Chupe

Chupe is a beloved South American dish renowned for its hearty and flavorful stews. These stews can be made with a variety of ingredients, including chicken, red meat, lamb, beef tripe, fish, shrimp, crayfish, shellfish, and vegetables such as potatoes or yuca.

One of the most popular variations is chupe de camarones, a shrimp stew that originates from the southern coastal region of Peru, specifically Arequipa. Although the traditional recipe uses crayfish, shrimp chupe has become more common due to the easier availability of shrimp, whether fresh or frozen.

To prepare chupe, you begin by cooking potatoes and onions in butter. Next, you add seasonings like chili powder, along with water, tomatoes, and sometimes chicken broth. Just before serving, the broth is enriched with milk or cream, giving it a rich and creamy texture.

Chupe is a staple in the cuisines of Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. In Arequipa, there is even a tradition of serving specific chupes on designated days of the week. For example, on Fridays, a meatless chupe is typically served to align with religious customs.