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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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