Colombia’s amazing Caribbean cuisine is born from its diverse array of meats, fish, vegetables, and fruits. Locally known as “Comida Costeña” (coastal food), it is distinguished by its local products: pork, goat meat, chicken, seafood, fish, yuca, plantains, potatoes, as well as tropical fruits such as coconut, pineapple, and papaya. This cuisine also has influences from colder mountain regions, giving it a variety of flavors and textures.
Goat stew, the king of Caribbean cuisine
“Chivo guisado”, or goat stew, is a dish that originated in the north of La Guajira department. The simplest and most common way of to prepare goat is by stewing. The meat is cut into medium pieces and marinated with homemade vinegar and seasoning. The main vegetable ingredients are leek, green onion, and bell pepper. The goat meat is stewed for about two hours. This dish is also very popular in the Cesar department.
Stewed chicken, a popular Caribbean dish
“Gallina guisada”, or stewed chicken, is a traditional dish widely served on the Caribbean coast for lunchtime. It is a perfect example of homemade cuisine, simple to cook and full of flavor. Stewed chicken used to be peasant cuisine when it was common to raise poultry at home. The main ingredients are chicken, garlic, cilantro, onion, bell pepper, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf. One of the secrets to stewing chicken well is to ensure the meat is covered with water and cooked until it falls off the bones.
Pork rice: a family dish
“Arroz de cerdo”, or pork rice, does not take much time to cook and can be ready within an hour. It is very common to serve at home parties or events with many guests. Pork rice combines rice, pork, and vegetables such as onion, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, green chickpeas, tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. This dish can be served with fried green plantains or yuca. On the Caribbean coast, people add a spice similar to saffron, giving the dish a bright golden-yellow color.
Street snacks, Colombia’s daily treats
Carimañola is a snack from the Caribbean region of Colombia. It is a fried pie made of yuca and stuffed with ground beef and vegetables. Carimañola is usually served with traditional Colombian sour cream (suero costeño) or a spicy sauce (ají).
Peto costeño, a dried corn drink, gives you energy and can be enjoyed warm in the afternoon or as a dessert in the evening. It contains white corn, milk, water, and cinnamon. Peto costeño has a sweet flavor and makes you feel full.
Exotic fruits, the natural treasure of Colombia’s Caribbean cuisine
Colombia is well known for its amazing fruits, with the Caribbean coast being home to some of the tastiest.
Lulo fruit has a yellow color and round shape. It is juicy and bitter-tasting, with green and yellow flesh full of seeds. The skin is very thin and can be removed easily. Lulo juice is a healthy drink as the fruit contains many vitamins and minerals.
Guava has yellow or light green skin with pink flesh. The ripe fruit is sweet and has a strong smell. The pulp can be used in sauces, marinades, jams, jellies, preserves, and juices. Guava contains high amounts of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C.
Papaya is a fruit of yellow and orange color and has a soft texture. It can be enjoyed raw or added to smoothies, juices, and even salads. In ancient times, papaya was valued for its flavor and healing properties.