Let me introduce you to a deep-rooted Peruvian dish: tocosh. This dish has been a part of Peruvian history for thousands of years.
I tried a traditional dish called tocosh. This dish has been around for 1,000 to 2,000 years, dating back to pre-Inca times. It is commonly used to treat stomach problems, colds and respiratory illnesses and is known as a natural antibiotic. People also use tocosh to strengthen the immune system and regain energy, especially for children, elders and women after childbirth. It is most often consumed as a warm soup or drink, and it has been used for generations for its healing properties. Tocosh is not found everywhere in Peru, and depending on what part of Áncash you are in, the way it is prepared can vary.
I will say that when I first tried it, I was the sickest I had been in Peru. I was sitting in my outdoor kitchen, bundled up and missing my mom back in the United States. That is when my host mother set down a huge cup of this scary-looking dish in front of me. I was hesitant at first, but my host mother is a wise woman, and I trust what she says.
