Pisco Punch

Peruvian Tiradito With Aji Amarillo and Lime

One of the products of Nikkei cuisine, the cooking that resulted when Japanese immigrants moved to Peru in the 19th century, tiradito combines elements of sashimi with ceviche, for absolutely brilliant results.

Jalea (Peruvian Fried Seafood Platter With Lime-Marinated Onion & Tomato Salad)

One of the world's great fried seafood dishes, jalea features a pile of fried seafood including fish, shrimp, and calamari that's topped with a bright, refreshing, slightly spicy salad of lime-marinated red onion, tomato, and cilantro. This version is made with a beer batter that comes out incredibly light and crisp.

Peruvian-Style Flounder Ceviche From 'The New Southern Table'

At first, I wasn't really sure what to do with the sweet potato slices that accompany Brys Stephens's Peruvian-style ceviche in his cookbook, The New Southern Table. They didn't strike me as particularly compatible with the gently pickled fish. Then I grabbed a slice with my hand, pretending it was a tortilla chip. Genius.

Ensalada Miraflores (Corn, Bean, and Cheese Salad) From 'Ceviche: Peruvian Kitchen'

Hearty bean-based salads are one of my favorite dishes in the summertime. I grew up eating a corn and black bean version, but these days I'll throw just about any vegetable into a bowl with a can or two of beans and a tangy dressing and call it dinner.

Ceviche

Ceviche, also known as cebiche, seviche or sebiche, is the famous South American dish with fresh fish "cooked" in lime juice. Quick, easy (and not too sour!)

Ajiaco (Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup)

All potatoes originated in the Andes, and Colombia has quite a selection of them, the best being the small, yellow, creamy, buttery papas Criollas. They're eaten deep fried, salt roasted, boiled, or—my wife's favorite method—cooked into ajiaco, a classic chicken and potato soup from the mountains around Bogotá.

Tamales de Queso (Cheese Tamales) From Ceviche: Peruvian Kitchen

These tamales, from Martin Morales's cookbook, Ceviche: Peruvian Kitchen, are much different from their Mexican brethren. Instead of using a dough made from masa and lard, they're made with pureed fresh corn, cooked down with butter, garlic, chili paste, and a touch of sugar.

Salchipapa (Peruvian Hot Dogs and French Fries)

Peru's irresistible platter of hot dogs and French fries pulls no punches.

Small Plates: 4 Spanish Tapas That Use Only 4 Ingredients Each

Intended as a cheap way to draw customers into drinking establishments, the most traditional tapas are easy to make, inexpensive, and go perfectly with booze. Nobody wants throwing a party to be a chore, least of all the cook. In that spirit, here are 4 simple tapas that require only 4 ingredients (aside from salt, pepper, and olive oil). They're guaranteed to get the mixers mixing and the shakers shaking.

Potato and Corn Empanadas With Aji

A bit spicy, a bit sweet, and a bit crunchy—these empanadas make a great light brunch, and even a great brown bag lunch if you have any left.