Andean Chicken Cazuela with Tarwi, Aji Amarillo and Mint

Name: Andean Chicken Cazuela with Tarwi, Aji Amarillo and Mint
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Peruana
Ingredients: 1.5 lb boneless chicken thighs; 2 cups cooked tarwi lupini beans; 1.1 lb yellow potatoes; 1 1/2 cups corn kernels; 1 1/4 cups red onion; 1 tbsp garlic; 3 tbsp aji amarillo paste; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup evaporated milk; 4 oz fresh cheese; 1/4 cup fresh mint; 1/3 cup fresh cilantro; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup ground toasted peanuts; 1 tbsp lime juice

An original Peruvian recipe that brings together seared chicken, cooked tarwi, yellow potatoes, and corn in a creamy, fragrant cazuela with aji amarillo, mint, and a touch of fresh cheese. It has the homey spirit of Andean cooking with a modern, comforting finish.

25 minPrep

45 minCook

70 minTotal

4Servings

Gluten-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

700 g boneless chicken thighs (skinless, en trozos large)
300 g cooked tarwi lupini beans (well escurrido)
500 g yellow potatoes (peladas and diced medium)
220 g corn kernels (fresh or congelado)
180 g red onion (chopped diced small)
15 g garlic (chopped fino)
45 g aji amarillo paste (ajustar to taste)
750 ml chicken broth (hot)
240 ml evaporated milk (whole)
120 g fresh cheese (diced small)
10 g fresh mint (leaves chopped)
12 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
30 ml vegetable oil (for dorar)
2 g ground cumin
1 g dried oregano
8 g salt (or to taste)
2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
35 g ground toasted peanuts (for dar cuerpo a the cazuela)
15 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)

Nutrition facts

per serving

548 kcal

Calories

37 g

Protein

29 g

Carbs

31 g

Fat

6 g

Fiber

23 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

DairyPeanuts

Instructions

1
1. Season the boneless chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon of the salt, black pepper, and ground cumin. Let them rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
2
2. In a wide pot or cazuela, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes, turning until colored on several sides. Remove and set aside.
3
3. In the same pot, add the red onion and cook for 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic, aji amarillo paste, and dried oregano, and cook 2 minutes more, stirring so the base does not stick.
4
4. Add the yellow potatoes and corn kernels. Mix well so they are coated with the flavor base. Pour in the hot chicken broth and return the browned chicken to the pot.
5
5. Once it comes to a gentle boil, lower the heat, partially cover, and cook for 20 minutes, until the potatoes are almost tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
6
6. Blend half of the cooked tarwi with the evaporated milk, ground toasted peanuts, and 2 tablespoons of the hot broth from the pot until creamy. If you prefer, pulse briefly for a slightly rustic texture.
7
7. Add the tarwi cream to the pot along with the remaining cooked tarwi, fresh cilantro, and half of the fresh mint. Cook over low heat for 8 minutes, stirring gently, until the cazuela thickens slightly.
8
8. Add the fresh cheese and lime juice. Taste and adjust with the remaining salt if needed. Cook 2 minutes more, just to warm the cheese without fully melting it away.
9
9. Serve the cazuela very hot, finishing with the remaining fresh mint on top. If you want to keep it warm in the oven before serving, place it in an oven-safe dish at 200°F / 95°C for up to 10 minutes.

Chef tips

For deeper flavor, let the chicken brown well before making the flavor base. The tarwi should be fully cooked and well rinsed to avoid bitterness. If the cazuela thickens too much as it rests, loosen it with a bit more hot broth before serving.

Substitutions

You can replace tarwi with cooked lima beans if unavailable, though the flavor will change. The mint can be replaced with a smaller amount of huacatay. Fresh cheese can be swapped for a firm farmer-style cheese.

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
Ninja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
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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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