Oxalis tuberosa, commonly known as oca, is a versatile root vegetable native to the Andes mountains in South America, cherished for its vibrant tubers and unique flavor. These tubers come in an array of colors and pigments, from red and yellow to orange and pink, and offer a delightful, lemony tang to dishes. In my quest for inspiration, I found only 10 oca recipes to add to my article, but I hope they will help you discover this veggie as much as they helped me. I am not very familiar with this vegetable as I have just discovered it at my local market, but I was hungry for inspiration on how to cook it. It does not seem to be much different from potatoes or other root vegetables, so I will be starting with a simple roasted dish.
Oca has gained culinary popularity globally for its adaptability to various cooking methods. Whether boiled, roasted, fried, or added to salads, its crisp, waxy texture and citrusy taste enhance the appeal of diverse recipes. Don’t worry, even if you don’t like oca, there are plenty of other vegetable recipes out there for you to choose those that suit your taste!
What is Oca?
Oca, scientifically known as Oxalis tuberosa, is a root vegetable native to the Andes region of South America, particularly Peru and Bolivia. It belongs to the oxalis family and is often referred to as New Zealand yam, even though it has no relation to the true yam. Oca is grown for its edible tubers, which come in various colors such as red, yellow, orange, and pink. The tubers have a unique tangy, lemon-like flavor and a crisp, waxy texture. Oca is versatile in culinary use, often boiled, roasted, or used in salads, adding a distinctive taste to dishes.
How to impress your family and your guests with oca recipes?
- Chilli roasted oca with wild garlic hazelnut pesto
2. Vegan oca peanut stew with kale
3. Spied oca with spinach and dressed lentils – Oca recipes
4. Salt and pepper roasted oca (New Zealand Yams)
5. Orange and honey glazed oca
6. Oca Latkes
7. Fried (Oca) Potato Rice – Oca recipes
8. Tartare de Saumon passion, grenade et oca du Perou
9. Honey roasted yams
10. Oca du pérou sautés au lard d’Arnad à l’ail et au romarin
In conclusion, root vegetables showcase nature’s bounty and culinary versatility. Their rich flavors, vibrant colors, and nutritional benefits make them a staple in countless dishes worldwide. Whether roasted, mashed, or added to stews, these humble yet mighty vegetables continue to tantalize taste buds and inspire diverse gastronomic delights. Oca, potatoes, carrots, and other veggies that children don’t like (haha!) are great ways to get some fiber into our diet in a delicious way. Try them and let me know if you find other ways to cook oca so I can add them to my list!