What separates a “just okay” empanada from a truly great empanada? For Ismael Castro, executive chef and co-owner of the Toronto-based food truck and catering service El Bosco, it’s all about the dough. “Every country in Latin America has their [own] empanadas,” he tells us. “The Argentineans have flour ones… and those are baked. The Mexicans, we have our corn dough… same as Venezuela's and Colombia’s.” Having grown up in Mexico, Castro was no stranger to Mexican-style empanadas — which he says are typically made with white corn — but he first tasted the stuffed pastry that’s now a staple on El Bosco’s menu while visiting his business partner Marcela Geer’s family in Colombia. It was love at first bite. “It’s literally the way they make them… when you make your own dough with your own corn that you grind, that’s the key [to] the dish.” According to Castro the fresh corn dough retains less oil in the cooking process, meaning “you don’t have to let them sit and then [dab them] with paper towel… you literally just deep fry them for 6-7 minutes and they’re ready to go. If you can take the heat on the inside, they’re ready to go.” Sold. Marta Ramirez Guerra’s Colombian Beef Empanadas By Ismael Castro “It was actually my business partner’s brother’s wife… who taught me how to make [these empanadas],” Castro says. “It’s a lot of work, it takes a lot of effort, manually, physically, but it pays off.”
Colombia is known for being a tropical paradise with a diversity of interesting ingredients infusing its traditional cuisine. Colombia’s gastronomy is
This easy one-pot Colombian Chicken Stew will satisfy your comfort food cravings. Chicken drumsticks, bell pepper, onions, and potatoes, are simmered in a flavorful broth to tenderness in just minutes.
Traditional Colombian arepas are savory corn cakes, and they're easier to make at home than you might think. This version is stuffed with cheese and can be served for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or a light dinner.
Latin America is famous for its delicious food, and Colombia does not disappoint. In fact, sampling Colombian food is one of the
Skip the corn tortillas and make a batch of homemade arepas, instead. This South American staple is delicious topped with practically any protein or veggie.
Colombian empanadas are similar to other empanadas, but these are difference. The Colombian empanada is made of a corn meal flour and it is generally deep fried. They are an excellent Colombian food.
These savory bites are healthier than the traditional version and my Colombian friend says they are every bit as tasty.
Today I would like to introduce one of my favorite traditional Colombian desserts. Which, conveniently, is also ridiculously easy to make. I have no idea how Pastel Gloria got its name, but it is a popular dessert in my country. It is essentially a puff pastry filled with dulce de leche, guava paste and cheese .
¡Qué chimba!
Cazuela de Mariscos aka Cartagenan Seafood Stew is a rich, delicious and creamy seafood stew that is quick to cook, but perfect for weekend entertaining.
These Colombian Empanadas are a popular snack in Colombia and are served by most Colombian restaurants in the USA. Traditionally, these delicious fritters are made with shredded pork and beef, but in my family we always make them with ground meat. Serve them with ají and lime wedges on the side. In Colombia, empanadas are.
A tasty take on Ajiaco, a Colombian style chicken and corn soup with a thick and creamy broth and tons of flavour!
Discover South America's Carne Mechada. Learn what it is, how to prepare it & versatile serving suggestions for a satisfying meal.
Sopa de Lentejas or Colombian Style Lentil Soup is a standard in a lot of Colombian kitchens, the Colombian chorizo sausage gives the soup extra flavor. This is a very substantial soup that would make a meal-in-a-bowl served with white rice.
