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.
Colombia is a very diverse country. Its geography consists of regions that couldn't be more different from one another, such as the chilly Andean regions and the sweltering Caribbean coast. This diversity means that Colombian cooks have a huge array of ingredients to work with. Add to this the fact that the people themselves have diverse ethnic backgrounds too and you have the recipe for a richly varied cuisine.
One dish that features at almost every meal is the 'arepa', a type of bread made from corn and looking a bit like a pancake. It's often served for breakfast with only a bit of cheese. Eggs can be added for something more substantial and in the cooler highlands, breakfast often includes a soup too, such as the milky 'changua'. Another breakfast option is to have rice and beans along with chorizos and eggs. Naturally the best way to wash it all down is with coffee but hot chocolate will do as well.
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.
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.
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.
Colombia is a very diverse country. Its geography consists of regions that couldn't be more different from one another, such as the chilly Andean regions and the sweltering Caribbean coast. This diversity means that Colombian cooks have a huge array of ingredients to work with. Add to this the fact that the people themselves have diverse ethnic backgrounds too and you have the recipe for a richly varied cuisine.
One dish that features at almost every meal is the 'arepa', a type of bread made from corn and looking a bit like a pancake. It's often served for breakfast with only a bit of cheese. Eggs can be added for something more substantial and in the cooler highlands, breakfast often includes a soup too, such as the milky 'changua'. Another breakfast option is to have rice and beans along with chorizos and eggs. Naturally the best way to wash it all down is with coffee but hot chocolate will do as well.
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.
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.
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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