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Rocoto relleno
Put on gloves. Cut a lid off each rocoto and keep the lids. Scrape out all the seeds and every bit of white vein with a teaspoon, then rinse.
Watch: Rocoto heat is serious. Wear gloves, keep your hands away from your eyes and open a window.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Rocoto relleno take?
1 hr 45 min all in — 50 min prep, 55 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 6 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
Hot.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Peanuts, Eggs, Milk. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Gluten-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
A bit special — about $16–28 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Chef's knife, Saucepan, Frying pan, Oven.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1 tsp.
How much sugar?
3 tbsp (for the blanching water) of Sugar.
How much vinegar?
6 tbsp (for the blanching water) of Vinegar.
What can I use instead?
Rocoto → Red bell peppers, with 1 tbsp rocoto paste in the filling. No blanching needed. The texture is softer and the heat sits in the filling instead of the shell. Minced beef → Minced pork, or half and half. Some Arequipa cooks use a mix. It makes a slightly richer filling.
What should I watch for?
Rocoto heat is serious. Wear gloves, keep your hands away from your eyes and open a window.
Any tips from this recipe?
Rocoto heat varies a lot from pepper to pepper. If you are cooking for mixed company, taste each one after blanching. Pastel de papa, thin potato slices layered with cheese, milk and egg, can bake in the oven alongside.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.