Tallarines verdes

tallarines_verdes

Tallarines verdes, or “green noodles” in English, is a delicious Peruvian dish that combines linguine pasta with a vibrant green sauce that is bursting with flavor. This dish is popular across Peru, especially in the capital city of Lima, where it is considered one of the national dishes of the country. The dish is a true representation of Peruvian cuisine, which combines indigenous flavors with Spanish, African, and Asian influences.

The star of this dish is the green sauce, also known as salsa verde, which is made with a combination of fresh cilantro, spinach, basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, and Peruvian yellow chili peppers (aji amarillo). The sauce is pureed until it is smooth and creamy and is the perfect complement to the tender linguine pasta. The result is a tantalizing and exotic fusion of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

This Peruvian dish is not only delicious but also has a rich history behind it. The origins of tallarines verdes can be traced back to the Italian migration to Peru in the late 19th century. The dish is believed to have been inspired by pasta dishes from the Liguria region of Italy. Peruvian cooks eventually adapted it to their own taste, adding local ingredients such as the aji amarillo chili pepper and cilantro, which are staples in Peruvian cuisine.

Tallarines verdes has become a staple dish in many Peruvian households, and it is not uncommon to find it on the menu at Peruvian restaurants. The dish is typically served with grilled or fried chicken, which is marinated in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, cumin, and salt. The pairing of the succulent chicken with the linguine pasta and the green sauce is simply divine.

One of the great things about this Peruvian recipe is that it is versatile and can be adapted to suit different dietary requirements. For vegetarians, the chicken can be substituted with sauteed mushrooms or tofu, while those who are lactose intolerant can use a vegan parmesan cheese alternative. The dish can also be made gluten-free by using gluten-free linguine pasta.

The preparation of tallarines verdes is relatively simple, but it does require some patience and time to ensure that the sauce is creamy and smooth. The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great meal to prepare ahead of time.

In conclusion, tallarines verdes is a delicious and vibrant Peruvian dish that draws inspiration from Italian cuisine but with a unique Peruvian twist. Its bright green color and bold flavors make it a visually stunning and flavorful addition to any meal. Whether you are looking for a vegetarian option or a gluten-free meal, this Peruvian recipe is versatile enough to accommodate a variety of dietary requirements. So, next time you are looking for a tasty and exotic meal, give this Peruvian dish a try, and you won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1 bunch of fresh cilantro, stems removed
  • 4 ounces fresh spinach
  • 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Grilled chicken or shrimp, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.

  2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, spinach, jalapeño peppers, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.

  3. With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until a smooth sauce forms. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water.

  4. Transfer the sauce to a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and season to taste with salt and pepper.

  5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the saucepan and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

  6. Serve the tallarines verdes hot, topped with grilled chicken or shrimp if desired. Enjoy!