Tasty Colombian Recipes

Introduction

Colombia is a country filled with flavorful foods and delicious recipes. From traditional dishes like Bandeja Paisa to regional specialties like Arepas, Colombian cuisine has a variety of options to offer. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a hearty meal, there’s a Colombian dish that’s sure to please. Here are 10 tasty Colombian recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Colombian-Style Sancocho

Sancocho is a hearty soup that is popular throughout Latin America. Colombian-style Sancocho is a unique take on the classic dish. It typically includes a variety of meats and vegetables, including pork, beef, yuca, potatoes, and plantains. The soup is simmered for several hours until the flavors have blended together. It is then served with a dollop of sour cream and a side of white rice.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into cubes
• 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into cubes
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 plantains, peeled and sliced
• 1 yuca, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sour cream, for serving
• White rice, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the pork, beef, potatoes, plantains, yuca, garlic, onion, cilantro, chicken broth, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1-2 hours or until the meats and vegetables are tender.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Ladle into individual bowls and serve with a dollop of sour cream and a side of white rice.

Nutrition

This recipe makes 8 servings. Each serving has approximately 360 calories, 17g of fat, 23g of carbohydrates, and 25g of protein.

Arepas

Arepas are a type of flatbread that is popular throughout Colombia and other Latin American countries. They are made from a dough of cornmeal, water, and salt and then grilled or fried. Arepas can be enjoyed as a snack, or they can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, meats, and vegetables. They are a delicious and versatile dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups masarepa (precooked cornmeal)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the masarepa, salt, and warm water. Knead until a soft dough is formed.
2. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
3. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a ¼-inch thick disc.
4. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the arepas and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until lightly golden.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

This recipe makes 8 servings. Each serving has approximately 120 calories, 4g of fat, 19g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein.

Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja Paisa is a traditional Colombian dish that is typically served for lunch. It is a hearty dish that includes a variety of proteins and sides. The classic version includes beans, rice, chorizo, plantains, avocado, and a fried egg. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice, cooked
• 1 cup black beans, cooked
• 2 chorizo sausages, sliced
• 2 plantains, sliced and fried
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 egg, fried

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the chorizo over medium heat until lightly browned.
2. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, fry the plantains until lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, fry the egg to desired doneness.
5. To assemble the bandeja paisa, divide the rice, beans, chorizo, plantains, avocado, and egg between two plates.
6. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

This recipe makes 2 servings. Each serving has approximately 550 calories, 23g of fat, 70g of carbohydrates, and 20g of protein.

Colombian-Style Tamales

Tamales are a popular dish throughout Latin America, and Colombian-style Tamales are a unique take on the classic. They are typically filled with beef or chicken and cooked in a banana leaf. The banana leaf adds a unique flavor to the tamales and helps keep them moist. Tamales are a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to please.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups masa harina
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 8 banana leaves

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until lightly browned.
2. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper and cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, stir together the masa harina, chicken broth, and vegetable oil until a soft dough is formed.
5. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
6. Flatten each ball of dough and place a portion of the beef filling in the center.
7. Fold the dough up around the filling to form a tamale.
8. Wrap each tamale in a banana leaf and tie with kitchen twine.
9. Steam the tamales for 30-40 minutes or until cooked through.
10. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

This recipe makes 8 servings. Each serving has approximately 280 calories, 14g of fat, 28g of carbohydrates, and 13g of protein.

Conclusion

Colombian cuisine is filled with flavorful and delicious dishes. From traditional dishes like Bandeja Paisa to regional specialties like Arepas, there are a variety of recipes to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a hearty meal, there’s a Colombian dish that’s sure to please. Try one of the recipes above and discover why Colombian cuisine is so loved around the world.