Peruvian Vegan Cooking Class, Cocktails, Local Market Tour Cusco

Discover the vibrant flavors of Peru through a unique vegan cooking experience in Cusco. This intimate class takes you on a culinary journey, starting with a guided tour of the bustling San Pedro Market. Here, you’ll uncover the secrets behind Peru’s superfoods like quinoa and maca. Then, it’s time to get hands-on as you learn to prepare traditional dishes in a vegan-friendly way. From the zesty Causa Limeña to the refreshing Cebiche, you’ll savor the vibrant tastes of Peruvian cuisine. And to top it off, you’ll even learn how to mix the perfect Passion Fruit Pisco Sour. Get ready to learn about the rich culture and flavors of Peru.

Good To Know

• Intimate culinary experience exploring vegan versions of classic Peruvian dishes and traditional cocktails, with hands-on learning in a small-group format.
• Guided tour of San Pedro Market to source fresh, local ingredients used in the cooking session, enhancing appreciation for Peruvian culinary traditions.
• Introduction to nutrient-dense Peruvian superfoods like quinoa, maca, lucuma, and camu camu, and their versatile applications in the plant-based dishes.
• Preparation of visually stunning and delicious vegan Causa Limeña, Vegetarian Cebiche, and Quinoa Tamal, capturing the essence of Peruvian gastronomy.
• Opportunity to savor a well-rounded menu of signature Peruvian drinks, including Passion Fruit Pisco Sour and Chicha Punch, along with traditional dessert Picarones.

Overview of the Peruvian Vegan Cooking Class

The Peruvian Vegan Cooking Class in Cusco offers an intimate culinary experience, catering to a small group of up to nine participants.

It’s a hands-on approach to exploring local food, drink, and culture, with a badge of excellence earned from 27 positive reviews.

The class follows a small-group format, providing an in-depth and personalized learning experience.

Participants will have the opportunity to visit the traditional San Pedro Market, learn about Peruvian superfoods, and shop for fresh ingredients to be used in the cooking session.

The class focuses on preparing vegan versions of classic Peruvian dishes, complemented by the creation of traditional cocktails.

Visiting the Traditional San Pedro Market

As part of the Peruvian Vegan Cooking Class, participants begin their culinary journey with a visit to the traditional San Pedro Market in Cusco.

This bustling marketplace offers an immersive introduction to Peruvian ingredients and superfoods. Under the guidance of the knowledgeable chef, the group explores the vibrant stalls, learning about the unique produce, spices, and traditional products that will be used in the cooking class.

The market tour provides an opportunity to shop for the fresh, local ingredients needed to prepare the classic Peruvian dishes. This hands-on experience allows participants to gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse flavors and culinary traditions of Peru.

Exploring Peru’s Superfoods

During the market tour, the Peruvian Vegan Cooking Class introduces participants to Peru’s renowned superfoods.

These nutrient-dense ingredients have gained global recognition for their exceptional health benefits. The tour highlights quinoa, maca, lucuma, and camu camu – staples in traditional Peruvian cuisine.

Quinoa, a complete protein, is a versatile grain used in many local dishes. Maca, a root vegetable, is prized for its energy-boosting properties. Lucuma, a subtropical fruit, lends a unique sweetness to desserts.

Meanwhile, camu camu is celebrated for its high vitamin C content. By understanding these superfoods, participants gain a deeper appreciation for Peruvian culinary culture and the nutritional wealth of its ingredients.

Preparing Vegetarian Causa Limeña

After exploring the diverse ingredients of Peruvian cuisine during the market tour, the class turns its focus to preparing the vegan version of the classic Peruvian dish, Causa Limeña.

Causa Limeña is a layered potato dish, typically made with mashed yellow potatoes, savory fillings, and a creamy sauce. In the vegan version, participants learn to create a flavorful plant-based filling with sautéed mushrooms and a smooth vegan mayonnaise.

They carefully assemble the layers, creating a visually stunning and delicious dish. The instructor guides the class through each step, explaining the traditional techniques and offering tips to achieve the perfect Causa Limeña.

