Taste of Nicaragua: Traditional Nicaraguan Dishes You Must Try While in the Country

Nicaraguan traditional dishes can be traced back to pre-Colombian times. Back then, during colonial times, the varied Creole menu resulted from the union of the two races.

According to Vianica, the staple food of Nicaragua is corn. Its wide usage and byproducts constitute the culinary inheritance left by Indigenous tribes that lived in the area.

There are also similarities between the usual Nicaraguan food and those of other countries in the Central American region and Mexico. Each region produced various dishes based on its geographical and cultural characteristics.

Nicaragua's travel website said that corn had a huge influence on the development of the Mayan, Quiche, and Inca civilizations. Corn was also believed to have magical-religious properties, so witch doctors and priests used it in rites and ceremonies.

Traditional Nicaraguan Dishes

Gallo Pinto is well-known for being the country's common food and is considered a national symbol. The dish is made with fried rice, onion, sweet pepper, and red beans boiled with garlic. The ingredients are mixed and fried altogether.

Nicaragua's Caribbean islands fried the beans, rice, and onions in coconut oil or with a splash of coconut milk to make it extra creamy, according to Culture Trip.

Quesillos

Popular in Nicaragua as a cheesy treat sold from street carts all over the country. It is called quesillos, which originated from La Paz Centro and Nagarote in the department of Leon.

The two cities also insist on their reputation of making the best quesillos in Nicaragua. The snack is a tortilla wrapped around a homemade white cheese smothered with curtido, or finely chopped pickled union, with a generous dollop of cream.

Indio Viejo

One of the traditional Nicaraguan dishes that has its roots in pre-Columbian times is the Indio Viejo. Legends said a group of hungry Spanish conquistadors arrived in an indigenous village demanding to know what the locals were cooking.

A member of the tribe responded and said, "only an old Indian who died yesterday," which drove off the Spaniards. Indio Viejo is a thick soup made of maize dough with shredded beef and onion. It is traditionally served with tostones or fried green plantains and cujada or curd cheese.

Vigoron

Another popular Nicaraguan dish is the Vigoron, usually served to unexpected guests and visitors since it can easily be prepared. The dish is made up of boiled yucca, chopped cabbage, onions, tomatoes, peppers, and fried pork rinds. It was believed to be invented in Granada in 1914 by Maria Luisa Cisneros Lacayo, according to Taste Atlas.

Vaho

Known for being a great hangover cure, Vaho is also considered a well-liked Nicaraguan dish. The dish is made by wrapping a combination of beef, yucca, and plantains in banana leaves. It is then steamed.

Rosquillas

Deep-fried donut rosquillas are typically prepared during Holy Week festivities. It is characterized by its fluffy texture and a hole in the middle. There are many varieties of rosquillas, but the classic ones are prepared with eggs, sugar, milk, oil, lemon zest, flour, baking powder, and anisette.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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