–The land of beautiful beaches, vast fauna and flora, experiences full of adrenaline and the greatest number of Bahia Principe hotels –Dominican Republic is also rich in culinary intricacies that satisfy just about any palate. In this article we feature five Dominican foods or dishes you should not miss out on.
–Habichuelas guisadas or Red Bean soup
Present in many Latin American countries, red beans are full of proteins and a good companion to a bowl of rice. White rice with beef and stewed read beans is actually the national dish, the Dominican Flag.
Now, a bowl of stewed red beans on its own can be a hearty dish for any bean lovers.
Tostones or Fried Unripe Plantains
Also known as “Patacon” in neighboring countries, this side dish made of unripe plantains can be presented in several forms, on their own with a pinch of salt, as baskets usually containing guacamole or seafood, and even as a snack to enjoy in the afternoon.
So what will it be, fries or tostones?
Casabe or cassaba bread
Considered an ancient food, possible made by natives of the island, this one-ingredient dish is mostly used a companion to other foods.
Making casaba is hardly a tradition in Dominican homes, but it doesn’t mean it is hard to elaborate it. Peel, wash, grate, dry and heat the yucca and that’s about it. However, it is very easy and inexpensive to come across it at local stores and supermarkets.
Yucca is an essential element in the Dominican diet. It can be served boiled or mashed and it is also used to make Cativia (Yuca flour), used to make different types of patties. Fried yucca balls, yucca fries, yucca hash, the list is endless!
Fried goods!
Whether sold at a beach stall, by a street vendor or at a store, the local gastronomy features its own version of inexpensive –yet delicious for many, fried food. Don’t be scared to try the Yaniqueque, which is essentially fried dough, cativias, fried batata (sweet potato) or salami. The Dominican gastronomy has adopted the Lebanese kibbeh into its own repertoire, so don’t be surprised if you see them being sold alongside the other fried goods, by the name of “quipe”.
At the local beach stall you can come across all sorts and sizes of fish ready to be fried.
Tropical fruits
When thinking about the Caribbean the coconut and the pineapple may be the first two things to pop-up. However, a trip to the Dominican Republic gives you access to an assortment of delicious intricacies, such as the sweet melon, bananas, papayas, passion fruit, watermelon, soursop, tamarind and so on!
Coconut!
Coconut lovers will rejoice as the Dominican food scenery features the fruit in many presentations. Enjoy its refreshing juice and save the meat of mature coconuts for many purposes, being rich in iron, potassium and good for the immune system. The white goodie can be dried and grated, used as flakes in different recipes.
Rice with pigeon peas and coconut, coconut cookies, coconut ice cream, coconut flour, coconut milk…. We could go on!
This is only a glimpse of what a foodie can come across when in the Dominican Republic. The local gastronomy if filled with hearty dishes and delicious peculiarities that match the flair of the locals. This is why even with summer all year long they still enjoy a hot plate of Sancocho, plantain is used for Christmas recipes and mashed yucca is served for breakfast.
Visit the Monthly Flavor section to learn about other delicious recipes.
