27+ Classic Venezuelan Foods Deserve A Try 2022
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Loading... - Seth Simon
- 16 Mar 2022
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Every country has its own special specialties, so are Venezuelan foods. Though it is located in the northern end of South America, Venezuela’s cooking recipes are influenced by West African, European, and some indigenous cuisines.
Therefore, they are diverse and abundant in the number of recipes, flavors, and of course, they are so delectable. If you have not visited Venezuela yet, why don’t you expand your knowledge about this country through its dishes first?
Wait no more, let’s join me to explore this beautiful country to understand why it should be your next foodie destination.
What Appetizers or Side Dishes From Venezuela Can Melt Your Heart?
Nothing can stimulate your hunger better than tasty appetizers. Plus, some of them are also ideal for serving as accompaniments.
With 2 food groups consisting and non-consisting of meat, let’s dig into how Venezuelans usually make for their starters or side items with the following treats.
Basic Yet Luscious Meat-free Venezuelan Starters or Side Dishes
You will find these non-meat foods in many Venezuelan families and restaurants. Some are famous street foods too!
1. Arepa (Venezuelan Corn Griddle Cake)
The first Arepa was a pre-Columbian food, but they are also famous in Venezuela, Colombia, and Panamá. The most interesting fact is that today’s Arepa has barely changed from its initial form.
In addition, the name “Arepa” comes from the word “Erepa” from the indigenous language, which means corn. And Arepa’s ingredients in Venezuelan’s style are warm water, salt, oil, and masarepa – a precooked and ground corn flour.
Then you can shape them into bite-sized patties with 1/2 inch thickness. Grilling, baking, or frying is all acceptable to cook them. You can eat Arepa alone or stuff them with other foods like eggs for delicious Venezuelan-spirit breakfast, shredded beef, cheese, or butter for simple lunch.
2. Tequeños (Venezuelan Cheese Sticks)
Tequeño (or Dedito de queso) is a fried cheese stick made of bread dough and queso blanco (a type of white cheese). If you have tried mozzarella sticks, this dish is similar, but instead of melted mozzarella filling, now you can feel the saltiness of queso blanco along with a golden pastry-like coat.
Tequeño originated from Los Teques. This is the capital city of Venezuela’s state – Mirand. And people think this dish is named after this city. They are flexible because you can consume them for tasty Venezuelan starters, side orders, snacks, or even breakfast.
Overall, what impresses me most is its slight chewiness with buttery, creamy, and salty flavor inside that mixes so well with the flaky texture outside.
Making Tequeño is not too challenging. If you can buy queso blanco cheese, give them a shot.
3. Caraotas Negras (Venezuelan Black Beans)
Caraotas Negras are black beans in Venezuelan. Based on their regions, there are other names for this type of bean. People in Northeastern Venezuela prefer to call them Caraotas or Histe in Colombia. That’s right, this is also a must-try food in Colombia, the locals there are quite passionate about this dish.
Besides Venezuela, this legume is also important in Mexican dishes. But overall, they have a long history in the human food world from 7,000 years ago, particularly in many Latin American countries.
Also, black beans are an essential Venenezuelan accompaniment to go with Pabellón Criollo – a national dish in the country. But you can still enjoy them alone to feel the mushroom-like taste with dense texture.
They can be stuffed in Arepas with cheese too! If you want to make them at home, please remember to soak them in water overnight or for 24 hours.
4. Patacones (Venezuelan Plantain Fritters)
Patacones (or Tostones) are simply fried plantain. They are normally eaten in South American countries, like Venezuela. Or you can find them in some Caribbean special appetizers, like those in the Dominican Republic’s most famous food list or Cuban menu.
They are very simple to prepare at home, as you just need to cut plantains into thin slices, fry them until they turn into a delicious golden yellow color with the crunchiest texture.
You can enjoy them on their own, or you can top them on your coleslaw salad. For your reference, the citizens who live on the Venezuelan coast usually combine it for their fried fish.
How to fry plantains properly for the most delicious fritters? Check this instruction, guys!
Toothsome Meat-included Starters or Side Dishes In Venezuela Spirit
And here are 5 foods to prove the magic Venezuelans can put into their appetizers or accompaniments. Keep reading for more information.
5. Hallaca (Venezuelan Tamales)
Hallaca is an authentic Venezuelan meal that resembles Tamal. However, there are distinctions between Hallaca and Tamal in terms of texture, flavor, or ingredients.
It is said that Hallaca was created by slaves in the colonial era, particularly on Christmas Eve. The slaves use the leftover meat of the landowners. The daughter in this landowner family asked to try them and found Hallacas so tasty, thus asking them to make more for their dinner.
And since then, Hallaca has become a national dish for special occasions, like Christmas. They include a corn dough layer and meat filling (chicken, beef, or pork), wrapped in plantain leaves, then boiled in water.
This food might require many ingredients and preparation steps, but they are pretty straightforward so that everyone can do it with a little effort and time.
A short introduction of Hallacas – a national dish to increase the Christmas vibe in Venezuela. Read More…
