Locro

Locro

Typical Argentine locro
Type	Stew
Place of origin	Andean civilization
Region or state	South America
Associated cuisine	Peruvian, Bolivian, Ecuadorian, Colombian, Argentinian, Paraguayan, Chilean
Serving temperature	Hot
Media: Locro

Locro (from the Quechua ruqru) is a hearty thick squash stew, associated with native Andean civilizations, and popular along the Andes mountain range. It's one of the national dishes of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Southern Colombia and Northwest Argentina.

Composition

The dish is a classic squash, corn, beans, and potato or pumpkin soup well known along the South American Andes. In some regions locro is made using a specific kind of potato called "papa chola", which has a unique taste and is difficult to find outside of its home region.

The defining ingredients are squash, corn, some form of meat (usually beef, but sometimes beef jerky or chorizo), and vegetables. Other ingredients vary widely, and typically include onion, beans, squash or pumpkin. It is mainly eaten in winter.

In Argentina it spread from the back to the front Cuyo region to the rest of the country. It is considered a national dish and is often served on May 25, the anniversary of the May Revolution. A red hot sauce made from red peppers and paprika known as Quiquirimichi is served sometimes on the side.

In Ecuador, a variant known as yahuarlocro is popular. It incorporates lamb entrails and lamb blood to the recipe.

Gallery

• 
  Locro at the table, with quiquirimichi and bread.
• 
  Locro being served at Simoca market, Argentina
• 
  Big pots of locro cooked on coal
• 
  Argentine Quiquirimichi

See also

• List of Ecuadorian dishes and foods
• List of stews