CarolCooks2…A-Z World Cuisines…Part 22…Ecuador

Welcome to my new A-Z …World Cuisines…where I will be looking at the countries of the world, their food and national dish or their most popular dish around the world…by this I mean some dishes are eaten in many countries as their fame has spread around the world…

Today I am looking at the cuisine of Ecuador…

Though impressively modern in some ways, Ecuador retains strong ties to the traditions of the past. You won’t have any trouble finding Italian, Chinese, Lebanese, and various other international restaurants in most cities, often operated by immigrants from those countries.

Small compared to many of its neighbours though, the South American country of Ecuador is big on culture and food…Ecuadorian food dishes range is as wide as the three distinct regions found in the country, which include the Amazon jungle, the Andean highlands, and the Pacific Coast (including the Galápagos Islands).

I think the best way to get to sample the real cuisine of a country is to eat where the locals eat and although traditional dishes may fall outside your normal comfort zone, you may just find one or two that introduce you to a new, favourite recipe you’ll want to eat over and over again.

Bolon de Verde is considered by many to be the National Dish of Ecuador…a cricket-sized ball of meat or cheese contained inside an outer layer of mashed green plantain that is then fried until golden brown…

they can be eaten on their own or served with fried eggs and a helping of meat stew.

Encocado de Pescado …is a traditional Fish Dish…

As coconuts grow nearly everywhere pretty much like here most people have at least one in their garden and sauces more often than not contain beautiful fresh coconut as this fish dish does it is served quite simply with rice and fried plantains…my kind of food…

Although ceviche is not unique to Ecuador it is a favourite of both locals and visitors and Ecuador is known for its beautiful fresh ceviche…

For most westerners guinea pigs are pets they are however on the menus here and if you can get past the initial squeamish feeling you may find that you enjoy this popular dish…known as Cuy Asado it is commonly accompanied by a side of corn or potatoes and served with chilli and salsa.

Spiced and on the BBQ…Cuy Asado…

Ecuador is famous for its beautiful traditional stews, soups, empanadas, tamales as well as its seafood…Locro de Papa is a potato stew that often contains cheese, onions, garlic, and cumin in addition to potatoes…it is the lovely South American spice annatto that gives this stew its unique flavour…

Drinking pinol is a part of Ecuadorian culture and it is Ecuador’s national drink. People make it at home and you can also buy pinol in coffee shops and ice cream parlours in Salcedo where the drink originated. Pinol may also refer to the dry mix itself, which is used in making fruit smoothies…and when something stronger is required then Canelazo fits the bill it is a hot alcoholic beverage consumed in the Andean highlands of Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and northern Argentina…made from brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves, orange and lime juice, and the Colombian concoction known as aguardiente(rum), or firewater…just the thing on a cold night…

I hope you have enjoyed this virtual tour of Ecuador as always I look forward to your comments…x

36 thoughts on “CarolCooks2…A-Z World Cuisines…Part 22…Ecuador”

  3. Pingback: CarolCooks2 weekly roundup… 21st -27th August 2022-Monday Musings, Health, Morbid Obesity,Food Shortages,Aromatic Leaves…and Saturday Snippets where “Slow” is my one word prompt. | Retired? No one told me!

  5. Pingback: CarolCooks2…A-Z World Cuisines…Part 22…Ecuador – Site Title

  7. Pingback: CarolCooks2…Her A-Z World Cuisines…Part 22…Ecuador! – Bite! Eat! Repeat!

  9. beetleypete

    An unusual country and I don’t know anyone who has visited it. I like the look of the food though, but as I once kept pet guinea pigs, I might have to eat one with my eyes closed. 🙂
    Best wishes, Pete. x

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Pingback: CarolCooks2…A-Z World Cuisines…Part 22…Ecuador – MobsterTiger

    1. CarolCooks2 Post author

      I would try the guinea pig but thats me..smile…I tried to comment on your last blog post, Marian but it came up error every time I will try again to tomorrow 🙂

      Like

Comments are closed.