Locro De Zapallo: A Lush Andean Pumpkin Stew

Once you’ve tried this Peruvian pumpkin stew, you’ll probably agree that it needs way more recognition and fame than it currently enjoys! Locro de zapallo is a hearty stew that combines pumpkin, butternut squash, potatoes, corn kernels, peas, broad beans, onion, garlic and ají amarillo, with some cheeky cheese cubes thrown in. All accompanied by a portion of white rice. The dish is often topped with a fried egg or fried fish fillet. It’s the kind of stew that works not only in the winter, but year-round, and comes packed with flavor as well as vitamins. Let’s follow the pumpkin vine all the way to its origins and then move onto cooking this Peruvian gem ourselves!