Peruvian Vegan Cooking Class, Cocktails, Local Market Tour Cusco

Discover the vibrant flavors of Peru through a hands-on vegan cooking class in Cusco. Guided by an expert chef, you’ll explore the bustling San Pedro Market, learn about local superfoods, and craft delicious plant-based dishes. Elevate your culinary adventure with signature cocktails, including vegan Pisco sours. In this collaborative and immersive experience, you’ll uncover the secrets of Peruvian cuisine and leave with newfound culinary skills. What makes this cooking class truly unique, however, is the opportunity to not only nourish your body but also your soul.

This experience made our list of the 15 Best Cooking Classes In Cusco.

Key Points

• Small-group vegan cooking class in Cusco that focuses on traditional Peruvian dishes, including hands-on preparation of items like vegetarian Causa Limeña and quinoa tamal.

• Pre-class guided tour of the vibrant San Pedro Market to explore local ingredients like quinoa, aji amarillo, and purple corn.

• Instruction on creating vegan cocktails like passion fruit Pisco sours and Chicha punch, complementing the flavors of the dishes.

• Emphasis on the nutritional benefits of Peruvian superfoods like quinoa, maca, and chia seeds, with insights into their culinary history.

• Comprehensive cooking experience with all necessary ingredients, equipment, and recipes provided, along with excellent reviews and a Badge of Excellence.

Overview of the Cooking Class

The Peruvian Vegan Cooking Class in Cusco offers an intimate culinary experience, with a small-group format catering to a maximum of 12 travelers.

Boasting a Badge of Excellence and 27 glowing reviews, this class promises an engaging exploration of Peruvian cuisine and culture. Priced at $54.00, the class features a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior, ensuring flexibility for participants.

With a focus on hands-on learning and traditional vegan dishes, the class provides an immersive opportunity to discover the vibrant flavors of Peru under the guidance of a knowledgeable chef.

Exploring the San Pedro Market

Before entering the cooking class, participants embark on an enlightening market tour at the vibrant San Pedro Market. Here, they explore the diverse offerings that reflect Peru’s rich culinary heritage.

Ingredient	Description
Quinoa	The ancient superfood celebrated for its nutritional value.
Aji Amarillo	A vibrant yellow chili pepper that adds a signature Peruvian flavor.
Kiwicha	Also known as Amaranth, a gluten-free grain with a nutty taste.
Maca	The Andean root revered for its energizing properties.
Purple Corn	Used to make the traditional beverage, Chicha Morada.

Led by the knowledgeable chef, travelers discover the stories behind these local ingredients and their integral role in Peruvian cuisine.

Introduction to Peruvian Superfoods

Peruvian cuisine is renowned for its use of nutritious and versatile ingredients, many of which are considered superfoods.

During the market tour, the chef introduced participants to a variety of these superfoods, including quinoa, maca, and chia seeds.

Quinoa, a nutrient-dense grain, is a staple in Peruvian cooking and provides complete protein.

Maca, a root vegetable, is prized for its potential health benefits, while chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

The class explored how these ingredients are used in traditional Peruvian dishes and the culinary history behind them, providing a deeper appreciation for the country’s diverse and wholesome food culture.

Hands-on Cooking Experience

After exploring the diverse Peruvian superfoods, the class moved on to the hands-on cooking experience. Led by the knowledgeable Chef Jesus, participants learned to prepare vegan versions of traditional Peruvian dishes. The class worked together to craft Vegetarian Causa Limeña, Vegetarian Cebiche with mango, and Quinoa Tamal. Complementing the savory dishes, the class also learned to mix Passion fruit Pisco sours and Chicha Punch, with non-alcoholic options available.

Dish	Ingredient
Vegetarian Causa Limeña	Potatoes, Avocado, Carrots
Vegetarian Cebiche	Mango, Onions, Cilantro
Quinoa Tamal	Quinoa, Sweet Corn, Peas
Passion fruit Pisco sour	Pisco, Passion fruit, Lime
Chicha Punch	Chicha morada, Pineapple, Cinnamon

Vegan Versions of Traditional Dishes

How did the cooking class participants learn to prepare vegan versions of traditional Peruvian dishes?

