Peruvian beef pies

Empanadas have been part of Peru’s culinary history since the first days of Spanish rule. The little pies filled with beef, chicken or cheese make very popular mid-morning snacks and are sold in bakeries and from street stalls all over the country. Bakers have them ready at 10am, and they are sold wrapped in a paper napkin to eat straight away, with a squeeze of lime and accompanied by a glass of chicha morada or an Inca kola. These miniature versions make wonderful party appetizers.