When I get bored, one of two things are bound to happen: either I chop off my hair, or I create a riff on a classic recipe. Since I shaved my hair off at the beginning of the year, I decided a new spin on arroz con gandules was more appropriate. So, my friend, I…
Side Dishes
Arroz con Gandules (Rice with Pigeon Peas)
Arroz con gandules is a very popular Puerto Rican rice dish. Rendered pork fat and spices flavor the rice before the pigeon peas are added and the whole lot is steamed until fluffy and soft. You’ve probably seen, if not tasted, Arroz con Gandules if you’ve ever had the honor of being invited to a Puerto…
Mofongo Burgers (Burgers on Mashed Plantain Buns)
Hey, friend! Grilling season seems to be drawing to a close- at least for me- so I want to hit you with my best burger recipe. Mofongo is a dish that’s super popular in Puerto Rico. Burgers are a classic staple recipe in the US of A. So, what does my half-Black, half-Puerto Rican soul…
Rellenos de Papa (Picadillo-Stuffed Potato Fritters)
Is it a potato or a snack? It’s both! My Rellenos de Papa, also known as Papa Rellena, are an optical illusion. They look like a potato, but when you bite through their crisp exterior, a savory meat filling is there to greet you. Lately, I’ve been on this cuchifrito kick. It might be that I’ve…
Macaroni Salad: Hawaiian Inspired
Show of hands of all the people who have cancelled vacations this year? Yep. That’s exactly what I figured. Unfortunately for most of us, 2020 is a wash. Since many of us aren’t going on a tropical vacay this year, let’s bring a taste of the tropics to us. Hawaiian-inspired Macaroni Salad that’s creamy and flavorful…
Guacamole Dip: Chunky and Ready to Party
Guacamole is the king of Mexican meals. It sits on its throne of dishes most sought after. I’ve never had too much guacamole, but I’ve been annoyed when it’s run out. And it always runs out. The creamy, veggie-studded dip goes well with most proteins or simply scooped up with chips. What is Guacamole? The…
Pico de Gallo Recipe: Easy to Make
Pico de Gallo means “rooster’s beak”, but I have no idea what beaks have to do with this recipe. Maybe it’s because it looks like food a bird would peck at or has pecked over? Who knows? The colors of pico de gallo pay homage to the Mexican flag. So it makes sense that this…
Habichuelas Guisadas (Puerto Rican Stewed Beans)
Habichuelas Guisadas (stewed beans) is another staple in the Puerto Rican- nay! Hispanic- diet. I don’t know of a Latino family that didn’t have beans on their table on a regular basis. During this time of chaos and lean pickings at the supermarket, this is a recipe you can rely on. What are Habichuelas Guisadas? Habichuelas guisadas are…
Arroz Blanco (Steamed White Rice)
I read an article on the internet that said more than half of the world’s population depends on rice for their daily caloric intake. Rice is an important dietary staple for many of the world’s cultures. For my family, in particular, it has been a part of most of our meals, yes, even breakfast. Many…
Arroz Borracho (Beer Steamed Yellow Rice)
I only have a couple of fond childhood memories. One of them is my mom’s yellow rice. Because she was an active duty Airman, she didn’t have much time to make lavish, home-cooked meals. Her yellow rice was a staple at our family beach days, BBQs, or picnics. Yes, Puerto Ricans bring big ol’ pots…
