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Chilean desserts

If you’ve got a sweet tooth and an adventurous palate, Chilean desserts are about to become your new obsession. Chile doesn’t just serve up breathtaking landscapes and world-class wines—it’s also a paradise for dessert lovers. From decadent cakes to quirky fried treats, this South American gem knows how to satisfy cravings. Credits to Corrie Cooks Let’s take a delicious dive into some iconic Chilean food desserts you absolutely need to try. How Do Chilean Desserts Usually Taste? Imagine walking into a grandma’s kitchen where every flavor tells a story of tradition and love. That’s the essence of Chilean desserts for you. It’s like a symphony of sweetness, where each note plays perfectly with the others. There’s a rich tapestry of tastes, often revolving around the creamy, caramel-like manjar (think dulce de leche but with a Chilean twist), the natural sweetness of fruits, and a comforting blanket of sugary, cinnamon-infused delights. Chilean sweets don’t shy away from goin...

Easy to Make Colombian Food

Craving something new and full of flavor? Let’s take your kitchen on a trip to Colombia. Picture the aroma of spices, fresh ingredients, and rich coffee filling the air. From hearty stews to crispy arepas, these easy to make Colombian food are surprisingly easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

By the time we’re done, your kitchen will feel like a vibrant market in Bogotá, and your cooking game will never be the same. Ready to turn your next meal into a flavorful adventure? Let’s get started!

EASY TO MAKE COLOMBIAN FOOD
Credits to Wandering Wagars

What Is Colombian Food Like?

Colombian food? It’s like the country’s diverse landscapes, from tropical coasts to high mountains, turned into flavor. Think hearty, comforting dishes with a side of salsa music in the background—yeah, it’s that lively.

We’re talking about arepas that are as versatile as your playlist, empanadas filled with surprises, and ajiaco soup that warms your soul. It’s not just food; it’s an experience.

Every bite tells a story of tradition, fusion, and pure joy. So, if you’re looking to add some excitement to your meals, Colombian cuisine is your ticket to a culinary carnival. Ready to get cooking and bring these flavors home?

bandeja paisa typical Colombian food
Credits to TripSavvy

5 Easy to Make Colombian Foods

Arepas

Arepas are like the bread of Colombia—versatile, fluffy, and utterly irresistible. These cornmeal cakes are a staple in every Colombian household, ready to be stuffed with cheese, meats, or avocados for any meal of the day.

Arepas
Credits to Goya Foods

Ingredients and Tools

  • 2 cups pre-cooked white cornmeal
  • 2 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional)
  • Butter or oil for frying
  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet

Step by Step Instructions in Making Arepas

  • In your mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, water, and salt, stirring until the dough is smooth and no lumps remain.
  • If you’re feeling cheesy, mix in the grated cheese.
  • Divide the dough into palm-sized balls, then flatten each into a disc about 1/2 inch thick.
  • Heat a bit of butter or oil in the skillet over medium heat.
  • Cook the arepas for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and delicious.
  • Serve warm with your favorite fillings.

Empanadas

Empanadas are the ultimate snack or party food—crispy on the outside, stuffed with a flavorful meat or vegetable filling, and perfect for dipping into aji sauce.

Empanadas
Credits to Bonkerz4Food

Ingredients and Tools

  • 2 cups pre-cooked yellow cornmeal
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 lb ground beef or chicken
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Oil for frying
  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Deep fryer or large pot

Step by Step Instructions in Making Empanadas

  • Make the dough by mixing the cornmeal, water, and salt in a bowl. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
  • For the filling, cook the ground meat with onion, tomato, and cumin in a skillet until fully cooked.
  • Take small portions of dough and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball into a circle, place some filling in the center, then fold and seal the edges.
  • Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown.
  • Drain on paper towels and serve hot with aji sauce.

Ajiaco

Ajiaco is a comforting, hearty soup that’s like a hug in a bowl. With its unique combination of chicken, potatoes, and the herb guascas, it’s a taste of Bogotá in every spoonful.

