Feliz Cumpleaños Peru

Valerie Nahmad

La Cofradia's pisco sour serves up Peruvian flavor with an exotic twist.

Traditional Peruvian ceviche is a cool, refreshing summertime treat.

Tacu-tacu is a traditional Peruvian staple of pan-fried mashed beans and rice.

Happy birthday Peru! Tomorrow marks the country’s 186th year of independence from Spain. Locals will spend two days celebrating with serenatas, parades, fairs and festivals. Just because we’re north of the equator doesn’t mean we can’t get in on the fun – we’ve scoured the hemisphere (and the city) for fun facts and authentic Peruvian fare. Impress your Peruvian friends:

• There are 20,000+ Peruvians in Miami-Dade County
• There are 2000+ Chinese restaurants (chifas) in Peru, the largest number (by far) in South America
• Mach Picchu is just 50 miles form the former Incan capital of Cusco, but it was never found or destroyed by the Spanish

Eat like a native:

• Kick off cocktails with a traditional pisco sour- Montesierpe Pisco, lime juice, simple syrup and whipped egg whites are blended to frothy perfection. La Cofradia, Coral Gables; 305-914-1300
• Begin the meal with ceviche de pescado at its best - cubes of fresh sea bass, corn, sweet potato and onions are marinated in fresh lemon juice. El Rincon de Chabuca; 305-867-1301
• Feast on chupe de camarones (Peruvian shrimp chowder). Shrimp and eggs are blended with garlic, tomato, potato, corn, milk and more. Chalan on the Beach, Miami Beach; 305-532-8880
• Round out your plate with a tacu-tacu sidedish. Rice and mashed red beans are combined with spices, molded into a patty and deep fried. Salmon Salmon, Miami; 305-649-5924

Bring the experience home: Simple Ceviche Serves 6-8, courtesy of RecipeZaar.com

• 2 lbs tilapia fillets (or any other firm white fish), cubed
• 1 habenero pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 red onion, rinsed and thinly sliced
• 8-12 limes, juiced and strained to remove pulp
• 8-10 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. black pepper

1. Combine all ingredients except onion and mix well
2. Arrange red onion on top and marinate in the fridge for 2-3 hours
3. Mix well before serving and serve with avocado, corn or other cold salad vegetable.