The Classic Empanadas
On my expedition to Costa Rica last summer, I had the privilege of having empanadas for breakfast at a restaurant serving local dishes. Empanadas are deep fried pastry pockets typically filled with cheese and ground beef. Other savory fillings include chicken, vegetables, or, like the empanadas I had for breakfast, simply filled with mouthwatering cheese. These delightful pastries make a great snack and side dish during any time of the day. If you are looking for something simple and new to try, here’s your match!
Mangu Con Salami
A close friend from the Dominican Republic, Stephany, has taught me how to prepare this flavorful dish. Extremely popular throughout the Dominican Republic, mangu con salami translates to mashed plantains with fried salami, and it is exactly what it sounds like. In order for the plantains to become “mangu,” they have to be boiled and then mashed with butter. Meanwhile, the salami is fried and served on a plate alongside the mangu for an appetizing meal.
When asked about the role that her Latin American heritage plays in her everyday meals, Stephany gave the following reply;
“Food in a Hispanic household is a top priority. Unlike many American households in which lunch and dinner are eaten at specific times and as full meals, we usually munch on foods such as tostones (fried plantains) and other snacks throughout the day. Then, at around 4-6pm, dinner is served. Dinner normally consists of rice, beans, and some sort of meat, a typical Dominican dish being Moro-Locrio (rice, pork, and black beans). As you could probably tell, rice is huge in Latin America. We eat rice with everything, from desserts to soups. It’s a miracle that I don’t weigh five hundred pounds!”
Altogether, I encourage you to give Latin American food a try, and whilst you’re at it I want you to think about the extent to which food can affect people’s lives. Then think about the way your heritage affects the food you eat on a daily basis. Do some research and find one of the puzzle pieces to the mystery of your roots. Once you grow familiar with your heritage, go ahead and explore other cuisines. It will open you up to new cultures and will certainly account for some adventurous experiences for your taste buds!