Tacu tacu is one of the most simple and delicious dishes of Peruvian cuisine. It was invented by the black Africans brought during colonial times to work as slaves on the coastal plantations, and was originally made with leftover beans and rice, making it a very economical and nutritious dish.

Tacu tacu is usually served with fried eggs and bananas, fried tenderloin beef or even foie gras.

Peruvian Tacu Tacu recipe – 195 calories

Ingredients:
1 cup chickpeas
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves
1 cup sweet onion
1 cup brown rice
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
pepper (to taste)

Preparation:
1. Cover the chickpeas with water and cook for about 1 hour (until done), adding more water if needed.
2. Cook the rice in 2 1/2 cups water for about 40 minutes.
3. When the rice and chickpeas are almost done, saute the onions and garlic in a large pan until the onions are soft.
4. Drain the chickpeas; stir the rice and chickpeas into the sauteed garlic and onions.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste; serve.

Servings: 6

Nutritional information for one serving:
Calories: 195
Calories from fat: 32
Total fat: 3.6g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Total carbs: 36.1g
Dietary fiber: 3.2g
Protein: 4.8g
WW points: 4

Photo credit: veegkitchen57

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Guasacaca is a traditional Venezuelan avocado salsa that’s served with grilled meats, but it’s also great as a chunky dip for chips and crackers. Unlike guacamole, everything is hand-chopped.

Salsa Guasacaca (Venezuelan Avocado Salsa) recipe – 119 calories

Ingredients:
2 avocados, peeled and seeded
1 medium tomato
1/4 cup minced bell pepper (optional)
1 medium onion
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3/4 cup cilantro leaf, chopped
2 teaspoons hot sauce
1 teaspoon salt

Preparation:
1. Chop all the vegetables by hand.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well together.
3. Chill for at least 3 hours.
4. Serve as a dip for nacho chips or as a salsa with anything.

Servings: 6

Nutritional information for one serving:
Calories: 119
Calories from fat: 89
Total fat: 9.9g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Total carbs: 8.6g
Fiber: 5.1g
Protein: 1.8g
WW points: 4

Photo credit: Sylvie

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