"Culture Page".

 "PATARASHCA"

In Peru, there are a lot of varied gastronomy, from Tacna to Loreto, the menu is mixed. However, in my region (Loreto) we have  dishes that are nationally recognized, for insteance: "Patarashca", "Inchicapi", "Guiso de majaz", "Suri empalado, "Sopa de carne de monte", "Zarapatera", etc.

Today we are going to talk about "Patarashca" one of the most tipical dishes in the region, in fact, my favourite.

Patarashca is one of the most striking dishes in the Amazon region of Peru. Its name comes from quechua where it means "bend or paste". Patarashca is prepared with various types of meat, among which are the hualo (a giant batracio the size of a chicken) or that of the renowned suri, which can also be eaten in another presentation, the anticucho de suri. Regardless of the type of meat, the basic preparation is almost always the same : the meat is covered on bijao leaves and cooked on charcoal.

So, we can say:

It is a dish made from whole fish wrapped in bijao leaves. It has its origins in the jungle cuisine of the ancient settlers.

It is grilled, roasted or baked and served with roasted bananas or sancochada, I mean, cooked banana.

After cleaning, the fish are stuffed with a mixture of garlic, onions, cumin, sweet chili pepper and green chili pepper, chopped coriander, oil and salt to taste. They are grilled or simmered for about 15 minutes. Don´t forget capsicum "Charapita", that´s essential.

Activity B. PAGE 17

My Eating Habits

To be honest, my diet is not the best in the world. 

For instance, yesterday I forgot to eat breakfast, at lunch I ate as if there was no tomorrow and at night, at dinner, I had grilled chicken. 

Usually my diet consists of junk food; chicken breaststroke or fried chicken for lunch, pizza at night, chicken breaststroke, salchipapa, etc.

However, a few months ago, we made a decision, to give up junk food and start a healthier diet, without so much fat and it is working; my family feel more active, healthier like me, it has been one of the best decisions.