Try Colombian Food Recipes For Latin Flavor
Not so long ago, it was really only the most serious gourmands who experimented with ethnic cuisines. For most people, eating 'ethnic' meant getting Chinese take-out or enjoying a meal in an Italian restaurant. These days, people are more adventurous eaters and they're just as likely to have sushi as a burger and fries. If you'd like to try a cuisine that is varied, full of Latin flavor and easy to make, you may want to consider getting your hands on some Colombian food recipes.
The South American country of Colombia boasts a surprising diversity. It's home to the descendants of indigenous peoples, Spanish colonists, African slaves and later immigrants from Europe and as far away as the Middle East. These people all brought their culinary traditions to a country that is astonishingly geographically diverse too, with sweltering jungles, coastal plains, savannas and cold, mountainous regions, among others. This means that there is a wide variety of ingredients to use and Colombia boasts many different regional cuisines.
One dish that features at almost every meal is the 'arepa', a type of bread made from corn and looking a bit like a pancake. It's often served for breakfast with only a bit of cheese. Eggs can be added for something more substantial and in the cooler highlands, breakfast often includes a soup too, such as the milky 'changua'. Another breakfast option is to have rice and beans along with chorizos and eggs. Naturally the best way to wash it all down is with coffee but hot chocolate will do as well.
Like in most Latin American countries, the main meal of the day is normally lunch, while dinner is more of a snack. Meat such as beef and pork features strongly and can even be found on the same plate, such as in the mixed grill known as 'bandeja paisa'. Chicken is another favorite, often served in soups, while the Caribbean region makes full use of the bounty from the sea.
Popular vegetables include potatoes, carrots, peas and corn. These are often used in tamales, which in this part of the world are wrapped in banana leaves rather than corn husks. Plantains and yuca, also known as cassava, are ubiquitous in Colombian cuisine too and in the more tropical regions, you'll often find your meal cooked in coconut milk.
Colombia is home to a huge variety of fruits that you've probably never even heard of. These are almost impossible to find outside of the country. However, Colombians also love papayas, bananas, guavas, passion fruit, mangoes and citrus fruits that you'll be able to pick up at your local grocer's.
Fruits often feature in desserts. The 'cholado', for instance, is a fruity, frozen cocktail that also contains ingredients such as condensed milk. Figs are boiled in syrup and served like preserves, along with cheese. Children's favorites include a coconut-based flan or rice pudding.
The best way to find authentic recipes from Colombia is to ask someone who is from that country or to visit and attend cooking classes while you're there. Another option is to look in specialty recipe books, such as those focusing on Latin American cuisine. Food blogs are great too, especially since they might feature instructional videos that will make it easier to explore the tastes of Colombia.
The South American country of Colombia boasts a surprising diversity. It's home to the descendants of indigenous peoples, Spanish colonists, African slaves and later immigrants from Europe and as far away as the Middle East. These people all brought their culinary traditions to a country that is astonishingly geographically diverse too, with sweltering jungles, coastal plains, savannas and cold, mountainous regions, among others. This means that there is a wide variety of ingredients to use and Colombia boasts many different regional cuisines.
One dish that features at almost every meal is the 'arepa', a type of bread made from corn and looking a bit like a pancake. It's often served for breakfast with only a bit of cheese. Eggs can be added for something more substantial and in the cooler highlands, breakfast often includes a soup too, such as the milky 'changua'. Another breakfast option is to have rice and beans along with chorizos and eggs. Naturally the best way to wash it all down is with coffee but hot chocolate will do as well.
Like in most Latin American countries, the main meal of the day is normally lunch, while dinner is more of a snack. Meat such as beef and pork features strongly and can even be found on the same plate, such as in the mixed grill known as 'bandeja paisa'. Chicken is another favorite, often served in soups, while the Caribbean region makes full use of the bounty from the sea.
Popular vegetables include potatoes, carrots, peas and corn. These are often used in tamales, which in this part of the world are wrapped in banana leaves rather than corn husks. Plantains and yuca, also known as cassava, are ubiquitous in Colombian cuisine too and in the more tropical regions, you'll often find your meal cooked in coconut milk.
Colombia is home to a huge variety of fruits that you've probably never even heard of. These are almost impossible to find outside of the country. However, Colombians also love papayas, bananas, guavas, passion fruit, mangoes and citrus fruits that you'll be able to pick up at your local grocer's.
Fruits often feature in desserts. The 'cholado', for instance, is a fruity, frozen cocktail that also contains ingredients such as condensed milk. Figs are boiled in syrup and served like preserves, along with cheese. Children's favorites include a coconut-based flan or rice pudding.
The best way to find authentic recipes from Colombia is to ask someone who is from that country or to visit and attend cooking classes while you're there. Another option is to look in specialty recipe books, such as those focusing on Latin American cuisine. Food blogs are great too, especially since they might feature instructional videos that will make it easier to explore the tastes of Colombia.
About the Author:
Have a taste of Latin American cuisine by trying out Colombian food recipes. This web page entails all the latest info about this fascinating country and its culture at http://www.mycolombiancocina.com.
Comments
Post a Comment
Put your fingerprint cold building