Dolmas, from the Turkish verb “to stuff”, are the culinary legacy of the mighty Ottoman Empire. Dolmas form part of the meze or hors d’oeuvres menu of the eastern Mediterranean. Dolmas everywhere! The precursor to dolmas is thought to be the Greek thrion” a fig leaf stuffed with sweetened cheese. Dolmas can be found in…
rice
Arroz con Gandules
Arroz con Gandules is a Puerto Rican favorite. It’s also popular in other Latin American countries. As an added plus, arroz con gandules goes amazingly well with bistec encebollado. Gandules or Guandu depending on where you are from, are a small roundish bean that grows in a perennial bush. There are three different types of…
Horchata
Horchata is a creamy, smooth sweet summer drink popular in Spain and Latin America. It is traditionally served cold in a tall glass without ice. Unlike Americans, Europeans are not fond of ice in their drinks. Horchata is usually paired with a pastry. The origin of the name horchata derives from Latin, hordeum meaning barley….
Bistec Encebollado
Bistec Encebollado is simply steak and onions. This Puerto Rican dish is outstanding in flavor but also incredibly easy to make. From cube steaks to sirloin, all my friends have a different preference. How could that be? I decided to stick with the tried and true-my beloved flank steak. I also like to use flank…
Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowl Recipe
Recently I went home to Panama for a visit, and met up with an old classmate for lunch. She suggested Mexican, and I quickly agreed. Well, one satisfying steak burrito bowl, and two margaritas each later, and I was totally inspired. Who wouldn’t be? Unfortunately my friend had to return to work in a food…
Latin Style Leftover Turkey: Arroz con Pavo
A delicious, Latin style leftover turkey recipe Meet arroz con pavo! Turkey day coma is now over, and it is now your fridge that is stuffed with enough leftover turkey to feed another family. What to do? Face it, there are only so many ways to relive Thanksgiving dinner that don’t involve a microwave. So…
Sushi: Sacred Union of Land and Sea
There is no denying that sushi is a trending food . Today many restaurant menus and large supermarkets carry it. At my house it is a favorite. Even my son who is a picky eater loves sushi. Spicy shrimp, and California roll are his favorites. For the longest time I had been wanting to learn to make…
Arroz con Pollo – Hispanic Chicken and Rice
Arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) is to Hispanics what meatloaf and mashed potatoes is to Americans. It is the ultimate comfort food. It’s healthy too. I think I can state with certainty that arroz con pollo is Latin America’s most popular dish. It is mine, for sure. Every country in Latin America has its…
Rice, Black Beans and Pork Chops – The Latin Meal: Chuletas
Rice, Black Beans and Pork Chops: a typical Latin American or Caribbean meal that is rich in flavors, and also nutritious. This is by far one of my favorite comfort foods. The Spanish word for pork chops is “chuletas.” My husband, just to kid around pronounces it “shoo letha”, which he says sounds like shoe leather! He…
