Peruvian Cooking Class in Cusco

Discover the vibrant flavors of Peru in Cusco with a hands-on cooking class. Participants visit a local market, select fresh ingredients, and prepare three traditional dishes under expert guidance. From the stuffed chili pepper to the stir-fried beef, this immersive experience promises to enrich your culinary skills and cultural appreciation. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, this class offers a delectable opportunity to savor the essence of Peruvian cuisine.

Good To Know

• A 4-hour Peruvian cooking class in Cusco that costs $78 per person and allows participants to prepare three traditional dishes and a pisco sour cocktail.
• The class includes a visit to a local market to explore ingredients like quinoa, rocoto chili, aji amarillo, and lucuma.
• Participants learn to prepare quinoa salad with huancaína sauce, stuffed rocoto peppers, ceviche, and lomo saltado with a pisco sour cocktail.
• The class is guided by a live tour guide in Spanish or English, providing insights into the cultural significance of the dishes.
• Participants receive a recipe book at the end of the class for continued exploration of Peruvian cuisine.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Peruvian Cooking Class Experience

The Peruvian cooking class in Cusco offers a unique opportunity for participants to explore the rich culinary traditions of Peru.

The 4-hour class costs $78 per person and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later.

During the class, they’ll discover traditional recipes, prepare three typical Peruvian dishes and a pisco sour cocktail, and learn about ingredients and techniques under the guidance of a live tour guide in Spanish or English.

The class also includes a visit to a local market to select the best ingredients for the cooking workshop.

Exploring the Local Market in Cusco

Participants begin their Peruvian cooking class experience with a visit to a lively local market in Cusco. At the market, they’ll explore the vibrant stalls, sample fresh fruits and breads, and select the best ingredients for their upcoming dishes. The guide will provide insights into the cultural significance and traditional uses of the market’s offerings.

| Item | Description | Price |

| — | — | — |

| Quinoa | Nutrient-rich Andean grain | $2.50/lb |

| Rocoto Chili | Spicy, red chili pepper | $1.00 each |

| Aji Amarillo | Bright yellow Peruvian chili | $0.75 each |

| Lucuma | Sweet, subtropical fruit | $3.00/lb |

This market visit sets the stage for an immersive culinary journey through the flavors of Peru.

Quinua Con Salsa Huancaína: Preparing the Quinoa Salad

Quinoa, the Andean superfood, forms the base of this vibrant salad.

Participants will learn to prepare the traditional quinoa with huancaína sauce – a creamy, zesty topping made with aji amarillo chili, evaporated milk, and queso fresco.

They’ll toss the quinoa with ripe mango, crunchy nuts, and a splash of lime juice.

The result is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of Peru.

As they assemble the dish, the cooking class guide will explain the significance of these ingredients and techniques to Peruvian cuisine.

Rocoto Relleno: Stuffing the Chili Pepper

As the class moves on to the next dish, you will learn the art of preparing the beloved Rocoto Relleno.

The chef demonstrates stuffing the chili pepper with a savory mixture of ground meat, onion, peas, carrots, peanuts, and raisins. They’ll carefully slice the peppers, scoop in the filling, and top them with breadcrumbs.

Once assembled, the Rocotos bake in the oven until tender and the flavors meld.

This iconic Peruvian dish combines the heat of the chili with the sweetness of the raisins and crunch of the peanuts, creating a well-balanced and satisfying plate.

More Great Tours Nearby

Ceviche: Crafting the Peruvian Fish Dish

Next, the class delves into the preparation of the classic Peruvian dish, ceviche.

Participants learn how to expertly slice the freshest fish and add the perfect balance of tangy lime juice, spicy chili, and crisp onions.

The chef demonstrates the traditional technique of "cooking" the fish in the acidic marinade.

Ceviche is a delicate dish that requires attention to detail, and the class members eagerly follow along, creating their own vibrant and flavorful versions.

The result is a bright, refreshing seafood dish that embodies the essence of Peruvian coastal cuisine.

Lomo Saltado: Stir-Frying the Beef

The class then moves on to the preparation of lomo saltado, a beloved Peruvian beef stir-fry dish. Students learn to slice the beef against the grain, then quickly stir-fry it with onions, tomatoes, and soy sauce. The dish is finished with french fries and cilantro, creating a balance of flavors and textures.

| Ingredient | Amount |

| — | — |

| Beef sirloin | 8 oz |

| Onion | 1 medium |

| Tomato | 2 medium |

| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |

| French fries | 1 cup |

| Cilantro | 2 tbsp |

The class enjoys the savory, sweet, and sour notes of the lomo saltado, appreciating the chef’s guidance on mastering this iconic Peruvian dish.

Mixing the Traditional Pisco Sour

The class now turns its attention to mixing the classic Peruvian cocktail, the pisco sour.

The chef guides participants through the steps:

1. Measure and add pisco, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

2. Vigorously shake the mixture until well-chilled.

3. Strain the frothy pisco sour into glasses.

4. Top with a dash of Angostura bitters and garnish with a lime wedge.

Participants learn how the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and boozy flavors creates the quintessential pisco sour.

The class enjoys sipping their expertly mixed cocktails as they prepare to savor the authentic Peruvian dishes.

Takeaways and Recommendations

Participants leave the Peruvian cooking class with a deeper appreciation for the vibrant flavors and rich culinary heritage of the region. They carry home not just the recipes, but the insights into the carefully selected ingredients and techniques that define Peruvian cuisine. The experience empowers them to recreate the dishes at home, sharing the delicious results with family and friends. As a memorable takeaway, each participant receives a recipe book to continue their culinary journey. The class is a must-do for any food enthusiast visiting Cusco, providing an immersive and authentic taste of Peruvian culture.

| Takeaways | Recommendations |

| — | — |

| Deeper appreciation for Peruvian cuisine | Book in advance to secure desired class time |

| Recipes and cooking techniques mastered | Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes |

| Recipe book for continued learning | Arrive on time to fully experience the program |

| Authentic taste of Peruvian culture | Ask questions to get the most out of the class |

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cooking Class Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?

The cooking class accommodates special dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan options. Participants can choose from the available meat-free dishes and the class will work to meet any dietary restrictions upon reservation.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Alcoholic Beverages?

Participants cannot bring their own alcoholic beverages to the cooking class. The class includes a pisco sour tasting, but no outside alcohol is permitted. Any special dietary needs should be communicated when making the reservation.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Number of Participants?

The class doesn’t have a minimum or maximum number of participants. It’s a group activity, so the size can vary. The class size is flexible to accommodate different group sizes.

Can the Class Be Customized for Private or Corporate Events?

Yes, the cooking class can be customized for private or corporate events. The class size and menu can be tailored to accommodate the group’s preferences and needs.

What Should Participants Wear or Bring to the Cooking Class?

Participants should wear comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes. Bringing an apron, camera, and reusable water bottle is recommended. No need for fancy attire – the focus is on having fun and learning to cook delicious Peruvian dishes.

The Sum Up

The Peruvian cooking class in Cusco offers a vibrant and immersive experience, providing participants with the opportunity to explore local ingredients, learn traditional recipes, and master the art of Peruvian cuisine. From preparing quinoa salad to crafting the classic Pisco Sour, this hands-on class promises to enrich one’s culinary skills and cultural appreciation. It’s a must-try for anyone seeking to explore the rich flavors and traditions of Peruvian gastronomy.

You can check availability for your dates here: