Top Ten Foods To Eat In Nicaragua
By: Valerie Gutierrez
Nicaragua is famous for having large lakes and volcanos but what many people do not know is that they have incredible dishes that are to die for. If one ever decides to take a vacation to Nicaragua and finds themselves struggling with what they should eat, these are the top ten dishes for them to try.
1. Nacatamales
The people of Nicaragua have been making this meal for 50 years. Nacatamles are traditionally eaten every weekend. The first thing to know about nacatamales is that they are different from the traditional Mexican style tamale. Nacatamales are filled with: rice, meat, potatoes, tomatoes, prunes, green olives, raisins, and capers. They are wrapped in banana leaves as opposed to the traditional corn husks. This rich dish is usually eaten with a slice of bolillo (Mexican white bread).
2. Salpicon
Nicaraguan Salpicon is one of the easiest dishes to make and one of the delicious dishes to eat. This traditional dish is made with minced meat that is mixed with green bell peppers, onions, radishes and a splash of lime. This is served with a side of white rice and platanos fritos (fried plantain).
3. Vigoron
Vigoron was created in Granada, Nicaragua. Vigoron is one of the most popular dishes in Nicaragua and is served at many of family gatherings. Vigoron is made of cabbage salad, boiled yuca and charrascaes. This dish is wrapped in banana leaves and is traditionally eaten with no utensils but that is up for the customer to decide.
4. Bajo
This famous dish originated from a mix of different cultures from indigenous to mestizos and afro-Nicaraguans. This meal consists of meat, green plantains, and yuca that is cooked in banana leaves.
5. Gallopinto
Gallo Pinto is not only popular in Nicaragua, but also in Costa Rica. Locals normally eat this for breakfast but it can also be eaten for lunch or dinner. This delicious meal contains rice, beans, cilantro, and peppers. A fried egg is usually placed on top and goes with a side of platanos fritos (fried plantain).
6. Bunuelos
The exact origin of this sweet treat is unknown but people say it does have Arabic origins. Bunuelos is more of a little treat or snack but one that is worth savoring. Bunuelos are fried circle shaped donuts that are made out of yuca mixed with cheese. This treat is served with a sweet syrup for you to dip it in.
7. Tajadas and Queso Frito
Tajadas is fried pork served with cabbage salad, fried cheese, and platanos.
8. Quesillos
Quesillos is a cheesy treat that is usually sold from street carts all throughout the country. This is simply a corn tortilla filled with a little bit of cheese and onions that are dipped in vinegar and sour cream.
9. Indio Vejo (Old Indian)
The name for this dish may sound strange but it is unique. There is a rumor that this dish originated from the lie of a leader, a leader of an indigenous tribe. When the leader of the tribe was asked the name of the dish, they said it was called old Indian. Indio Vejo is a stew. This traditional dish is a little bit like porridge. This yummy stew is made of shredded corn and beef. It is traditionally served with tostones (fried green plantains) and cuajada (curd cheese).
10. Rondon (Run Down Soup)
Rondon is a seafood soup. Now there are different ways this soup can be made. One version of the soup contains lobster, shrimp, fish and vegetables such as: carrots, yuca, plantains, potatoes, and bell peppers. While the other version can be made with beef, pork, or turtle meat. Both versions of the soup are very tasty but most people prefer the seafood version of it.