Crafting Vegetarian Cebiche

Moving on from the preparation of the classic Peruvian dish Causa Limeña, the class now turns its attention to crafting the vegetarian version of cebiche.

Cebiche, a staple of Peruvian cuisine, is traditionally made with raw fish. However, the vegan adaptation of this dish uses fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruit to create a vibrant and flavorful alternative.

The key steps include:

1. Marinating the vegetables in a citrus-based marinade.
2. Incorporating ripe mango for sweetness and texture.
3. Seasoning the dish with Peruvian spices and herbs.
4. Serving the cebiche chilled, garnished with fresh cilantro and thinly sliced red onion.

This vegetarian cebiche offers a delightful and refreshing take on a Peruvian classic, showcasing the versatility of plant-based ingredients.

Cooking Quinoa Tamal

The class then turns its attention to preparing the Quinoa Tamal, a plant-based take on the classic Peruvian dish.

The instructor guides the participants through the process, explaining the key ingredients and techniques. First, they’ll mix the quinoa with savory vegetables and seasonings, then bundle the mixture in corn husks and steam it to perfection.

The result is a hearty, flavorful tamale that captures the essence of Peruvian cuisine. Participants learn how to adapt traditional recipes to suit their dietary preferences, while still preserving the authentic flavors.

This hands-on experience allows them to expand their culinary skills and appreciation for Peruvian gastronomy.

Mixing Passion Fruit Pisco Sour

With the preparation of the Quinoa Tamal complete, the class then turns its focus to mixing the Passion Fruit Pisco Sour.

The chef guides the participants through the steps:

1. Shake together pisco, passion fruit purée, simple syrup, and ice.
2. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
3. Top with a splash of soda water for some fizz.
4. Garnish with a slice of passion fruit or a sprig of mint.

The vibrant and refreshing Passion Fruit Pisco Sour offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and herbal flavors, complementing the rich and savory Peruvian dishes.

Savoring the Menu and Refreshments

After preparing the vegan Peruvian dishes and cocktails, participants eagerly turn their attention to savoring the menu and refreshments.

The tasting begins with a welcome drink of Chicha Morada, a traditional purple corn juice, as well as the signature Passion Fruit Pisco Sour and non-alcoholic Chicha Punch.

The main course features the vegetarian Causa Limeña, Vegetarian Cebiche, and Quinoa Tamal, showcasing the diverse flavors of Peruvian cuisine.

To finish, participants indulge in the classic Picarones, a traditional Peruvian dessert.

With knowledgeable guidance and high-quality ingredients, the cooking class provides a well-rounded culinary experience that allows participants to fully enjoy the vibrant flavors of Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?

Yes, the cooking class can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. Participants are encouraged to inform the instructor about any needs so they can tailor the experience to ensure everyone enjoys the meal.

What Is the Group Size for the Cooking Class?

The maximum group size for the cooking class is capped at nine participants, ensuring an intimate small-group format for a personalized experience.

How Long Does the Entire Experience Last?

The cooking class lasts approximately 4 hours. It begins with a market tour, then moves to the cooking studio where participants prepare several vegan Peruvian dishes and cocktails, culminating in a full meal and sampling of the prepared items.

Can I Purchase Ingredients From the Market After the Tour?

Participants can purchase ingredients from the San Pedro Market after the guided tour. The experience provides an opportunity to shop for fresh produce and other local items used in the cooking class.

Are There Any Vegetarian or Vegan Options for the Cocktails?

Yes, the class offers non-alcoholic and vegan options for the cocktails. The Passion Fruit Pisco Sour and Chicha Punch both have vegan versions available to accommodate dietary restrictions.

The Sum Up

Discover the vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine through this intimate vegan cooking class in Cusco. Explore the local market, uncover nutrient-dense superfoods, and learn to prepare traditional dishes with a plant-based twist. Indulge in a delightful tasting experience, complete with refreshing cocktails, for a truly immersive culinary adventure that celebrates Peruvian culture and cuisine.