Main Course · Dinner · Latin American ·

Spicy Bolivian Quinoa Chicharrón with Aji Sauce

Name: Spicy Bolivian Quinoa Chicharrón with Aji Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Quinoa, 1 cup, rinsed well; Water, 2 cups; Salt, ½ teaspoon; Smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon; Ground cumin, 1 teaspoon; Cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon; Oil for frying, as needed; Aji amarillo peppers, 2, seeded and chopped; Cilantro leaves, ¼ cup, chopped; Garlic, 1 clove, minced; Greek yogurt, ¼ cup; Lime juice, 1 tablespoon; Salt, to taste; Red onion, ¼ cup, thinly sliced; Fresh cilantro leaves, 1 tablespoon

Discover the unique fusion of crispy quinoa and zesty aji sauce, embodying the vibrant flavors of Bolivia.

4.7(322 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 29, 2026

Spicy Bolivian Quinoa Chicharrón with Aji Sauce — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Quinoa Chicharrón

For the Aji Sauce

For the Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 136 kcal
Protein: 3.5 g
Carbs: 13.1 g
Fat: 8.2 g
Fiber: 2 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 542 kcal
Protein: 13.9 g
Carbs: 52.2 g
Fat: 32.6 g
Fiber: 8.1 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Quinoa 1 cup, rinsed well	222	8.1	39.4	3.6	5.2
Water 2 cups	0	0	0	0	0
Salt ½ teaspoon	0	0	0	0	0
Smoked paprika 1 teaspoon	6	0.3	1.2	0.3	0.8
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon	8	0.4	0.9	0.5	0.6
Cayenne pepper ½ teaspoon	3	0.2	0.6	0.2	0.3
Oil for frying as needed	240	0	0	27	0
Aji amarillo peppers 2, seeded and chopped	8	0.4	1.8	0.1	0.4
Cilantro leaves ¼ cup, chopped	1	0.1	0.2	0	0.1
Garlic 1 clove, minced	4	0.2	1	0	0.1
Greek yogurt ¼ cup	34	3.4	2.9	0.9	0
Lime juice 1 tablespoon	4	0.1	1.3	0	0.1
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Red onion ¼ cup, thinly sliced	12	0.3	2.8	0	0.5
Fresh cilantro leaves 1 tablespoon	0	0	0.1	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Quinoa

1
Rinse quinoa
Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2
Cook quinoa
In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat.

Preparing the Aji Sauce

1
Blend peppers, cilantro, and garlic
Blend aji peppers, cilantro, and garlic in a food processor until smooth.
2
Season sauce
Add Greek yogurt, lime juice, and season with salt. Blend until well combined.
3
Chill the sauce
Chill the sauce until ready to serve.

How to Make Spicy Bolivian Quinoa Chicharrón with Aji Sauce

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Dry the quinoa
Spread cooked quinoa on a baking sheet to cool and dry for at least 30 minutes.
2
Fry the quinoa
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry quinoa in batches until golden and crispy.
3
Blend the sauce
Ensure the sauce is smooth before serving for the best texture.