25+ Unique Colombian Recipes For Your First-Time Experiences!

Colombian cuisine is always a fun challenge for any home cook, and today I’m going to show you my handpicked Colombian recipes that will shock your palate!

With these ideas, you can even throw a full Colombian party on your own. I even include some snack recipes that you can enjoy at your leisure.

Why are you still hesitating? Scroll down to see what these dishes are! (colombian recipes)

27 Recommended Colombian Recipes For Every Non Professional Chefs

Because Colombian recipes sound pretty strange to a variety of people, you may not know how to combine them. However, in this article, I also indicate which dishes should be combined so that you can enjoy them to the fullest.

1. Patacones
2. Papas Rellenas
3. Colombian Chicharron
4. Arroz Con Coco
5. Papas Chorreadas
6. Frijoles Colombianos
7. Enyucado
8. Bandeja Paisa
9. Cazuela de Mariscos
10. Arroz Con Pollo
11. Chicken Sancocho
12. Ajiaco
13. Tamales
14. Changua
15. Colombian Empanadas
16. Colombian Arepas
17. Pan de Bono
18. Aborrajados
19. Obelas
20. Arroz con Tres Leches Pudding
21. Papa Criollas
22. Merengon
23. Chocolate con Queso
24. Aguapanela
25. Colombian Coffee
26. Avena
27. Refajo

Keep on reading for more details in each recipe! (colombian recipes)

7 Colombian Appetizers And Side Dishes That Make You Crave For More

Although not on the agenda, appetizers and side dishes still play an important role in every meal. Without them, there is nothing to elevate the main course. So, let’s find out what Colombians use for these dishes! (colombian recipes)

Patacones

Patacones, also known as Tostones, are a common appetizer or side dish in Colombian cooking. People would choose green plantains and cut them into small portions. All slices are then fried until brown.

Patacones are often accompanied by aji, guacamole, avocado slices, or hogao (a tomato and onion sauce).

Let’s see how they make the perfect patacone in this video:

Papas Rellenas

Just as in Japan they have crispy potato and meat croquettes called “korokke”, Colombians make a croquette they call “papas rellenas”. However, these croquettes in Colombia are often eaten as a snack or breakfast.

Whether hot or cold, papas rellenas goes perfectly with aji sauce. Some local stores have their own variations. For example, a vegetarian version does not contain meat. Or the special ones even have rice and scrambled eggs in their filling. (colombian recipes)

Colombian Chicharron

Chicharron means “fried pork belly”, which is a fairly common dish. But the interesting thing about Colombian chicharron is that they use lard instead of oil for frying. This will help you get rid of the oil drenched feeling.

Chicharron is often found as an ingredient in Bandeja Paisa. However, Colombians eat it at any time of the day. They use it with hot chocolate for breakfast or as a side dish for lunch and dinner. (colombian recipes)

How can Colombians fry pork belly without using oil? The answer is right here:

Arroz Con Coco

Occasionally, you will find several places that offer seafood with a bowl of coconut rice. People believe that creamy, sweet coconut rice will complement the flavor of seafood. And Colombia is no exception, with its version called arroz con coco.

However, unlike other countries, Colombians do not cook rice in coconut milk. They prepare the rice separately and during this time they reduce the coconut milk to a delicious coconut oil. And they mix this oil into the rice to create the arroz con coco. (colombian recipes)

Papas Chorreadas

Papas chorreadas is a Colombian specialty consisting of boiled red potatoes and cheese sauce. Originally just boiled potatoes in salted water. Then as time goes on people start adding more to the sauce.

The basic process for this sauce is the tomato and sauteed onion base. Then add the cream and grated cheddar cheese. Do not melt them completely. Leave a little bit of soft cheese for the best experience. (colombian recipes)

Frijoles Colombianos

Another great side dish is frijoles Colombianos. Like the meaning of its name (Colombian red bean), this dish consists of red beans and other ingredients such as tomatoes, scallions, and bacon.

Although Frijoles Colombianos can be considered the main course, people often serve it as a complement to Bandeja Paisa. (colombian recipes)

This video shows a visual explanation of how to make this dish:

Enyucado

Enyucado is a delicious cake from the Atlantic coast of Colombia. There are several variations, but they all share the same basic ingredients: yuca, sugar, grated coconut, butter, and anise seeds.