Ajiaco colombiano
Credits to Que Rica Vida

Ingredients and Tools

  • 3 chicken breasts
  • 3 types of potatoes (Andean, red, and yellow), peeled and sliced
  • 2 ears of corn, cut into halves
  • 2 gallons of water
  • 1 bunch of guascas
  • 1 cup of heavy cream (for serving)
  • 1 cup of capers (for serving)
  • Avocado slices (for serving)
  • Large pot
  • Ladle

Step by Step Instructions in Making Ajiaco

  • In a large pot, combine the chicken breasts, potatoes, corn, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
  • After about 30 minutes, when the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot, shred it, and set it aside.
  • Continue to simmer the soup until the potatoes begin to fall apart, thickening the broth.
  • Add the shredded chicken back to the pot along with the guascas. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
  • Serve the soup hot, garnished with heavy cream, capers, and avocado slices on the side.

Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja Paisa is not just a meal; it’s an experience. This platter is a hearty, filling journey through Colombian flavors, featuring beans, rice, chorizo, avocado, and more.

Bandeja Paisa
Credits to Wikipedia

Ingredients and Tools

  • 1 cup cooked red beans
  • 2 cups white rice
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 slices of pork belly or bacon
  • 4 chorizos
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • Cooking pan
  • Skillet
  • Large serving plates

Step by Step Instructions in Making Bandeja Paisa

  • Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
  • In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, cook the pork belly or bacon and chorizos until crispy.
  • Fry the eggs to your liking in a separate pan.
  • Assemble the bandeja paisa by placing a portion of beans, rice, beef, pork belly, chorizo, and a fried egg on a large serving plate. Garnish with avocado and tomato slices.

Tamales

Tamales are a festive, traditional food wrapped in banana leaves, filled with a mixture of corn dough, meat, vegetables, and spices—steamed to perfection.

Tamales
Credits to Food.com

Ingredients and Tools

  • 2 cups masa harina (corn dough)
  • 1 lb pork or chicken, cooked and shredded
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup of lard or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup of diced carrots and peas
  • Banana leaves, for wrapping
  • String, for tying
  • Steamer pot

Step by Step Instructions in Making Tamales

  • Mix masa harina with lard or oil and chicken broth to form a soft dough.
  • Spread a portion of the dough onto a banana leaf, then add a spoonful of meat and some diced vegetables in the center.
  • Fold the banana leaf to enclose the filling and tie it with string.
  • Place the wrapped tamales in a steamer pot over boiling water and steam for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the dough is firm and cooked through.
  • Carefully remove the tamales from the steamer and let them cool a bit before unwrapping and serving.

Tips for Each Recipes:

  1. Arepas
    • Tip: For extra flavor, mix in some fresh herbs like cilantro or chives into the dough. It adds a fresh twist!
  2. Empanadas
    • Tip: To seal the empanadas perfectly and avoid leaks, use a fork to press and crimp the edges after folding them over the filling.
  3. Ajiaco
    • Tip: The secret to a rich and flavorful Ajiaco is to let it simmer slowly. Patience is key to allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  4. Bandeja Paisa
    • Tip: Balance is crucial. Although it’s a hearty dish, arranging the components neatly on the plate makes it more inviting and manageable to eat.
  5. Tamales
    • Tip: Ensure the banana leaves are flexible before wrapping by briefly passing them over an open flame or soaking them in hot water.

Wrapping Up

Colombian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, textures, and colors, offering something for every palate. From the simplicity of arepas to the complexity of a bandeja paisa, these recipes showcase the uniqueness and versatility of Colombian food. They are not just meals; they are stories of culture, tradition, and the warmth of a country renowned for its hospitality.

Colombian cuisine
Credits to Enjoy Travel

I encourage you to dive into these recipes, to explore the rich culinary landscape of Colombia. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious foodie, there’s joy and discovery in every bite. So, go ahead, cook up a storm, and let your kitchen be a gateway to Colombia!

Disclosure: Our blog contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.



source https://sazonytumbao.com/easy-to-make-colombian-food/

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