Ethnic cuisine is not something that only gourmands enjoy anymore. These days, most towns will have at least an Italian, a Chinese and a Mexican restaurant. The many culinary traditions around the world make for endless variety and learning how to prepare meals from other nations is as easy as doing a quick internet search. If you want to try a meal with some real Latin flavor, you can't go wrong with Colombian food recipes.
Colombia is a very diverse country. Its geography consists of regions that couldn't be more different from one another, such as the chilly Andean regions and the sweltering Caribbean coast. This diversity means that Colombian cooks have a huge array of ingredients to work with. Add to this the fact that the people themselves have diverse ethnic backgrounds too and you have the recipe for a richly varied cuisine.
Breakfast can be light and simple, consisting of not much more than fruit and 'arepa', which is a pancake-like, corn-based bread. However, it can also be heartier, with egg dishes such as 'huevos pericos'. Rice and beans feature on the breakfast table in some regions. You may even start your day with a soup made of beef and vegetables or the milky soup known as 'changua', which is normally served with a poached egg. Hot chocolate or a cup of the country's famous coffee rounds off the meal.
The main meal is normally served in the afternoon. Colombians love their meat and won't hesitate to eat different types of meat at the same time. An example is 'bandeja paisa', often called the country's national dish, which features beef as well as pork and even sausages. Chicken is popular too. Along the coast, fresh seafood features more strongly.
New-world vegetables such as potatoes and corn feature strongly, as do carrots and peas. Tamales are popular too and instead of being wrapped in corn husks, they come in banana leaves. Coconut is another ingredient that is used especially in the more tropical areas and many Colombian meals will also feature cassava or plantains.
Fruit is popular throughout the country and the array of exotic fruits is astonishing. Don't fret though if you can't find dragon fruit or soursop in your local supermarket. Colombian cuisine also includes more familiar offerings such as bananas, mangoes, guavas and papayas.
If the many fruits on their own aren't enough to satisfy your sweet tooth at the end of a meal, you'll find plenty of ways to use them in more substantial desserts, such as meringue. They also form the base for a 'cholado', which is perfect for a hot summer's day. For something more sophisticated, try figs, which are cooked in a sweet syrup and used to top cheese. Colombia also has its own version of rice pudding and flan, which here includes coconut.
There are different ways to find authentic Colombian recipes. Recipe books that focus on the food of Latin America may feature some. Otherwise, check out various food blogs online. The best sources of good recipes, however, are Colombians themselves, so consider choosing this exciting country as your next holiday destination.
Colombia is a very diverse country. Its geography consists of regions that couldn't be more different from one another, such as the chilly Andean regions and the sweltering Caribbean coast. This diversity means that Colombian cooks have a huge array of ingredients to work with. Add to this the fact that the people themselves have diverse ethnic backgrounds too and you have the recipe for a richly varied cuisine.
Breakfast can be light and simple, consisting of not much more than fruit and 'arepa', which is a pancake-like, corn-based bread. However, it can also be heartier, with egg dishes such as 'huevos pericos'. Rice and beans feature on the breakfast table in some regions. You may even start your day with a soup made of beef and vegetables or the milky soup known as 'changua', which is normally served with a poached egg. Hot chocolate or a cup of the country's famous coffee rounds off the meal.
The main meal is normally served in the afternoon. Colombians love their meat and won't hesitate to eat different types of meat at the same time. An example is 'bandeja paisa', often called the country's national dish, which features beef as well as pork and even sausages. Chicken is popular too. Along the coast, fresh seafood features more strongly.
New-world vegetables such as potatoes and corn feature strongly, as do carrots and peas. Tamales are popular too and instead of being wrapped in corn husks, they come in banana leaves. Coconut is another ingredient that is used especially in the more tropical areas and many Colombian meals will also feature cassava or plantains.
Fruit is popular throughout the country and the array of exotic fruits is astonishing. Don't fret though if you can't find dragon fruit or soursop in your local supermarket. Colombian cuisine also includes more familiar offerings such as bananas, mangoes, guavas and papayas.
If the many fruits on their own aren't enough to satisfy your sweet tooth at the end of a meal, you'll find plenty of ways to use them in more substantial desserts, such as meringue. They also form the base for a 'cholado', which is perfect for a hot summer's day. For something more sophisticated, try figs, which are cooked in a sweet syrup and used to top cheese. Colombia also has its own version of rice pudding and flan, which here includes coconut.
There are different ways to find authentic Colombian recipes. Recipe books that focus on the food of Latin America may feature some. Otherwise, check out various food blogs online. The best sources of good recipes, however, are Colombians themselves, so consider choosing this exciting country as your next holiday destination.
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.
