Bandeja paisa (traditional platter)

bandeja_paisa_(traditional_platter)

Colombia is known for its vibrant culture, rich history and delicious cuisine. One traditional dish that highlights this rich culinary history is the Bandeja Paisa, a delicious and hearty platter boasting a variety of flavors that is enjoyed throughout Colombia.

Bandeja Paisa translates to “Paisa platter,” and it is a staple dish in the Paisa region of Colombia. The platter is made up of a variety of ingredients arranged artfully on a large plate, providing diners with a symphony of flavors and textures. It is a dish that not only satisfies the palate but also reflects the cultural identity and history of the country.

The Bandeja Paisa features a mix of meats, beans, rice, and vegetables. Although the ingredients of the platter can vary according to locality or family traditions, the heart of the dish is always the same. Spanning roughly five inches in diameter, the platter is a complete meal and a hearty one at that.

Among its most prominent ingredients are the beans, which make up the base of the dish. The beans are typically red or brown, and they are prepared with pork, onion, garlic, and cumin. Another staple food in the Bandeja Paisa is rice, which is cooked with saffron to give a distinctive yellow color and flavor.

The meats included in the Bandeja Paisa are an essential part of the dish. The platter typically features chicharron (fried pork belly), crispy pork cracklings, morcilla (blood sausage), and chorizo. The meats are all cooked to perfection and provide a rich and irresistible flavor to the dish.

Along with the beans, rice, and meats, other delicious components of the Bandeja Paisa include plantain, avocado, fried egg, and arepa. The plantains are smashed or fried in oil to create a tasty and crispy side dish. The arepa, which is a type of cornbread, is traditionally served as a side dish and sometimes stuffed with cheese or meat.

The Bandeja Paisa, as its name suggests, is believed to have originated in the Paisa region of Colombia, which is located in the Andes Mountains. The dish, according to historical records, was originally served to miners who needed a hearty meal to sustain them throughout the day. The platter quickly became a favorite among locals and, over time, spread to other regions of the country.

Today, the Bandeja Paisa is an iconic dish that represents Colombia’s rich cultural heritage and its cuisine. It is often served on special occasions, such as weddings, celebrations, and festivals. The platter is also a popular choice in many Colombian restaurants serving traditional cuisine, and it is a must-try for any food lover exploring the country.

In conclusion, the Bandeja Paisa is a traditional Colombian platter with a rich history and a variety of flavors that reflect the country’s culinary heritage. Its combination of meat, beans, rice, plantains, arepas, and other delicious components creates a symphony of flavors that is irresistible to anyone who tries it. Whether you are a local or a tourist, the Bandeja Paisa is a dish that is bound to delight you and leave you satisfied.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1 pound of pork belly
  • 1 pound of red kidney beans
  • 1 pound of white rice
  • 4 ripe plantains
  • 4 chorizos
  • 4 fried eggs
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 tomato
  • 1 red onion
  • 1 bunch of chopped cilantro
  • Salt to taste
  • Olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the beans and soak them overnight in a bowl of water.

  2. Boil the beans for one hour, or until they are tender. Add salt to taste.

  3. In a separate pot, cook the rice according to the package instructions.

  4. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, stirring occasionally.

  5. Cut the pork belly into small cubes and fry them until crispy.

  6. Peel the plantains and cut them into 1/2 inch slices. Fry them until golden brown.

  7. In a separate skillet, fry the chorizos until cooked through.

  8. Slice the avocado, tomato, and red onion.

  9. To assemble the bandeja paisa, arrange the beans, rice, ground beef, pork belly, chorizos, plantains, fried egg, avocado, tomato, and red onion on a large platter.

  10. Sprinkle the cilantro over the top and drizzle with olive oil.

  11. Serve immediately and enjoy!