Peruvian Tacu Tacu Recipe

Tacu Tacu is a Peruvian dish made from leftover rice and beans which is then shaped into a patty and fried until crispy. Traditionally the dish is served alongside a fried egg or steak and the dish is one of the most popular comfort foods in Peru. 

Origin and Cultural Significance

Tacu Tacu was created in the Spanish colonial times, when the African slaves in the country lived mostly off of leftovers. The dish combines traditional African flavors with the local ingredients in Peru. It is thought the name “Tacu Tacu” comes from the Swahili word “food” although this is disputed. 

The dish is very simple to make and has been enjoyed for centuries up and down the country, originating in the coastal regions of Chincha and Cañete, before expanding across the country. You can find Tacu Tacu in restaurants across Peru—but it is more typically enjoyed at home with family. 

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Peruvian Tacu Tacu Recipe

Yield: 2

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Tacu Tacu is a Peruvian dish made from leftover rice and beans which is then shaped into a patty and fried until crispy.

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Ingredients

• Cooked rice - 2 cups
• Cooked beans (black or canary beans, mashed) - 1 cup
• Onion (finely chopped) - 1
• Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
• Vegetable oil - 4 tbsp
• Aji amarillo paste - 1 tbsp
• Salt and pepper - to taste
• Fried eggs (for serving, optional) - 2

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
2. Stir in the aji amarillo paste and cook for another minute.
3. Add the cooked rice and beans to the skillet, mixing well to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Form the mixture into a large patty and fry until crispy and golden on both sides.
5. Serve hot, topped with a fried egg if desired.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 687Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 29gCholesterol: 184mgSodium: 818mgCarbohydrates: 79gFiber: 7gSugar: 13gProtein: 18g

Nutrition is provided and calculated by Nutritionix. It is for general information purposes and is only a rough estimation.