Learn about the history of the exquisite Rocoto Relleno

The Rocoto Relleno captivates with its flavor and color, but also with its history that mixes tradition, science and legend. From the Arequipa spicy restaurants to the myths of cooks who faced the devil, this Peruvian dish contains centuries of culture in every bite.

Where does Rocoto Relleno come from?

If you talk about Rocoto Relleno It is inevitable not to mention the Arequipa region in Peru, place of origin of this Andean dish made from rocoto, a very spicy Peruvian chili with a rounded shape and similar size to that of an apple, whose scientific name is Pubescent capsicum. A fruit that is part of the long list of native chili peppers that Peru offers, such as yellow chili, panca chili, limo chili, among others.

What makes Rocoto Relleno special?

This emblematic Arequipa dish delights the most demanding palates in the world, due to its exquisite flavor, color and texture. As for its preparation, the rocoto has its veins and seeds removed to be stuffed with beef tenderloin, peanuts, chopped onion, raisins and cheese, in addition to being seasoned with spices such as pepper, huacatay, cumin and parsley. This dish is usually served with potato cake, another classic of Arequipa cuisine.

What is the legend behind its origin?

The Peruvian writer, Carlos Herrera, wrote a story in which he recounts the origin of this typical dish, pointing out that Manuel Masías, a legendary Arequipa chef (1728–1805) who entered the culinary world by cooking in Lima, Arequipa and Paris (France), was responsible for its creation.

The story states that Masías had to go down to hell itself to recover the soul of his daughter Delphine, who had died very young and that Lucifer had as a prisoner. The exchange with the fallen angel consisted of having a great dinner that was to fill his belly to the point of complete satiety.

According to the book, chef Masías prepared a spectacular banquet with various ingredients (including rocoto), thus managing to free his daughter with the added value of turning the devil into an angelic being again.

What is known about its real history?

Regardless of the fiction to which this Arequipa dish is exposed, the story of its origin also tells that it coexisted with the rural populations of past centuries. It was offered in spicy restaurants and was served with a glass of chicha de jora.

Over the years everything changed, the Creoles and the bourgeoisie—which emerged in the urban area of ??Arequipa as a result of the wool trade and the mines of Potosí—took possession of this popular dish and, after a long process of hybridization and deterritorialization, it was presented to the national community as a culinary expression of Arequipa.

Does rocoto have medicinal properties?

On the other hand, with particular reference to rocoto, some research reveals that the action of capsaicin (a compound present in species of Pubescent capsicum) is a powerful anti-carcinogen, which when consumed - in moderation - prevents the spread of malignant cells. A product native to the Andes, considered one of the oldest plants in America.

Why should we be proud of Rocoto Relleno?

We can finally express that Rocoto Relleno is a delicious Peruvian dish with an interesting history and an ancestral flavor that fills all Peruvians with pride and that deserves to be enjoyed by everyone.

Long life for our exquisite Rocoto Relleno!