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.
The South American nation is one of huge diversity. Colombians can be descended from several indigenous groups, from colonists that came here from Spain, from slaves that were brought over from Africa or from immigrants who later arrived from the Middle East or different parts of Europe. This means that local culinary traditions feature a wide range of influences and the variety is added to by the fact that the geographical diversity means there are many ingredients to choose from.
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 usually lunch. Chicken is often on the menu, for instance in the form of soup, while seafood is a staple in the Caribbean coastal region. However, most Colombians are dedicated carnivores and their national dish, 'bandeja paisa', is a type of mixed grill with pork, beef and sausages.
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.
If you thought papaya was an exotic fruit, you should see the fruits available in Colombia. There are ones that don't even have English names and you'll be hard pressed to find them anywhere but in this South American country. More familiar fruits include bananas, citrus, mangoes, guavas and passion fruit.
There are many ways to indulge your sweet tooth in Colombia. The variety of fruits can feature in desserts such as the refreshing 'cholado' or as topping for a meringue-like dessert. Figs cooked in syrup and served with cheese add sophistication and if you want comfort food, try rice pudding or flan made with 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.
The South American nation is one of huge diversity. Colombians can be descended from several indigenous groups, from colonists that came here from Spain, from slaves that were brought over from Africa or from immigrants who later arrived from the Middle East or different parts of Europe. This means that local culinary traditions feature a wide range of influences and the variety is added to by the fact that the geographical diversity means there are many ingredients to choose from.
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 usually lunch. Chicken is often on the menu, for instance in the form of soup, while seafood is a staple in the Caribbean coastal region. However, most Colombians are dedicated carnivores and their national dish, 'bandeja paisa', is a type of mixed grill with pork, beef and sausages.
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.
If you thought papaya was an exotic fruit, you should see the fruits available in Colombia. There are ones that don't even have English names and you'll be hard pressed to find them anywhere but in this South American country. More familiar fruits include bananas, citrus, mangoes, guavas and passion fruit.
There are many ways to indulge your sweet tooth in Colombia. The variety of fruits can feature in desserts such as the refreshing 'cholado' or as topping for a meringue-like dessert. Figs cooked in syrup and served with cheese add sophistication and if you want comfort food, try rice pudding or flan made with 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.
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