Dominican Republic Food

Are you considering visiting the Dominican Republic? Are you moving there or do you want to cook a few meals at home that resemble the Dominican Republic culture? Here are some foods that will make your mouth water and fill your stomach that are served in the Dominican Republic.

1. 'La Bandera'

One of their best known meals ever is something that they call "la Bandera" or The Flag. This meal consists of white rice, beans, meat, vegetables, and green plantains or tostones which is also known as fritos verdes. Why is this meal called this you may ask? This meal is called 'la Bandera' because the most traditional foods of the Dominican Republic are usually consumed at the lunch hour most often up to five days a week. It always includes the items that were listed above or something very close to them.

2. Sancocho

This meal is like a soup that is not only hearty but is also very filling. This Dominican Republic meal usually consists of green plantain, beef, chicken or pork (sometimes all three meats together), several kinds of roots like yucca, cassava and sometimes potatoes! This meal is always served with boiled rice and most often there are also some slices of avocado on the side.

3. Mangu

Often times at breakfast you will find this food item. It is a very savory puree made of mashed plantains, yautia (taro), or cassava (yucca). Sometimes it is made with pumpkin-like squash also known as Auyama. This variation of puree is called 'mazamorra'. Traditionally this puree is served with fried red onions; also with this can be fried white cheese, eggs or possibly salami.

4. Fruits

Tropical fruits are a normal food item in the Dominican Republic! Fruits such as pineapple, some of the sweetest banana's ever, passion fruit, papaya, mango's (when in season), jagua, and 'zapote' which would be a less known fruit to visiting people to the Dominican Republic.

5. Pastelon de papas (Potatoes and beef casserole)

This is a very popular recipe in the Dominican Republic; it is a much tastier choice than just mashed potatoes alone. Foods used in this dish are mashed potatoes, mozzarella cheese, parsley, ground beef, tomato paste, onions, green peppers, mashed garlic, eggs, and evaporated milk, butter, oil and salt! You can also substitute other meats for the beef or just use cheese.

Hot spices are not generally used in Dominican Republic Dishes, however some people use a few drops of chili sauce such as Tabasco or something like that to spice up their food a little bit!

Listed below are some websites that have more recipes, ideas, advice and tips for Dominican Food:

http://www.dr1.com/articles/food.shtml

http://www.welcome-dominican-republic.com/Dominican-Republic-Food.html

http://www.dominicancooking.com/dominican-recipes/

http://www.visiting-the-dominican-republic.com/food-of-the-dominican-republic.html

http://www.welcome-dominican-republic.com/Dominican-Republic-Food-Deserts.html

http://latinfood.about.com/od/dominicanrepublic/Dominican_Republic_Recipes.htm

Enjoy your filling and yummy meals!