Solterito - Peruvian Appetizer

Solterito is an amazing Peruvian appetizer.  It is served cold and a big crowd pleaser!  It is not only tasty, simple, refreshing and healthy but a well deserved conversation piece. 

Once you make this dish you can adapt the ingredients to your liking.  In fact the recipe actually varies from region to region throughout Peru.  Sometimes cubed boiled potatoes are used.  Whichever way you prepare it, you will love it!  (As for the Peruvian corn, you can find choclo at most Latin American grocery stores, like Sedano's).  Also be sure to use authentic Jerez wine vinegar, from Spain, also found at Latin American grocery stores.

Ingredients (makes 6-8 servings)
1 cup     Choclo (Peruvian big kernel corn)  
1 cup     Lima Beans

¾ cup    Ham, diced

½ cup    Red onion, diced

1 cup     Tomato, diced

1 cup     Fresh white cheese, cubed

¾ cup    Red and/or yellow peppers, diced

3 TB      Jerez (Spain) wine vinegar

3 TB      Olive Oil

3 TB      Fresh Cilantro, chopped
1 tsp      Salt and Pepper to taste


Optional – ¼ hot Chili pepper, but only if you like heat

Steam the choclo and lima beans (and cob corn if using) for no more than 5 minutes. They should be al dente, and definitely not soft.  Cool before combining in the recipe.

In a bowl combine the choclo, lima beans, ham, onion, tomato, cheese, and peppers.  Toss once, very gently.  Add cilantro, olive oil, jerez vinegar, salt and pepper and toss gently to mix.  Serve on salad plates before dinner. This will bring accolades from your guests, guaranteed.  

Buen Provecho!

 Adapted from recipe at Aranwa Resort, Urubamba (Sacred Valley), Peru