
Creamy Quinoa Carapulcra with Golden Chicken, Aji Panca and Green Apple
An original dish inspired by Peruvian flavors: a smooth, creamy carapulcra made with quinoa and dried potato, enriched with aji panca, peanuts, and a fresh touch of green apple, topped with golden-seared chicken and parsley.
Ingredients
- 600 g chicken breast, cut into portions (skinless)
- 180 g white quinoa (enjuagada)
- 120 g dried potato (enjuagada and remojada 20 minutos)
- 180 g red onion (chopped diced small)
- 12 g garlic (chopped)
- 45 g aji panca paste
- 40 g ground toasted peanuts
- 100 g green apple (pelada and cut diced small)
- 900 ml chicken stock (hot)
- 80 ml white wine
- 45 ml vegetable oil
- 2 g ground cumin
- 1 g dried oregano
- 8 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (or to taste)
- 10 g fresh parsley (chopped for terminar)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water until it no longer foams. Drain. Rinse the dried potato and soak it for 20 minutes in warm water; drain again.
- 2
2. Season the chicken portions with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and the cumin.
- 3
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden and it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C. Remove and keep covered.
- 4
4. In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, the red onion, and the garlic. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes over medium heat until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- 5
5. Add the aji panca paste and dried oregano. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until the base turns darker and glossy.
- 6
6. Stir in the soaked dried potato, rinsed quinoa, and green apple. Mix well so everything is coated with the flavor base.
- 7
7. Pour in the white wine and cook for 2 minutes so it reduces slightly.
- 8
8. Add the hot chicken stock and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and cook partially covered for 20 minutes, stirring from time to time so the quinoa does not stick.
- 9
9. Add the ground toasted peanuts, mix well, and cook 8 to 10 minutes more, until creamy and thick. Adjust with the remaining salt and black pepper.
- 10
10. Return the seared chicken to the pot and cook it in the sauce for 2 minutes so it heats through and absorbs flavor.
- 11
11. Serve the creamy quinoa carapulcra in shallow bowls, place the chicken on top, and finish with chopped fresh parsley.
Chef tips
For a more traditional texture, lightly chop the soaked dried potato before adding it to the pot. The green apple should stay subtle; it adds freshness without making the dish sweet.
Substitutions
You can replace the chicken breast with boneless chicken thigh fillets. If you do not have white wine, use 1/3 cup additional stock with a few drops of lemon juice. Parsley can be replaced with cilantro for a more herbal profile.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
Illustrative imageTeakhaus Teak Cutting Board
Stable base for chopping
- Stable surface for chopping
- Gentle on your knife edge
- Hand-wash and let it dry
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