Today, I decided to dive into the world of Colombian appetizers. I’ve always been curious about Colombian food, and what better way to start than with the small bites, right?
Getting Started
First, I did some digging online. I wanted to find some authentic recipes, not just any random stuff. I looked at a few Colombian food blogs and even watched some videos of people making these appetizers in their own kitchens. It’s always more fun, I learn something new from whatch video.
The Selection Process
I wanted to try a few different things, so I picked three appetizers that seemed popular and not too crazy to make:
- Empanadas: These seemed like a must-try. Little fried pastries filled with meat and potatoes? Yes, please!
- Arepas con Queso: I’ve had arepas before, but the ones with cheese sounded extra good.
- Aborrajados: These were new to me – fried plantain fritters filled with cheese. Sweet and savory? I was in.
Gathering the Ingredients
Next up, I check the ingredient. Luckily, I found most of the stuff at my regular supermarket. I did have to go to a Latin grocery store to find the pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa) for the arepas, but that was no big deal. It was actually kind of fun checking out a new store.
The Cooking Adventure
Okay, this is where things got interesting. I started with the empanadas.
I made the dough, which was surprisingly easy – just flour, water, and a little salt.
Then I cooked up the filling, browning some ground beef with onions, garlic, and some spices. I boiled and mashed some potatoes to add to the mix.
The tricky part was assembling them. My first few empanadas looked… well, let’s just say they were “rustic.” But I got the hang of it eventually! Into the hot oil they went, and I fried them until they were golden brown and crispy.
Next, the arepas.
Mixing the masarepa with water and salt was simple. I added some shredded mozzarella cheese to the dough, formed them into little patties, and cooked them on a hot griddle. They puffed up nicely and got those lovely brown spots.
Finally, the aborrajados.
These were the most unique. I sliced some ripe plantains, fried them until they were soft, and then mashed them. I made little balls with the mashed plantain, stuffed them with cheese, and then dipped them in a simple batter of flour, egg, and milk before frying them again.
The Taste Test
Finally, time to eat! The empanadas were my favorite – crispy on the outside, savory and flavorful on the inside. The arepas con queso were simple but satisfying, the cheese adding a nice gooeyness. And the aborrajados were a pleasant surprise, the sweetness of the plantain playing well with the salty cheese.
All in all, it was a pretty successful cooking experiment. My kitchen was a bit of a mess, but I learned a lot, and I got to enjoy some tasty Colombian snacks. I’d definitely make these again, maybe even try some other appetizers next time!
