The culinary treats and food in Puerto Rico are to die for and it is something every foodie in the world should try at least once in their lifetime. Puerto Rican food culture is an exotic one since it has a blend of all Spanish, Caribbean and American cuisine. We have listed some of the popular and traditional dishes that one should definitely try while in Puerto Rico. These are some of our favourites dishes of food in Puerto Rico.
Here is a List of Our Favourite Food in Puerto Rico:
1. Arroz Con Gandules
One of the national dishes of Puerto Rico, Arroz Con Gandules is made with yellow rice with pigeon peas. Sometimes meat and beans are also added to the dish. The sauce used for this dish is called sofrito and once tasted; it is usually quite hard to forget it.
2. Arroz Con Dulce
Arroz Con Dulce is a Christmas dessert which is made from sweet sticky rice and coconut milk along with condiments such as cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar and cloves. Garnished with raisins and cinnamon, it is a delicacy often craved for in the island.
3. Tostones
Served mostly as an appetizer, this dish is made from unripe plantains by slicing them thinly and coating them with batter and frying them a couple of times. It can be eaten with ketchup or mayo but is traditionally dipped in mojo or aji.
4. Mofongo
One of the favourite food in Puerto Rico, Mofongo is made with green plantains which is then mashed with ingredients such as salt, garlic, onions and olive oil and later molded into the shape of half a sphere. It is then served with chicken broth or any choice of meat or just stuffed with meat.
5. Sofrito
Sofrito, though not a dish, is a sauce that is used throughout the island to add flavor to many of the dishes of food in Puerto Rico that are prepared on the island. It is prepared by mainly using tomatoes, onions, red and green peppers and ajis dulces peppers.
6. Pernil
Being a common delicacy in the island, Pernil is for the pork lovers. Pernil is whole roasted pork which is mostly served during festivities and family functions. It is generally seasoned with garlic and pepper among others. It is also served with other Puerto Rican delicacies such as Arroz, Mofongo, etc.
7. Pasteles
Pasteles are made of dough prepared from a mixture of green bananas with plantain, yautia, calabaza squash and potato among others. The dough is then filled with rice or meat and is wrapped in a plantain meat and served.
8. Asopao
This dish of food in Puerto Rico which is essentially rice stew is a popular delicacy around not just in the island but all around the Caribbean. It is a filling and colorful dish which is prepared with rice, soup and meat of any choice. It looks similar to a gumbo and there a lot variations to the dish around the island.
9. Empanadilla
Empanadilla belong to the family of fritters and is made of dough which is deep fried which is traditionally filled with beef but the choice is up to the people who make it. They are similar to Empanadas but Empanadillas have thinner crusts.
10. Rellenos de Papa
Rellenos de Papa, a common delicacy in the island, is made of potatoes that are filled with a filling called picadillo which is made of meat, sofrito sauce, garlics, tomato sauce, olives and oregano. It is then stuffed into the potatoes which are fried till it becomes crispy.
11. Coquito
A holiday drink, Coquito is a people’s favorite in Puerto Rico which is essentially the Puerto Rican version of eggnog. It is made with everything coconut, evaporated milk, rum, vanilla and is garnished with cinnamon sticks.
12. Flan
Though it comes in various versions, Flan de Queso is the most popular flan dessert enjoyed in the island which is similar to a cheesecake. This delicious custard is layered with caramel sauce and is the answer to any sweet tooth craving.
13. Tembleque
Yet another traditional dessert, Tembleque is a creamy coconut pudding prepared from coconut milk, cornstarch and sugar. Though a common dish round the year, it is served popularly during the Christmas season and is garnished with cinnamon.
We hope this article about food in Puerto Rico was helpful to you. Do let us know of your favorite Puerto Rican dishes in the comments section below!