From there, each region makes its own version: Some use coconut milk while others add grated cheese. No matter how it is cooked, the result is always a crispy, delicious pie. Although enyucado can be eaten as a lunch, it is a common choice to accompany meat dishes. (colombian recipes)

7 Mouthwatering Main Courses From Colombia

Of course, it is impossible to talk about a cuisine without its main dishes. Colombia’s main dishes include both meat and fish, stewed and fried, making it suitable for any visitor. (colombian recipes)

Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja Paisa is considered Colombia’s national dish and also one of its best-known dishes. And you will understand why as soon as you see it. Since bandeja means “plate” in English, this is like a showcase of what Colombian cuisine is all about.

In just one plate, you can see a variety of foods such as beans, white rice, avocado, scrambled eggs, sausage, chicharron (pork belly), carne en polvo (ground beef) and much more. This is why Bandeja Paisa is often shared among friends or family. (colombian recipes)

Cazuela De Mariscos

With two oceans next to it, Colombia has an important source for fresh seafood. And this is reflected in Cazuela de Mariscos, a Colombian seafood stew. It is cooked in coconut milk with lots of white fish, shrimp and mussels.

Some recipes even add white wine to balance the flavors. You can use any seafood in this dish. My recommendation for white fish is halibut, because its flavor is not overwhelming and can remain intact even after cooking. (colombian recipes)

Arroz Con Pollo

If you need a main dish that can satisfy many people, arroz con pollo is the appropriate answer. In fact, this dish is not unique to Colombia. Every Latin American country has its own variation.

In this version, broth is usually preferred with beer. However, despite all the differences, most recipes use a combination of saffron and sautéed vegetables with spices for the yellow color of the rice. (colombian recipes)

Right click to see how delicious this dish is!:

Chicken Sancocho

When it’s raining and it’s chilly, all I want is a hearty soup. And this chicken sancocho is just right. Sancocho soup isn’t too heavy with chicken, but it can still warm you up right away.

Of course, you can replace chicken with other meats like beef or pork for a more satisfying feel. Colombians often use this soup with rice and avocado during el almuero (lunch). (colombian recipes)

Ajiaco

You won’t find a Colombian who doesn’t know Ajiaco. It is basically a stew with chicken and three types of potatoes. As time goes on, people start adding more and more ingredients to this dish, such as corn and guacamole.

Sour cream, avocado, capers are common choices for sauces. Nothing better than enjoying a bowl of ajiaco on a cold winter’s night. (colombian recipes)

Tamales

Those who have not seen tamales before must have been taken aback by its appearance. Tamales are pretty simple, just meat and vegetables in a cornmeal dough. But what makes them special is that the banana leaves or corn husks are rolled out.

Previously, workers would carry tamales as lunch for their convenience. Today, tamales are often found in celebrations such as Christmas. You can even make a European version of this dish by adding raisins, olives, nuts, and other European ingredients. (colombian recipes)

Changua

If you’re looking for breakfast while in Colombia’s capital, Bogota, Changua is a must-try. Changgua is a very simple soup that you can make at home. Just prepare milk, water, eggs and some herbs and then you are ready.

Although changua is usually served as breakfast with a slice of bread, you can also use it to cure hangovers.

Check it out and make one for your next breakfast! (colombian recipes)

Do You Know About These 8 Colombian-Exclusive Pastries And Snacks?

There is a saying, if you want to learn about the culture of a cuisine, you should try street food. This clearly applies to Colombia as well. Colombian snacks appear in both savory and sweet styles. Here are some of my recommendations. (colombian recipes)

Colombian Empanadas

Empanadas are a common snack in Latin countries, and of course Colombia has its own version. It is so famous that you can find this dish in many Colombian restaurants in America.

Typical empanadas are stuffed with boiled beef, potatoes and Latin seasonings. Then the chefs fry them to give them a crispy appearance on the outside. Traditionally you should eat empanadas with lemon and aji sauce. (colombian recipes)

Colombian Arepas

When it comes to Colombian street food, you must try the arepas. Although arepas appear in various South American countries, they are a little different as Colombians often eat them for breakfast.

Also, even though it is made from corn like other ispas, it is thinner and sweeter as Colombians do not use salt and oil in their recipes. The usual choice for the arepa filling in Colombia is cheese, but you can choose anything you like: beans, scrambled eggs, maple syrup, etc. (colombian recipes)

Pan De Bono

No kitchen can live without sweet dishes, be it desserts or snacks. Pan de Bono is one of Colombia’s favorite desserts. Basically, they are large balls of cheese with cassava starch, also called tapioca starch.

