Authentic Bolivian Pique Macho Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of beef, cut into strips
  • 500 grams of hot dogs, sliced
  • 4 medium potatoes, cut into fries
  • 3 large onions, sliced
  • 3 bell peppers, sliced
  • 2 hot chili peppers, sliced
  • 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 cups of vegetable oil for frying
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup of peeled and cooked shrimp
  • Black and green olives, for garnish
  • Slices of pickled cucumber, for garnish
  • Slices of hard-boiled egg, for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  2. Place the potatoes in the hot oil and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set on paper towels to drain.
  3. In a large frying pan, heat the remaining oil over medium heat. Add the beef and hot dogs, stirring frequently, until they are browned and cooked through.
  4. Add the onions, bell peppers, chili peppers, tomatoes, and garlic to the pan. Stir well and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
  5. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, cumin, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine.
  6. In another pan, fry the eggs to your liking.
  7. To serve, place a portion of the cooked fries on a plate. Top with a generous amount of the meat and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with the cooked shrimp. Place a fried egg on top. Garnish with olives, pickled cucumbers, and slices of hard-boiled egg.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different protein option.
  • Replace the hot dogs with sausages of your choice.
  • Add different vegetables such as corn, carrots, or peas to the meat mixture.
  • Make it spicy by adding extra chili peppers or hot sauce.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with tofu or tempeh.
  • Try different seasonings such as paprika, chili powder, or oregano to customize the flavor.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or feta, for topping the dish.
  • Serve the Pique Macho over rice instead of fries for a different twist.
  • Add a squeeze of lime or a drizzle of lemon juice for a citrusy kick.
  • Include sliced mushrooms for an extra earthy flavor.

Recipe overview

Pique Macho is a hearty, traditional Bolivian dish that is renowned for its bold flavors and generous portions. It features a savory blend of beef and hot dogs, cooked together with a vibrant mix of vegetables and spices. The dish is then served over crispy, golden fries and topped with a fried egg, cooked shrimp, and garnish of olives, pickled cucumber, and hard-boiled egg. With its eye-catching presentation and depth of flavor, Pique Macho is sure to impress at any dinner table and is perfect for those who love a culinary adventure. Prepare yourself for a satisfying cooking experience and a delightful feast of textures and tastes!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use a different type of meat such as chicken or pork instead of beef.
  2. Can I omit the hot dogs? Yes, if you prefer not to include hot dogs, you can simply omit them from the recipe.
  3. Can I use frozen french fries instead of making them from scratch? Yes, you can use frozen french fries if you want to save time. Just follow the package instructions for cooking.
  4. Is it necessary to use hot chili peppers? If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the hot chili peppers or reduce the amount according to your taste.
  5. Can I use a different type of oil for frying? Yes, you can use any vegetable oil or cooking oil of your choice for frying the potatoes and cooking the meat and vegetables.
  6. Can I add other vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to customize the dish to your liking.
  7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it is best to serve Pique Macho immediately after cooking for optimal taste and texture, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble them just before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Pique Macho hails from the vibrant city of Cochabamba in Bolivia. Legend has it that this hearty dish, laden with meat, vegetables, and spices, was created as a challenge to the most courageous of eaters. Pique Macho, in essence, translates to "Man's Spicy." The original creators, Honorio and Evangelina, created this dish in their restaurant with the idea that it was so spicy and voluminous that it would take a real macho to finish it. A true Pique Macho, as they say in Cochabamba, is one that leaves your tongue tingling and your stomach begging for mercy. To this day, the dish carries that spirit and tradition, making it not just a meal, but a challenge for those who dare.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.