Here are five must-try recipes that capture the essence of Colombian cooking:
1. Arepas
Ingredients:
2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (arepa flour)
1 ½ cups warm water
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter (optional)
Preparation:
Mix: In a bowl, combine the cornmeal, salt, and warm water. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Shape: Divide the dough into small balls and flatten them into discs about ½ inch thick.
Cook: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the arepas for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with cheese, avocado, or your favorite filling. Arepas are incredibly versatile and can be stuffed or topped with anything you like!
2. Ajiaco
Ingredients:
3 types of potatoes (russet, red, and yellow), peeled and cubed
1 lb chicken breast, bone-in
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup corn kernels
1 cup guasca (a Colombian herb, or use dried oregano as a substitute)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup heavy cream (optional)
Capers and avocado for garnish
Preparation:
Cook Chicken: In a large pot, cook the chicken breast in chicken broth until tender. Remove the chicken, shred it, and set aside.
Prepare Vegetables: Add potatoes, corn, guasca, onion, garlic, and cumin to the broth. Cook until the potatoes are tender and the soup has thickened.
Combine: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and simmer for another 10 minutes. Stir in heavy cream if using.
Serving Suggestions: Garnish with capers and fresh avocado. Serve with a side of rice and enjoy a comforting, hearty meal.
3. Bandeja Paisa
Ingredients:
1 lb pork belly, cut into pieces
1 cup cooked beans (red or black)
1 cup white rice
2 ripe plantains, sliced
4 eggs
1 avocado, sliced
1 ripe tomato, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Cook Pork Belly: Fry the pork belly in a skillet until crispy and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare Beans: Sauté onion and garlic, then add cooked beans and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Fry Plantains: In the same skillet, fry plantain slices until golden and caramelized.
Cook Eggs: Fry eggs to your liking.
Serving Suggestions: Arrange all components on a large plate or platter. This dish is a feast and typically served in generous portions.
4. Empanadas
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (arepa flour)
1 cup warm water
1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
1 cup cooked, shredded beef or chicken
½ cup chopped onions
½ cup diced potatoes
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Prepare Dough: Mix cornmeal, salt, and warm water until a smooth dough forms. Divide into small balls and flatten into discs.
Make Filling: Sauté onions, then add meat, potatoes, and spices. Cook until well combined.
Assemble: Place a spoonful of filling onto each dough disc. Fold and seal the edges, crimping with a fork.
Cook: Deep fry or bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden and crispy.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with aji (spicy Colombian salsa) or your favorite dipping sauce.
5. Posta Negra (Colombian Braised Beef)
Ingredients:
2 lbs beef roast (such as chuck or round)
1 cup cola (soda)
1 cup beef broth
1 cup soy sauce
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Sear Beef: Season the beef with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot pan until browned on all sides. Transfer to a slow cooker or large pot.
Make Sauce: In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add cola, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cumin, and paprika. Bring to a simmer.
Braised: Pour the sauce over the beef. Cover and cook in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, or in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender.
Serving Suggestions: Slice the beef and serve with rice, plantains, or a fresh salad. The sauce is delicious over the rice or as a dipping sauce.
These recipes offer a delicious glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of Colombia. Each dish is a celebration of flavors and textures, perfect for bringing a taste of Colombian comfort to your table. Enjoy your cooking adventure!