Welcome to the vibrant culinary landscape of Bolivia, where the rich tapestry of culture, history, and flavors converge to create a unique dining experience. In the heart of this South American gem, we embark on a gastronomic adventure that unveils the secrets of one of its most iconic dishes - Plato Paceño.

Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of La Paz, Bolivia's administrative capital, Plato Paceño is a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of the region. This hearty and flavorful dish is a testament to Bolivia's diverse cultural influences, blending indigenous ingredients with Spanish and Andean flavors.

Join us as we delve into the intricacies of crafting Bolivia's Plato Paceño, exploring the history behind its creation, the significance it holds in Bolivian cuisine, and, most importantly, the step-by-step guide to recreate this delicious masterpiece in your own kitchen. Prepare to embark on a journey that goes beyond taste, connecting you with the soul of Bolivia through the art of culinary storytelling.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of cooked and peeled potatoes, diced
• 1 cup of cooked corn kernels
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (queso fresco or a mild white cheese)
• 1 cup of charque (dried llama or beef), shredded (optional)
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Huancaina Sauce:

• 1 cup of queso fresco or feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 yellow Peruvian or Aji Amarillo peppers, deseeded and deveined
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of evaporated milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Huancaina Sauce:

1-In a blender, combine crumbled cheese, yellow peppers, minced garlic, and evaporated milk.

2-Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add more milk to achieve the desired consistency.

3-Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Assemble the Plato Paceño:

1-In a large serving dish or individual plates, arrange the cooked and diced potatoes as the base.

2-Sprinkle the cooked corn kernels evenly over the potatoes.

3-If using charque, distribute the shredded meat across the dish.

4-Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the entire platter.

5-Scatter chopped red onions, diced tomatoes, fresh parsley, and cilantro over the top.

Drizzle with Olive Oil and Season:

1-Lightly drizzle olive oil over the assembled ingredients.

2-Season the platter with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

1-Just before serving, add slices of hard-boiled eggs and avocado on top.

2-Pour the Huancaina sauce generously over the entire dish.

Enjoy:Serve the Plato Paceño immediately, allowing everyone to dig in and savor the delightful combination of flavors.

Bolivia's Plato Paceño is a culinary celebration that brings together the diverse ingredients of the region, creating a dish that's both hearty and full of character. Enjoy this authentic Bolivian experience right in your own home!

Nutritional Values

Nutritional Values (Approximate per serving):

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Cooked and Peeled Potatoes (2 cups, diced):

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Fiber: 7g

benefits:

• Rich in carbohydrates for energy.
• Good source of dietary fiber, supporting digestion.
• Contains vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium.

Cooked Corn Kernels (1 cup):

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits:

• Provides dietary fiber for digestive health.
• Contains essential vitamins, including B vitamins and vitamin C.
• Offers antioxidants that contribute to overall health

Shredded Cheese (1 cup, queso fresco or mild white cheese):

• Calories: 400
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 35g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• High in protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Good source of calcium for bone health.
• Provides essential fats and vitamins.

Charque (Dried Llama or Beef, 1 cup, shredded) - Optional:

• Calories: 250
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 55g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein for muscle development.
• Contains iron, crucial for transporting oxygen in the blood.
• Provides essential B vitamins for overall health.

Red Onion (1 medium, finely chopped):

• Calories: 45
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, supporting overall well-being.
• Contains anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Provides vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium.

Tomato (1 medium, diced):

• Calories: 22
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• High in vitamins, particularly vitamin C and potassium.
• Contains antioxidants, such as lycopene.
• Supports heart health and immune function.

Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped):

• Calories: 1
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Supports bone health.

Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped):

• Calories: 1
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and essential oils.
• Provides vitamins A and K.
• Supports digestive health.

Hard-Boiled Eggs (2, sliced):

• Calories: 140
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein.
• Contains essential vitamins, including B vitamins.
• Provides healthy fats and supports satiety.

Avocado (1 medium, sliced):

• Calories: 234
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 10g

benefits:

• Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Excellent source of potassium.
• Provides vitamins E, K, and C.

Olive Oil (for drizzling, 1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Healthy monounsaturated fats support heart health.
• Contains antioxidants, protecting cells from damage.
• Provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

• Negligible calories, protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

benefits: Adds flavor to the dish.

Queso Fresco or Feta Cheese (1 cup, crumbled):

• Calories: 300
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Good source of protein and calcium.
• Adds a rich and tangy flavor to the dish.

Yellow Peruvian or Aji Amarillo Peppers (2, deseeded and deveined):

• Calories: 40
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which may have metabolism-boosting properties.
• Rich in vitamins A and C.

Garlic (1 clove, minced):

• Calories: 4
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Supports cardiovascular health.
• Adds a distinctive flavor to dishes.

Evaporated Milk (1 cup):

• Calories: 340
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Good source of protein and calcium.
• Provides vitamins D and B12.
• Adds creaminess to sauces.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

• Negligible calories, protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

benefits: Enhances overall flavor.

Note: The nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.