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.
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 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.
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.
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