Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Bolivia with the tantalizing flavors of Aji de Fideo. This traditional Bolivian dish seamlessly blends the rich culinary heritage of the country with a fiery kick that will awaken your taste buds. Aji de Fideo, a spicy noodle sensation, is a celebration of vibrant ingredients, bold spices, and the warmth of Bolivian hospitality. Join us in unraveling the secrets behind this mouthwatering recipe that has been passed down through generations, bringing families and communities together over a bowl of steaming, flavor-packed goodness. Get ready to immerse yourself in the culinary tapestry of Bolivia as we guide you through the art of crafting this irresistible Aji de Fideo.

Ingredients:

• 250g thin noodles (fideos)
• 1 lb beef, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons aji amarillo paste (Peruvian yellow chili paste) or substitute with other hot chili paste to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Noodles: Cook the thin noodles (fideos) according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.

Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, aji amarillo paste, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes are softened and the spices are aromatic.

Reintroduce Beef and Broth: Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beef or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Incorporate Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the pot, mixing them thoroughly with the beef and broth. Allow the noodles to absorb the flavors for an additional 5-10 minutes, adjusting the seasoning if needed.

Serve Hot: Ladle the Aji de Fideo into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side. The lime wedges can be squeezed over the dish before eating to add a zesty kick.

Enjoy your spicy Bolivian Aji de Fideo – a perfect fusion of chili peppers, savory meat, and comforting noodles!

Nutritional Values

Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and variations of ingredients used. However, here's a general estimate of the nutritional values for the main ingredients in the Aji de Fideo recipe:

Thin Noodles (250g):

• Calories: Approximately 875 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 175g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 1g

benefits:

• Good source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Provides some protein for muscle repair and maintenance.

Beef (1 lb, thinly sliced):

• Calories: Approximately 1100 kcal
• Protein: 100g
• Fat: 75g

benefits:

• High-quality protein for muscle building and repair.
• Rich in essential nutrients like iron and zinc.

Onion (1 large, finely chopped):

• Calories: Approximately 60 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Provides vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium.

Tomatoes (2, diced):

• Calories: Approximately 50 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamins C and A.
• Rich in antioxidants, including lycopene.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

• Calories: Approximately 10 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Known for its potential immune-boosting properties.
• Contains allicin, a compound with various health benefits.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: Approximately 240 kcal
• Fat: 28g

benefits:

• Source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Can contribute to heart health and overall well-being.

Aji Amarillo Paste (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: Approximately 30 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Provides a spicy kick and flavor to the dish.
• Contains capsaicin, which may have metabolism-boosting and pain-relief properties.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: Approximately 8 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 1g

benefits:

• Adds a warm and earthy flavor to the dish.
• May have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: Approximately 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Enhances color and flavor in the dish.
• Contains antioxidants, including vitamin C.

Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: Approximately 5 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Adds a savory and aromatic dimension to the dish.
• Contains antioxidants and may have antimicrobial properties.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

• Negligible calories

benefits:

• Enhances overall flavor.
• Sodium from salt helps maintain fluid balance in the body.

Beef or Vegetable Broth (4 cups):

• Calories: Approximately 20 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Adds depth and richness to the soup.
• Provides additional flavor and nutrients.

Chopped Fresh Cilantro (for garnish):

• Negligible calories

benefits:

• Adds a burst of freshness and a hint of citrus flavor.
• Contains antioxidants and may have antimicrobial properties.

Lime Wedges (for serving):

• Negligible calories

benefits:

• Adds a zesty and tangy flavor.
• Good source of vitamin C and may aid digestion.

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Additionally, the serving size may influence the final nutritional content of the dish.