Buen provecho

For a vegetarian, Peru is unfortunately not a culinary paradise: all the traditional dishes consist of mostly meat or at least a lot of egg and milk. I don't eat that much in restaurants anyway while travelling, but of course it's always interesting to try some of the local delicacies.

Cooking just for myself is rather dull as well (and weird, after cooking for years for at least four people). I really haven't been able to conjure up much inspiration and have lived off pretty much the same dish throughout this journey. Its main ingredients are quinoa and avocado, two yummy and super healthy things that are quite unecological (and in some cases, unethical) when bought in Europe. But here I can eat them as much as I desire!

To prepare the daily meal: Cook quinoa, slice a whole ripe avocado, and cover it all with a big green salad, coriander and lime juice. Repeat ad infinitum.
(This version has a little fancier look to it as it was made for a host.)

To be honest though, I have not felt like eating much for weeks. I haven't had much appetite ever since I arrived in Lima, but I feel like the altitude sickness might have made it even worse. On many days I have eaten only a little fruit, which luckily is available in abundance. The markets and street vendors offer a plentiful selection of fresh vegetables, herbs, fruit and nuts. I've made sure to eat at least one chirimoya, the little sister of guanábana, per day.

Chirimoya, tumbo, tuna and pepino.