use beef sirloin as a milder alternative to heart, still delicious though less traditional. Serve with a side of choclo (large-kernel corn) alongside the potato.
Storage: Refrigerate cooked anticuchos in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a hot dry pan for 2–3 minutes per side, or briefly under a hot grill.
FAQs:
Q: What is aji panca?
A: A dark red, mild Peruvian chilli pepper with a smoky, fruity flavour, essential to anticuchos and many other Peruvian dishes.
Q: Is beef heart the traditional cut?
A: Yes, it's the classic choice, prized for its rich flavour once marinated and grilled, though other cuts are sometimes substituted.
- Beef heart, cleaned and cut into cubes — 600 g (1.3 lb)
- Garlic, minced — 4 cloves
- Aji panca paste — 3 tbsp (or substitute a mild dried chilli paste)
- Red wine vinegar — 2 tbsp
- Ground cumin — 1 tsp
- Oil — 3 tbsp
- Salt and pepper — to taste
- Boiled potato, to serve
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