The most Representative dishes of Ica’s Gastronomy

Peruvian food is characterized as delicious: it makes sense that the cuisine is considered one of the best in the world. Within each region of Ica there are exquisite traditional dishes that encourage gastronomic tourism in the area. Ica has one of the most emblematic cuisines of Peru. This article will showcase the most representative dishes of the cuisine of Ica.

Sopa seca

Sopa seca (literally “dry soup”) usually accompanies carapulcra. The base of the dish are tasty noodles that are seasoned with different herbs and spices, such as red pepper and ground garlic. This dish is usually accompanied by chicken meat, although sometimes pork is used instead.

Carapulcra

Carapulcra is a “mestizo” dish that emerged during the Colonial Period. It is known as the oldest mestizo dish in Peru: in fact, it fuses Afro-Peruvian, Andean and Spanish culture. The main ingredient of carapulcra is “dried potato”. The dish also contains ground peanuts, aji panca (chili), pork, and onion, among other ingredients. It is delicious to eat this dish fresh from the stove, with a side of sopa seca. The flavor is much more profound if the dish is made using firewood.

Lima bean chowder

Lima beans are also typical in food from Ica. They are usually prepared stewed and accompanied by fried fish, but they can also be made into other dishes, such as lima bean chowder (chupe de pallares). The beans are cooked with onions, cheese, and milk.

Ica is known not only for its main dishes, but also for its traditional desserts, such as:

Las Tejas (petit four)

This dessert is made from citrus fruit peels. Tejas desserts originate from three colonial recipes: one with candied fruits, one with “manjar blanco” (similar to dulce de leche) and one with a sugar, lime and water-based cover. Tejas usually have different fillings, so you can find them filled with raisins, nuts, lime, etc.

Chapanas

Chapanas are a dessert that is usually consumed on the coast of Peru. They are most popular in Chincha, a town in Ica. This is an Afro-Peruvian dessert made out of cassava and molasses. It is prepared by wrapping the mixture in banana leaves and steamed on cobs of corn. Delicious!

Strained Beans (Frejol colado)

The dish is originally from Chincha and Cañete. Although it is a traditional Easter sweet, it can be consumed at any time of the year. One of the characteristics of this dessert is that it is not possible to taste the beans because in addition to beans, it has molasses, sugar, milk and cloves.

These are some main dishes and desserts that you have to try if you visit Ica. Come and discover them all!