Ollucos – One of a kind

Ollucos look like bright colorful potatoes but they are something quite different. These Andean tubers have a somewhat slimy and watery texture, nothing in common to that of potatoes, and they can be eaten raw or cooked, although the latter is preffered as part of stews and chupes (thick soups). The name comes from the quechua word “ullucu” which means tuber.

These unique vegetables have beautiful colors, from pale or bright yellow to orange, pink, and red. And they come in many different sizes, from tiny (like grapes), to big (larger than baking potatoes). There is no need to peel them, just scrub them well under running water and cut in fine sticks or rounds to use in any recipe. Keep at room temperature until ready to use.

 


Trackbacks

  1. […] The Andes boasts an estimated 4,000 varieties of potatoes alone as well as such tubers as oca, olluco and mashua that rarely find their way to other […]

Speak Your Mind

*