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.
The country is famous for its excellent coffee, which is the perfect drink to kick-start your day. Enjoy it with one of the many varieties of the 'arepa', which is to Colombia what the tortilla is to Mexico or the baguette is to France. For something more filling, add some eggs in the form of 'huevos pericos' or have a meal of rice and beans with eggs and chorizos. Even soup is often treated as a breakfast food. 'Changua', for instance, is a milk-based soup that isn't normally served at any other 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.
Coconut is a ubiquitous ingredient, especially in the Caribbean region. Yuca and plantains are often used to supply starch to the meal. These aren't always easy to find outside of Latin America, though, but you'll find plenty of dishes that use more familiar vegetables such as potatoes, corn, carrots and peas. Tamales are typically Latin American and in Colombia, they're made with banana leaves.
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.
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.
You'll find plenty of Colombian recipes online on food blogs focusing on the cuisine of that country. Otherwise, visit your local bookstore and find recipe books that specialize in Latin American food. Best of all though is to have your next holiday in Colombia and to enroll in cooking classes where you'll learn how to cook just like a Colombian.
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.
The country is famous for its excellent coffee, which is the perfect drink to kick-start your day. Enjoy it with one of the many varieties of the 'arepa', which is to Colombia what the tortilla is to Mexico or the baguette is to France. For something more filling, add some eggs in the form of 'huevos pericos' or have a meal of rice and beans with eggs and chorizos. Even soup is often treated as a breakfast food. 'Changua', for instance, is a milk-based soup that isn't normally served at any other 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.
Coconut is a ubiquitous ingredient, especially in the Caribbean region. Yuca and plantains are often used to supply starch to the meal. These aren't always easy to find outside of Latin America, though, but you'll find plenty of dishes that use more familiar vegetables such as potatoes, corn, carrots and peas. Tamales are typically Latin American and in Colombia, they're made with banana leaves.
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.
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.
You'll find plenty of Colombian recipes online on food blogs focusing on the cuisine of that country. Otherwise, visit your local bookstore and find recipe books that specialize in Latin American food. Best of all though is to have your next holiday in Colombia and to enroll in cooking classes where you'll learn how to cook just like a Colombian.
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.
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