Hispanic Heritage Month- Peru's gastronomic treasures

Lomo saltado

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, it is time to celebrate the achievements of the second largest community in Connecticut, Peruvians, and their exquisite gastronomy in the Nutmeg State. For the eighth consecutive year, Peru is the winner of the World Travel Awards as the country with the best worldwide cuisine. Additionally, Peru won six more awards for the best cultural and tourist destination internationally.

In a conversation in May 2019 with the Peruvian consul Dr. Eduardo Gonzalez, according to the State’s last census, and data from the consulate’s office, the community has increased in the last ten years, exceeding 50,000 Peruvians residing in the State. Moreover,  it continues to grow by adding their descendants (2nd and 3rd generations) children born in Connecticut from Peruvian parents or at least one parent that migrated to the State.

Dr. Gonzalez said, “Peruvians come and work hard looking for better opportunities. The work areas in which they are involved are primarily the service industry restaurants, construction, and maintenance, and in white-collar jobs. After a period of hard work, many become entrepreneurs, opening their restaurants, cleaning services, or their own construction companies.”

Undoubtedly, this community has taken over the service industry with their best culinary skills. For instance, Hartford has a variety of Peruvian restaurants and bakeries. Stamford comes with almost a dozen restaurants delighting the palates of all. However, there are entrepreneurs, who do not own established restaurants yet but instead sell Peruvian food by order from their homes.

Nevertheless, the most important reason of why Peruvian food is the winner of important awards, it is due to the influence of flavors from the diverse cultures that wrote Peru’s history since pre-Colombian times. Peru is an infusion of rich flavors, tradition, and history, which is reflected in the centuries of cuisine and culinary ingenuity, and in the current evolution of these delicious dishes. As a result, Peruvian immigrants in Connecticut have taken advantage of that cultural value and have shown and conquered diverse communities with their gastronomic pride in the Constitution State 

Ceviche

Peru’s cuisine continues enchanting palettes in Connecticut, among it, 's most popular dishes, are Los Anticuchos from African-influences, Ceviche Peruano (the star among all dishes in Peru) representative of the Peruvian coast, El Arroz Chaufa, with its influences of Asian immigration in Peru,  the exotic Cuy Chactado for adventurous eaters, Oyuquito con Charqui of Andean origins, the Tacacho con Cecina and Chorizo con Juane with roots of the Peruvian Amazon. It would be unforgivable to not accompany these delicious dishes without a round of Pisco Sour,  Chicha de Jora,  a Chicha Morada or perhaps a cold glass of Inca Kola.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration for all Latinos, and as expected of the second largest community in Connecticut, Peruvians will host a fundraiser on September 28 in Rocky Hill, to raise funds for the grand celebration on October 7, 2019 in Bushnell Park in Hartford for the month of the “Peruvian Marinera”, and to add their pride in the Hispanic Heritage Month. Everyone is invited!

What is your favorite Peruvian dish? Let me know in the comments!