A fun and hearty stir fry featuring beef, fries and whatever the heck you want.
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"Ir a la cocina es volver a casa." - Gastón Ugalde
Translation: "Going to the kitchen is coming back home."
Pique Macho is a popular and hearty Bolivian dish known for its bold flavors and generous portions. This dish is a delightful combination of beef, sausages, fries, eggs, and various condiments. It holds cultural significance in Bolivia and is often enjoyed in gatherings with friends and family. Pique Macho's origins are rooted in Cochabamba, a city in central Bolivia, and it has become a symbol of Bolivian cuisine, offering a mix of flavors and textures that represent the country's diverse culinary heritage.
The history of Pique Macho dates back to the 1960s in Cochabamba, a city renowned for its vibrant food scene. The dish is said to have been inspired by a similar dish called "Pique a lo macho" from neighboring countries like Peru and Argentina. Bolivians added their own twist to it, resulting in the creation of Pique Macho.
The dish's creation is often attributed to a local restaurant called "El Corregidor," where it was first served. Over time, Pique Macho gained immense popularity due to its hearty and satisfying nature, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
The ingredients are typically arranged in layers on a large plate, creating a visually appealing presentation. Pique Macho is known for its substantial portions, making it a communal dish that is often shared among several people.
Pique Macho has transcended its origins in Cochabamba and has become a beloved national dish in Bolivia. It's often enjoyed during social gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions. The dish embodies Bolivian conviviality, reflecting the country's culture of togetherness and enjoyment of food with loved ones.
In conclusion, Pique Macho is a flavorful representation of Bolivian cuisine that has a rich history rooted in Cochabamba. Its combination of meats, fries, eggs, and condiments offers a satisfying and hearty experience that has earned it a special place on Bolivian dining tables and in the hearts of food enthusiasts.
Bolivian Pique Macho Recipe
Prep time 30 minutes | Cook time 20 minutes | Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 lb beef steak, thinly sliced (Any meat can also be used)
4 Bolivian sausages (chorizo or hot dogs), sliced
4 cups French fries, cooked until crispy
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 large tomatoes, sliced
4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
Ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard for serving
Hot sauce (locoto sauce) for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare and Marinate the Meat:
Marinate the beef slices with cumin, paprika, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make Your Fries and Hard Boil Eggs
Cut medium sized french fry shaped pieces from your choice of potatoes.
Shallow fry until tender or put into the oven until done
The fries can really be however you want it, there are many recipes for various fries. In this dish they will get a bit soggy with everything put on top, so whatever your way of getting them nice and crispy will come in handy here.
3. Cook the Meats:
In the same skillet, cook the sliced sausages until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Sauté the marinated beef slices until cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Set aside.
3. Sauté Onions and Peppers:
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the sliced onions and bell peppers until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
4. Assemble the Dish:
On a large serving platter, start by arranging a layer of crispy French fries.
Next, layer the cooked beef slices and sausages on top of the fries.
Scatter the sautéed onions and peppers over the meat.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Top the dish with sliced tomatoes and hard-boiled egg slices.
Sprinkle additional crushed red pepper flakes and dried oregano for extra flavor and color.
Serve the dish with ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, and hot sauce on the side. Locoto sauce, a Bolivian hot sauce, is a great addition if you want to add some authentic heat.
Remember that Pique Macho is a versatile dish, and you can adjust the ingredients and quantities to your preferences. The key is to layer the various components to create a visually appealing and flavorful dish that combines different textures and tastes. Enjoy your homemade Bolivian culinary delight!
Want to learn more about Bolivia? Check out my travel guide below.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. Let's explore international cuisine together!
Are you interested in more flavors from Latin America? Check out the recipes below
North America & The Caribbean
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Mexican Elotes - Delicious cheesy street corn.
Navajo Tacos - Crispy fry bread with ample toppings.
Trini Doubles - A spicy chickpea curry with crispy flatbread.
South & Central America
Bolivian Pique Macho - A meat and potatoes stir-fry of epic proportions.
Chilean Tomatican - A warm summer corn stew featuring beef, tomatoes and onions.
Costa Rican Chifrijo - A perfect bowl of Central American rice, beans and meat.
Ecuadorian Encebollado - A yuca based fish stew.
El Salvadoran Pupusas - Stuffed corn flour cakes grilled on a plancha.
Guatemalan Pepian - A rich chile based chicken stew.
Nicaraguan Nacatamales - Hearty tamales with a tropical twist.
Paraguayan Chipa Guasu - A humble cheesy corn bread.
Peruvian Aji De Gallina - A creamy, yellow pepper chicken dish.
Uruguayan Chivito - A massive meat sandwich which proves Uruguay is all about the meats.
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