Inchicapi

Name: Inchicapi
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 1 L chicken stock; 80 g peanuts; 200 g chicken; 1 handful cilantro; to taste fine sea salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 chicken

Inchicapi, a beloved Peruvian dish, finds its roots deep within the Amazon rainforest, where it is traditionally crafted with care and shared among families. This home-style peanut soup captures the essence of Amazonian cooking, with each family adding a unique touch to the communal pot. It is often prepared during gatherings, enveloping the table with the warmth of shared stories and laughter.

The soup is a creamy blend of ground peanuts and chicken stock, creating a rich, nutty base that comforts with every spoonful. Generous use of fat and a sprinkling of cilantro brings freshness to the dish, while salt is judged by hand, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors. Each bowl is a hearty celebration of simplicity and tradition, inviting all to savor its rustic charm.

Ingredients

1 Lchicken stock
80 gpeanuts
200 gchicken
1 handfulcilantro
to tastefine sea salt

Method

In a medium-sized pot, pour in 1 liter of chicken stock and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This will serve as the base for your Inchicapi, infusing the soup with rich flavor from the start.
While the stock is warming, finely chop 80 g of peanuts. Add them to the pot, stirring occasionally. The peanuts will thicken the soup and impart a nutty aroma. Allow them to soften and release their oils into the stock.
Cut 200 g of chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Stir to ensure the chicken is evenly distributed. The chicken should turn opaque and start to tenderize as it cooks in the stock, absorbing the flavors around it.
As the chicken cooks, finely chop a handful of cilantro. Set it aside for later. This will be used to finish the dish, adding a fresh, herbal note that complements the richness of the soup.
Continue to simmer the soup until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the peanuts have softened to a creamy consistency. The soup should have a slightly thickened texture from the peanuts.
Taste the soup and add fine sea salt to your preference. The salt should enhance the flavors without overpowering them.
Just before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro. This will add a burst of color and a fresh, vibrant flavor to the Inchicapi, making it ready to share at the table.