There was a charming organic farm adjacent to the small 16 room hotel we stayed at during our visit to Peru’s Sacred Valley.
This organic farm advertised an organic farm lunch that sounded enticing. I did not hesitate to sign us up for it.
We arrived at the appointed hour, and were delighted to learn that this lunch will be cooked according to their ancient Inca tradition, straight on the rocks!!
The heat from the rocks prompted us to stand back. As we observed, the cooks placed potatoes, corns, various farm vegetables, marinated chicken, pork ribs, and lamb chops on the rocks.
They had all the food completely covered under the rocks, then added heavenly scented herbs on top of the rocks, covered everything with tarp, then top it off with dirt.
“Everything will be cooked to perfection in about 20 minutes!” our lunch host announced to us proudly.
He then led us to a tour of the farm. Peru is rich in corn and potatoes. In addition to these two main crops, this farm grow a huge variety of vegetables. We got to touch, feel, and smell a number of unfamiliar vegetables and herbs.
Since one member of our family must eat gluten free, we were excited to finally meet Quinoa in its most natural form.The farm raised farm animals too, as we saw chicken coop, pig pens, and lambs on the farm.
20 minutes went by fast, and we were lead back to their Inca oven.
The staff unveiled the food that has been cooked on the rocks, and filled the air with this incredible smell that made my mouth water.
Everything was cooked to perfection in 20 minutes!!
The meats were juicy and tender.
I had not expected dessert on a farm lunch, but then our host delivered us this!
The dessert came with 4 shot glasses of homemade traditional Peruvian alcohol.
“We gave you small glasses because they are very, very strong!” said our host, “but very good. You must try it.”
“Children can drink alcohol in Peru?” I pointed at my two children.
“If parents allow it, sure, they can drink alcohol here.” host said with a wide smile.
I took a sip first. I don’t like most strong alcohol, but this sip went down smooth. I would guess that this was probably a 40% proof alcohol, but it had a refreshing and a hint of sweet fruitiness after taste.
I don’t know if it is legal for young Americans to drink alcohol overseas, so I am not providing further details here.
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