Causa (Peruvian Cold Mashed Potato Casserole With Tuna or Chicken)

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.

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.

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.

Quinoa with Corn, Tomatoes, Avocado, and Lime

This is a delicious summer salad that you can eat with reckless abandon. Nourishing quinoa is infused with vegetable broth and dotted with fresh-cut sweet corn, juicy summer tomatoes, bright green scallions, spicy jalepeno peppers and chunks of creamy avocado.

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.

Potatoes and Summer Squash with Black Mint Sauce

Thick, creamy, intensely-spiced sauces are an essential component of Peruvian cooking. Dairy, usually some combination of milk and fresh cheese, is blended with flavorful herbs or chiles as well as thickeners like bread, crackers, and nuts. Black mint sauce is one of these canonical sauces.

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!)

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.

Chilaquiles With Pepitas, Charred Corn, and Black Beans

Chilaquiles are a classic Mexican breakfast dish that can be pretty aptly described as a fried tortilla casserole. Crisp chips are soaked in salsa (in this case a bright and tangy salsa verde made from tomatillos—charred to add some bitter,...

Sopa de Lima (Yucatán Style Lime Soup)

Sopa de Lima is a bright and citrusy Mexican chicken soup that will tantalize your taste buds. This comforting soup is easy and delicious.