Under the guidance of Chef Jesus, they gained hands-on experience in crafting plant-based alternatives to classic Peruvian fare.

The menu included a vegetarian take on Causa Limeña, a mouthwatering cebiche made with mango, and a quinoa tamal.

Participants learned the techniques to recreate these dishes without compromising flavor or authenticity.

The class also covered the preparation of a vegan-friendly passion fruit pisco sour and a non-alcoholic chicha punch, rounding out the immersive culinary experience.

Throughout the session, the chef shared insights into local ingredients and culinary traditions, empowering participants to recreate these vegan Peruvian specialties at home.

Cocktail Creations and Tastings

As part of the immersive culinary experience, the Peruvian Vegan Cooking Class also included the creation and tasting of two signature cocktails.

Participants learned to make a vegan version of the classic Pisco sour, using passion fruit as the base. They also tried the traditional Chicha punch, a non-alcoholic option made with fermented corn.

These cocktail pairings complemented the flavors of the vegan dishes, providing a well-rounded taste of Peruvian culture. Under the guidance of the knowledgeable chef, participants enjoyed mixing, shaking, and sipping these vibrant libations, further enhancing their appreciation for the diverse Peruvian culinary landscape.

Included Amenities and Features

The Peruvian Vegan Cooking Class offers a range of included amenities and features to enhance the overall experience. All ingredients and cooking equipment are provided, and participants receive the recipes after the class. A welcome drink and bottled water are included, and gratuities are covered. The class features a table-like layout to showcase the included amenities:

Amenity	Description
Ingredients & Equipment	Provided for the cooking experience
Recipes	Sent to participants after the class
Drinks	Welcome drink and bottled water included
Gratuities	Covered for the participants

This comprehensive package ensures a seamless and enjoyable vegan cooking adventure in Cusco.

Participant Feedback and Highlights

Consistently, participants have praised the Peruvian Vegan Cooking Class for its engaging market tour, knowledgeable chef, and delicious vegan alternatives to traditional Peruvian dishes.

Based on 27 reviews, the class has earned a 5.0 overall rating and a Badge of Excellence. Highlights include the in-depth introduction to diverse Peruvian superfoods and the hands-on experience of preparing vegan causa limeña, cebiche, and quinoa tamal.

Participants from various backgrounds have shared positive experiences, with one noting it’s a "must-do activity in Cusco" and another describing it as an "amazing experience from beginning to end."

Chef Jesus’s expertise has also been widely commended for making the class a fantastic experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Dietary Substitutions During the Class?

Yes, you can make dietary substitutions during the class. The chef is accommodating and will work with you to modify the dishes based on your dietary needs or preferences.

How Long Does the Entire Experience Last?

The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours. It includes a market tour, hands-on cooking class, and tasting of the prepared dishes along with cocktails.

Is Transportation to and From the Class Provided?

The class does not provide transportation to and from the event. Participants are responsible for making their own way to the starting location, which is likely the San Pedro Market or the chef’s kitchen in Cusco.

Can I Take the Leftover Food Home After the Class?

The class does not provide options for taking leftover food home. Participants typically enjoy the prepared dishes during the cooking experience. Any additional food items are not available for participants to take with them after the class.

Do I Need to Have Prior Cooking Experience to Participate?

The cooking class doesn’t require prior experience. It’s designed for all skill levels, with a hands-on approach led by a knowledgeable chef. Beginners can learn and enjoy the experience alongside more experienced cooks.

Recap

This immersive vegan cooking class in Cusco offers a unique opportunity to discover the vibrant flavors of Peru. Guests will explore the bustling San Pedro Market, learn about local superfoods, and craft delicious plant-based dishes under the guidance of an expert chef. Complemented by signature cocktails, this hands-on experience promises a comprehensive and engaging culinary adventure that celebrates Peruvian cuisine in a sustainable and collaborative environment.