Pataska, Rica Rica

Places are not only enchanting because of their landscapes and the number of activities you can practice there, but also because they offer new flavors to be discovered, among which we can mention Pataska and Rica Rica.

Pataska is a hot-seasoned stew similar to carbonada - chopped meat and vegetables - which is prepared in the ancestral town of Chiu Chiu , near San Pedro de Atacama, and specifically in a restaurant located beside the Church of the town. There, villagers claim the recipe to be part of Licanantay's tradition.

Peeled corn is its main ingredient. The term Pataska derives from the Quechuan word Phantaska, standing for "corn grain prepared as stewed corn bursting when cooked".

Now, if this stew has caused you any stomach ache, you may have an Altiplanic medicinal herb called Rica Rica.

Characteristics of this herb are its aromatic and strong odor and its miraculous medicinal properties. It is an around 50 cm high perennial plant with violet flowers that blossom in October, which may be found in the surroundings of San Pedro de Atacama.

It is also known as "cori" in near towns, and is sometimes used to cure cough and flu, since it is always served as an infusion (tea) and only once a day.

Atacamenian cooking also has other famous representatives, such as, quinoa, a cereal similar to rice about which we have talked in previous articles, that may be prepared in both stews and desserts. It is then interesting to explore and taste new meals which are more easily found in these latitudes.

veronica@sanpedroatacama.com