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 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.
Like in most Latin American countries, the main meal of the day is normally lunch, while dinner is more of a snack. Meat such as beef and pork features strongly and can even be found on the same plate, such as in the mixed grill known as 'bandeja paisa'. Chicken is another favorite, often served in soups, while the Caribbean region makes full use of the bounty from the sea.
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.
Like in most Latin American countries, the main meal of the day is normally lunch, while dinner is more of a snack. Meat such as beef and pork features strongly and can even be found on the same plate, such as in the mixed grill known as 'bandeja paisa'. Chicken is another favorite, often served in soups, while the Caribbean region makes full use of the bounty from the sea.
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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