Besides these two ingredients, the traditional Pan de Bono contains only sugar and eggs. Today, several stores sell Pan de Bono with fruit filling. To enjoy this dessert to the fullest, you need a cup of hot chocolate or coffee with it. (colombian recipes)

Aborrajados

Patacones use green plantains, while these ripe ones become aborrajados. In Aborrajados, ripe plantains are stuffed with cheese, covered with dough, and deep-fried. The result is a dish that can be enjoyed as both an appetizer and dessert, both sweet and savory.

However, for dessert, aborrajados often have a little guava paste added in between for even more sweetness. (colombian recipes)

Obelas

Nothing compares to a fun walk with a sweet treat. And in Bogota, Colombia, you will experience it with obelas. They contain two round, thin wafers and a filling made from plain wheat flour.

Normally. obelas are filled with arequipa, a sweet Colombian caramel sauce. But you can make your own mix with a variety of options: chocolate, hazelnuts, grated coconut, cheese, blackberry jam, etc. Some street cars even add fruit to the filling. (colombian recipes)

Arroz Con Tres Leches Pudding

Colombians take the classic rice pudding and mix it with three milks. It results in a creative dish called Arroz con Tres Leches pudding. The creamy taste of condensed milk, whole milk, and evaporated milk really elevates the dish.

Top with whipped cream, sprinkles and cherries for a playful dessert. Vanilla and cinnamon are also other good options. (colombian recipes)

Papa Criollas

Papa criolla, a type of potato, is considered the king of all potatoes because of its creamy texture. And according to the Colombian people, the best way to enjoy them is to fry them whole, even with the skin on.

Make sure to fry all the potatoes until the skins open. And this dish doesn’t require any sauce to cover up its flavor, let alone a pinch of salt. You can get a pack of papa criollas from many street vendors in Colombia. (colombian recipes)

Merengon

If you want some dishes that scream “sweet” then merengon should be your first choice. Made from baked meringue topped and stuffed with cream and berries, meringon is utterly sweet. So watch out for sugar rush after eating this.

Another special thing about meringon in Colombia is that it often contains tropical fruits such as soursop, strawberries, bananas and kiwis. (colombian recipes)

Top 5 Most Well-Known Drinks In Colombia

You can’t eat all the time without drinking anything. In this episode, I will present you 5 common Colombian drinks that you can find everywhere.

Chocolate Con Queso

You may not believe it, but this drink combines hot chocolate with cheese. And yes, it tastes great! In the Andes you can find many people drinking it with buttered bread or sourdough cornbread for breakfast or tea break.

The barista will drop cheese cubes into your chocolate drink while it’s still hot. Then the cheese will melt and mix with the sweet drink. After drinking it all, you can find some chocolate, melted cheese at the bottom. Think of it as a gift from Colombian cuisine.

Let’s see how you enjoy it like a Colombian in this video:

Aguapanela

“Agua” means “water” and “panela” means “sugar cane”. Put them together and you have the simplest and most traditional drink in Colombia. Served hot or cold, aguapanela is mixed with lemon juice, making it an excellent beverage for patients due to its high sugar content.

In addition, baristas in various cafes will add milk and cheese to this drink. Sometimes aguapanela is also used as a base for coffee and hot chocolate.

Colombian Coffee

Coffee is ubiquitous, how is it different in Colombia? I can say, the gap is huge! Colombia’s air and soil are so suitable for producing coffee beans that there are more than half a million coffee farms there.

Colombian coffee tends to have a sweet and mild flavor with the help of aguapanela as the base. However, be careful with mass-produced tinto, as it’s usually brewed from freeze-dried coffee beans, which are of the lowest quality.

Avena

Although Avena may sound foreign, you may know it better by the name “oatmeal shake”. Yes, this drink is made from oats boiled in milk and water. It is then sweetened with cinnamon, cloves and sugar.

Avena needs to be refrigerated for at least three hours before serving. Colombians often enjoy this drink for breakfast with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Refajo

When you need a drink to accompany your BBQ party, refajó is a great option. It is a cocktail mixed between beer and Colombiana (a soda made with tamarind). Some other recipes use aguardiente (a strong Colombian alcohol) or rum.

Orange or lemon slices are two common garnishes for this cocktail. Many people fall in love with refajo because of its bittersweet and fresh taste.

Do You Have A Colombian Ideal Meal In Your Head?

You no longer have to worry about what to order when going to a Colombian restaurant. While some of the above dishes are readily available in America, there are a variety of foods you should head to Colombia for an authentic taste.

If you want to share more about your Colombian experiences especially in the culinary field, feel free to write them in the comments section. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends so you can plan a trip to Colombia together!

Also, don’t forget to pin/bookmark and visit our blog for more interesting but original information. (Vodka And Grape Juice)