La comida de Puerto Rico

Arroz con gandules Arroz con gandules is a yellow rice with pigeon peas and pieces of meat and spices.

Different kinds of meat can be used, such as sausage, smoked turkey, bacon or smoked ham. The spices used are usually cumin, oregano and sofrito.

MofongoMofongo is prepared with fried green plantains mashed together. Garlic, olive oil, bacon bits or pieces of pork are added for flavor.

Mofongo relleno (stuffed) is usually served with stewed meat.

AlcapurriasAlcapurrias are a dough preparation made from green plantains or grated yuca. The mix is stuffed with ground meat or pork and deep fried until it is crispy.

TostonesTostones are made from green (non-sweet) plantains. Thick cut slices of plantains are fried until they are golden in color. Then they are pounded flat with a tostonera, or any kitchen utensil that has a big, flat surface. The plantains are fried again until they are crisp and golden brown.

PastelónPastelón is a dish similar to lasagna. Instead of pasta, sweet sliced plantains are used. It contains meat like picadillo (seasoned minced meat), cheese and sauce.

Bistec EncebolladoThis dish consists of marinated steak and with sautéed onions. It is often served with tostones (fried plantains). This a very popular dish in Puerto Rico.

EmpanadasAn empanada is made by folding a round piece of dough around stuffing typically made of cheese, meat or vegetables.

Empanadas can be baked or fried. They are a popular snack in Puerto Rico and other Latin American countries.

TemblequeTembleque is a custard type dessert made by cooking coconut milk or coconut cream with milk, salt, cornstarch and sugar. It is flavored with spices such as cloves, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg.

¿Recuerdas?1. Which popular Puerto Rican dish consists of yellow rice, pigeon peas, meat and spices?

A. AlcapurriasB. Arroz con gandulesC. Pastelón

2. Which of the following is a dessert made from coconut milk or coconut cream?

A. EmpanadasB. PastelónC. Tembleque

¿Recuerdas?

3. Which dish is made from green plantains that are fried, smashed flat and then fried again?

A. AlcapurriasB. EmpanadasC. Tostones

¿Recuerdas?

4. Which dish is similar to lasagna but is made with plantains?

A. AlcapurriasB. MofongoC. Pastelón

¿Recuerdas?

Reflection…If you had the opportunity to try Puerto Rican food, which dish would you like to try? Why?

Sources

www.elboricua.com/recipes

www.allrecipes.com

www.foodnetwork.com

www.simplyrecipes.com