Food - Deep Fried Guinea Pig

When does a bunny or guinea pig constitute a pet and when they are food? It depends on where you are living, your cultural background, and if the critter is hopping on your carpet or defrosting in the kitchen.

In the US you don't buy a guinea pig from the pet store just to cook it. It is illegal and you could be taken to court for cruelty against animals. You can easily get a frozen, ready to cook guinea pig from the Latino supermarket.

Guinea pigs are not pigs, nor are from Guinea. They are rodents -a few scientist doubt these little mammals are even rodents!- and are raised for food in Andean countries, from Ecuador to Bolivia. Since their fat content is low, they are healthy food if stewed. Sadly, since they absorbe a lot of fat when fried, I can hardy classify this recipe as healthy.

If you purchase the carcass ready to cook you do not have to worry about removing the fur. Guinea pigs are not skinned, because you will lose a lot of meat attached to the skin. Instead, after killed, they are briefly submerged in boiling water. The fur will immediately come off.

Some consider that meat flavors are enhanced by letting the disemboweled guinea pig to dry overnight, hanging from a wire to prevent household cats from feasting on it. It's the short-term equivalent to expose game to cool air for several days until meat softens.

Before cooking, season the skin and inside with a paste made with red chili, garlic, pepper and salt. Then powder the guinea pig using corn flour. Put the guinea pig flat in a pan, making sure the oil (at least 1 inch deep) is very hot. Since guinea pigs curl when fried, it is neccesary to put a flat, heavy object on top. Flip the critter and fry the other side until brown and crusty.

Serve with boiled potatoes and salad. Enjoy!