Red Quinoa Carapulcra with Aji Panca Chicken, Apple, and Mint

Name: Red Quinoa Carapulcra with Aji Panca Chicken, Apple, and Mint
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Peruana
Ingredients: 1.3 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into pieces; 1 1/4 cups red quinoa; 1 1/4 cups red onion; 4 cloves garlic; 3 tbsp aji panca paste; 1 medium red apple; 1/3 cup unsalted roasted peanuts; 3 cups chicken broth; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground clove; 2 tbsp fresh mint; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 12 oz sweet potato; 1 tbsp lime

An original Peruvian-inspired dish that reimagines carapulcra using red quinoa instead of dried potatoes. The sauce is enriched with aji panca, red apple, toasted peanuts, and a touch of mint, while browned chicken adds savory depth and balance.

25 minPrep

45 minCook

70 minTotal

4Servings

Dairy-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

600 g boneless chicken thighs, cut into pieces (skinless)
220 g red quinoa (enjuagada)
180 g red onion (chopped diced small)
12 g garlic (chopped)
45 g aji panca paste (or to taste)
140 g red apple (pelada and chopped diced small)
40 g unsalted roasted peanuts (lightly crushed)
750 ml chicken broth (hot)
30 g tomato paste
1 g ground cinnamon
0.5 g ground clove
8 g fresh mint (chopped)
30 ml vegetable oil
6 g salt (or to taste)
2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
2 g ground cumin
350 g sweet potato (diced of 2 cm)
15 ml lime (juice fresh)

Nutrition facts

per serving

498 kcal

Calories

31 g

Protein

34 g

Carbs

25 g

Fat

6 g

Fiber

28 g

Net carbs

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

Peanuts

Instructions

1
1. Rinse the red quinoa under cold water until it stops foaming. Drain well and set aside.
2
2. Season the chicken pieces with 3 g (1/2 tsp) salt, black pepper, and ground cumin.
3
3. Heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil in a wide pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes, turning so it colors evenly. Remove and set aside.
4
4. In the same pot, add the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil. Sauté the red onion for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more.
5
5. Stir in the aji panca paste and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until the base looks glossy and fragrant.
6
6. Add the diced red apple, ground cinnamon, ground clove, and roasted peanuts. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes so the apple begins to soften.
7
7. Add the rinsed red quinoa and pour in the hot chicken broth. Return the browned chicken to the pot, stir gently, and season with the remaining 3 g (1/2 tsp) salt or to taste.
8
8. Once it comes to a boil, reduce to medium-low heat, partially cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the quinoa is tender and the sauce thickens to a spoonable consistency.
9
9. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Place the sweet potato on a tray, season with a pinch of salt, and roast for 18 to 20 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
10
10. When the quinoa carapulcra is ready, add the fresh mint and lime juice. Stir carefully and cook 1 minute more.
11
11. Serve the red quinoa carapulcra hot with the roasted sweet potato on top or on the side.

Chef tips

For deeper flavor, let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving. If you want a creamier texture, mash a spoonful of the roasted sweet potato into the stew at the end.

Substitutions

You can use diced turkey instead of chicken. White quinoa works if you do not have red quinoa, though the flavor will be less earthy. If you want to avoid peanuts, use toasted sunflower seeds; the flavor will change and the dish will no longer contain peanut as an allergen.

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 image
Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
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Illustrative image
TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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Illustrative image
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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