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July 31, 2022 5 min read

Unless you’ve been living under a rock all your life, you probably know that Latin American countries are known for LOVING spicy food. And not in an American fashion, some of these countries have the hottest chilies and peppers and use them in practically every meal every day.

Peru is no exception to this rule, with its own species of peppers they make some of the most mouth watering dishes. Keep reading to find out the bestspicy Peruvian recipes if you enjoy the hot taste in your mouth! 


Common types of chilies and peppers in Peru

It is said that the first chilies grew near Brazil and Bolivia, and the seeds spread thanks to animals all over the Andes to places like Peru, Ecuador and Chile. Particularly in Peru two different species grew with ease and are now widely used all over the country: the Pubescens and the Baccatum species. 


The Pubescens species is responsible for growing the rocoto pepper. Its shape resembles one of a bell pepper in tones of bright red, yellow and orange and brown or black seeds.

The rocoto pepper might look innocent but it can be as much as 40 times spicier than the jalapeño, getting close in hotness with the habanero chili. The meaty texture of the rocoto makes it perfect forspicy Peruvian recipes as a seasoning or sauce.

The Baccatum species is where the ajies come from. Their shape is not very well-defined as they can grow long, round and even in irregular shapes, and their color can range from beige or white to bright orange.

The most used type of aji is aji amarillo, that gets its name from the color it turns when cooked; but there’s actually several types of ajies such as aji Limo, aji Norteño, and aji Panca, among others. These peppers are not good for stuffing, but they serve for great sauces and pastes that can be later used inspicy Peruvian recipes of all kind. 

Check out: Stuffed Plush Toys

The most popular spicy Peruvian recipes 

Even though chilies and peppers are such a huge part of this country’s cuisine by being used to season almost anything, there’s also full recipes that revolve around the pepper or chili as main or key ingredient. From several recipes we’ll present to you the most popularspicy Peruvian recipes you can make.

Ceviche 

This is not only one of manyspicy Peruvian recipes, it’s also one of the most popular across the country and outside of it. Peruvian ceviche consists of raw fish meat cut in cubes and mixed with ingredients such as purple onion, cilantro and of courseají amarillo, all macerated in lemon juice a few moments before being served. The citric highlights and even amplifies the spiciness of the ají in a mouth watering manner. You can read the full recipe forceviche here.

Leche de Tigre

Peru has the amazing ability to use the residues of a dish and turn it into another one. This is the case for Leche de Tigre, which consists of ‘leftovers’ of ceviche. It is a mix of the juice left at the bottom of a bowl of ceviche, ají amarillo and lots of lemon juice. As you might think, Leche de Tigre is used as the perfect cure for hangovers or after drinking alcohol because of the effect thisspicy Peruvian recipe has on the body.

Rocoto Relleno

Not only the coastal side of the country holdsspicy Peruvian recipes. This is a much more filling dish using a different type of chili, the rocoto pepper. Rocoto is a big pepper sized chili that is cut open, emptied and then filled with a mix of ground beef, egg and cheese. The rocoto is then placed in the oven to cook  and the result is a naturally spicy recipe that only gets spicier when hot. If you want to learn the full recipe to cookRocoto Relleno click here. 


Now that you know the most common types of peppers in Peru and discovered a fewspicy Peruvian recipes, the only thing that’s missing are the ingredients in your kitchen so you get started on the one you’re craving the most! Get to cooking and buy Peruvian chili pastes and sauceshere.  

Regarding spicy food, Peru is the place to go! From fiery chilies to complex sauces, these recipes will have your mouth on fire. From shrimp and chicken to pork and potatoes, there's something for everyone in this list of Peruvian spicy recipes. Spicy pork and potato stew are perfect for a cold winter night. The sweet potatoes add extra flavour, while the spices give it an extra kick. This is one of our favourite recipes from Peru.

Aji Amarillo 

If you're looking for a spicy food adventure, look no further than Peru. This South American country is home to some of the spiciest dishes on the planet. From fiery chilies to complex sauces, Peru has something to satisfy everyone's taste for heat. So if you're up for a challenge, add some Peruvian cuisine to your list of must-try foods. There's no question that Peruvian cuisine can satisfy your spicy food cravings.

Aji panca 

Aji panca is a type of chili pepper that is typically used in Indonesian cuisine. The pepper has a sweet, fruity taste and a mild heat. It is often used in dishes such as sambal, a spicy condiment made with chilies, onions, and shrimp paste. Aji panca can also be used in curries or added to soups. In addition to being used as a condiment, pepper is also used in herbal medicine.

It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. Aji panca is a member of the Capsicum annuum species. The plant grows to a height of 1–2 feet (0.30–0.60m). Its leaves are long and narrow, with a serrated edge, and are green in color.

Ají limo 

Spicy Peruvian recipes are a must-try for anyone visiting this South American country. The flavors in these dishes are incendiary and will leave your taste buds craving more. From salsas to stews, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this collection of spicy Peruvian recipes.

Rocoto pepper

The Rocoto pepper is a variety of chili pepper native to South America. It is related to the bell pepper and has a similar taste and texture. The Rocoto pepper is typically used in sauces and stews and can also be eaten raw. It has a spicy flavour that is hotter than the jalapeno pepper.

The Rocoto pepper is the result of a selective breeding program by the University of Florida, which began in 2009. The initial goal was to create a pepper that was resistant to black rot caused by bacteria. Huacatay, another pepper variety, was selected in 2014 as the parent of the new array. The fresh pepper is resistant to black rot and also has a higher yield and better taste. The Rocoto pepper is a spicy chili that has a hot flavor profile.

Huacatay 

Huacatay (pronounced wah-kah-tay) is a herb with a strong flavor and aroma. The leaves add flavor to dishes, and the root is used medicinally. Huacatay grows in the Andes Mountains of South America. Huacatay is also known as "huacaya," "kahwaj" in the Andes, and as "hukutaj" in Peru.

The Spanish word for it is "chilca." It is used as a flavor and aroma enhancer in Andean cooking. It can be used as a substitute for oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, or savory. It is also used to cook with. The leaves are tender and have a strong flavor.

Benefits of Huacatay 

Huacatay, or Peruvian black mint, is a dark purple-black herb with a strong menthol flavor. It is used to add flavor to food and as a medicinal herb. It is used to treat digestive problems, including acid indigestion. It is also used as a diuretic and for headaches. Huacatay is also used in Ayahuasca brews to "make the medicine go down" and as a flavor. It is sometimes referred to as "Peruvian peppermint.