Puerto Rican Dishes
1. Pinon
A form of vegetable and ground beef casserole, piñon de amarillos contains no fewer than a dozen vegetables, herbs, and spices, including garlic. A key ingredient is fried plantain, layered with meat, shredded cheese, and scrambled egg. It is baked and broiled, and served with white rice.
2. Mofongo
A plantain-based favorite, mofongo is considered the national dish. Plantains are fried, mashed, and mixed with olive oil, crushed garlic, and sometimes pieces of bacon, and served as breakfast, or as a side dish. This creation can also be served stuffed with shrimp, but tastes just as good on its own.
3. Salmorejo
Originating in southern Spain, salmorejo is a thick crabmeat stew made with chopped and sautéed onions, peppers, and olives. It is usually served with fried plantains or amarillos – stewed green bananas, and is often sold at beachside kiosks.
4. Lechon a la Barra
Like most Latins, Puerto Ricans are crazy about pork, especially when it is fresh off the spit and served, still sizzling, with white rice, red beans, and fried plantain. This local delicacy is normally reserved for holidays and celebrations, but is also a weekend favorite, when whole pigs are slowly roasted over charcoal fires.
5. Bistec Encebollado
Puerto Ricans put their own twist on beefsteak with onions. The steak is prepared with a vinegar and garlic “rub,” and then smothered in caramelized onions. It can be served with any type of rice. Green salad and tostones make a good accompaniment too.
6. Mondongo
Not to be confused with mofongo, this is a formidable dish comprising cow’s (and sometimes pig’s) stomach (tripe), diced and slowly stewed in a tomato and garlic sauce. It is a popular dish for Sunday brunches – Puerto Ricans believe that it can help cure a hangover.
7. Arroz Con Gandules
Rice with pigeon peas is a staple of any special occasion in Puerto Rico, and has many variations. This dish is usually seasoned with sofrito – an aromatic mix of herbs and spices – and diced ham. A dash of tomato sauce helps impart a lovely flavor.
8. Serenata de Bacalao
This original Puerto Rican dish – salt cod salad – is eaten as an appetizer or light lunch. Flakes of faintly salted cod are tossed in a light vinaigrette with sliced onions, potatoes, and other vegetables, and then laid on a bed of lettuce and garnished with hard-boiled egg and olives.
9. Tembleque
No wedding, child’s birthday party, or other special event would be complete without this rich, creamy coconut pudding. It quivers like jelly, hence the name tembleque, which means “jiggling.” The delicious dessert resembles a custard and is served topped with cinnamon.
10. Almejas Casinos
A Puerto Rican seafood favorite, baked stuffed clams are found on many restaurant menus. The freshly caught clams are prepared in their shells and garnished with parsley, bacon, butter, and dry white wine. They are then baked and served with hot clam juice.
