Pachamanca

What is Pachamanca?

Pachamanca is a traditional Peruvian dish with a history spanning thousands of years. This special meal is cooked underground using hot stones. “Pachamanca” means “earth oven” in Quechua, the language of the Incas. Let’s explore how it’s made and what ingredients are used.

History of Pachamanca

Pachamanca is a cooking technique that dates back to the Inca Empire. The Incas used hot volcanic stones to cook food. This method has been passed down through generations and remains an important part of Peruvian culture.

How to Cook Pachamanca

Step 1: Prepare the Earth Oven

The first step to making Pachamanca is to prepare the earth oven. A hole is dug in the ground, and volcanic stones are placed inside. The stones are heated until they are extremely hot.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

Pachamanca uses a variety of ingredients, including:

• Guinea pig
• Chicken, pork, beef, and lamb
• Potatoes and sweet potatoes
• Fava beans and corn
• Andean herbs like huacatay
• Garlic and salt

Step 3: Cook the Food

Once the stones are hot, leaves are placed over the stones to protect the food. Then, the ingredients are placed on top of the leaves. Everything is covered with more leaves and then with earth to keep the heat inside. The food cooks underground for several hours.

How to Prepare Pachamanca a la Olla

If you can’t cook a traditional Pachamanca in an earth oven, you can prepare a simpler version known as Pachamanca a la Olla. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients

• 1 kg of chicken
• 1 kg of pork
• 1 kg of beef
• 1 kg of guinea pig
• 1 kg of potatoes
• 1 kg of sweet potatoes
• 1 kg of fava beans
• 1 kg of corn
• 1 bunch of huacatay (Andean herb)
• Garlic and salt to taste
• 1 liter of chicha de jora (corn beer)
• Banana or achira leaves for wrapping

Instructions

1. Marinate the Meats: In a large bowl, mix the meats with garlic, salt, and huacatay. Let them marinate for at least 2 hours.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and cut the potatoes, sweet potatoes, fava beans, and corn.
3. Wrap the Ingredients: Place a layer of banana or achira leaves at the bottom of a large pot. On top, place a layer of potatoes and sweet potatoes, followed by a layer of meats. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
4. Cook: Pour the chicha de jora over the ingredients and cover the pot with more banana or achira leaves. Cover the pot and cook on low heat for approximately 2 hours.
5. Serve: Remove the leaves and serve the Pachamanca hot. Enjoy this delicious Peruvian meal with your family and friends.

Ingredients of Pachamanca

Meats

Pachamanca uses a variety of meats such as chicken, pork, beef, lamb, and guinea pig. These meats are marinated with garlic, salt, and Andean herbs to give them a special flavor.

Vegetables

Vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, fava beans, and corn are used. These vegetables are cooked along with the meats, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

Andean Herbs

Andean herbs, such as huacatay, are very important in Pachamanca. These herbs give the food a unique and special flavor.

The Significance of Pachamanca

Pachamanca is not just food; it is a celebration of Mother Earth (Pachamama). Cooking food in the earth is a way to honor Pachamama, who gives us everything we need to live.

Pachamanca in Peruvian Culture

Pachamanca is an important part of Peruvian cuisine and is enjoyed at many celebrations and special events. It is a way to bring family and friends together to share a delicious meal.

How to Enjoy Pachamanca

Celebrations and Festivals

Pachamanca is commonly prepared at celebrations and festivals. It is an occasion for everyone to gather, enjoy the food, and celebrate together.

Restaurants and Tours

On the Salkantay, Lares, and Inca Trail treks our chefs can make this dish if you are curious to try it, don’t hesitate to let us know in case you do any of these tours.

Interesting Facts About Pachamanca

• Pachamanca has been cooked this way for thousands of years.
• Hot stones are essential for cooking the food evenly.
• It is a cooking technique found in other cultures as well, but in Peru, it is an important part of Andean tradition.

Conclusion

Pachamanca is more than just food; it is a tradition rich in history and culture. It is a way to connect with the earth and with the ancestral roots of Peru. If you have the opportunity to try or participate in a Pachamanca, don’t miss it! It is a delicious and unique experience that will make you appreciate the richness of Peruvian culture even more. Plus, with Pachamanca a la Olla, you can enjoy this traditional dish in the comfort of your home.