Pachamanca Cooking in Peru

[Mireille Roc]

Pachamanca is more than just a cooking method; it is a spiritual
offerring. Pachamanca comes from the Incan traditions of the Andean
region of Peru. The word comes from the Quencha language, meaning
earth (pacha) and pot (manca).

Pachamanca meals are roasted in the earth. A hole is dug and the meat
and vegetables are placed into this hole dug into the earth. Hot
stones are then placed on top of the food. The hole is covered up and
sealed completeley for about 1 1/2 hours and a roasted meal comes out.
Although this way of cooking comes from the Andean region, it has
spread throughout the country, especially for large community festivals
and large family celebrations.

Pachamanca is an offerring to Mother Earth. The food has come from
Mother Earth and by cooking the food in the earth, we are offerring it
back to her in thanks. Prayers in tribute to Mother Earth are often
included, prior to beginning the ritualistic Pachamanca cooking. This
way of cooking dates back to pre-historic times when the Incas still
ate a vegetarian diet.

Witness this amazing sight and taste the delicious Pachamanca food on Global Tastes & Travels' Andean Discovery Culinary Tour, May 26-June 4, 2011. Email [e-mail] for more information!!!

[Mireille Roc]

You can always join my culinary tour scheduled for May 26, 2011 - you have plenty of time to plan for it!!!

[John Kipper]

A friend of mine who did the Inca Trail told me about this. He said it was delicious, and really made some kind of connection with the earth. He's pretty "out there," but I can see what he means, and I'm totally game to try it... now I just need to get to Peru!!

[Mireille Roc]

the food is generally wrapped in corn husks before being placed in the ground and yes the hot stones are enough to cook the food

[Wendy Capra]

Fascinating! But... doesn't the food get dirty with the soil? Is it in a clay pot, or something? You make it sound like it's put directly in to the soil. And where's the fire? Are the hot stones enough to cook it?

Maybe I'll try this in my backyard!