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5 Delightful Caribbean Foods and Drinks from Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a Caribbean paradise with a rich history and culture, delectable Caribbean foods, majestic mountains, white sand beaches, and an incredible island for relaxation and adventure.
It’s no surprise that the region is known for its Spanish-speaking culture and cuisine, and for being the birthplace of some of the world’s most popular cocktails, such as Pina Coladas. In this blog post, you will be introduced to five iconic Puerto Rican foods and beverages. So let’s get started, Caribbean Foods and Drinks from Puerto Rico:
Mofongo
If you’re looking for a great party appetizer or a simple dish to make at home, mofongo is a recipe you should try.
Mofongo is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made by smashing fried green plantains in olive oil and mashing them in a pilón with olive oil, pork crackling, fresh garlic, salt, and pepper before rolling them into balls and stuffing them with shrimp, chicken, or pork.
Plantains are a fruit related to bananas, but unlike bananas, they are typically larger and tougher, with thicker skin. They are more difficult to peel and cannot be eaten raw. Plantains are starchy and less sweet when green than bananas. They are also commonly used to make mofongo.
The mashing technique was influenced by the island’s indigenous people, and the dish originated in Africa.
Mofongo is usually served as an entrée for dinner or lunch, but it can also be served as a side dish.
What to serve with Mofongo?
Mofongo can be paired with almost any kind of protein. The mash is typically served with chicken, shrimp, beef, or vegetables, so if you want to make a vegan version, try it with vegetables and omit the pork from the mash. Mofongo is a delectable dish that you must try while visiting Puerto Rico.
Arroz Con Pollo
Arroz con pollo is more than just a delicious meal. It is an important part of Puerto Rican culture and one of the popular Caribbean foods on the island for many years.
Arroz con pollo (Spanish for “rice with chicken”) is a popular dish in Spain and Latin America, with various traditional preparations.
The Puerto Rican method involves cooking the chicken in rice in a single pot. It’s flavorful and quick to prepare.
It is typically made with chicken pieces cooked in white rice and mixed vegetables combined with sofrito (onions, bell peppers, cilantro, and garlic seasoned with saffron, salt, and pepper), all cooked in a single pot with chicken broth and water.
Try Arroz con pollo if you’re looking for a healthy, nutritious, and filling meal to eat in Puerto Rico; you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Alcapurrias
Puerto Ricans, Africans, and Spaniards all have an impact on the island. Alcapurrias originated from the blending of Puerto Rico’s three cultures.
Alcapurrias are a popular Puerto Rican fritter dish made with masa, a dough made of grated green plantains and yautia blended together in a food processor until it forms a dough and is seasoned with achiote oil, sazon, and adobo. Then stuffed with your choice of meat, usually picadillo. It is then filled and fried in hot oil until golden brown.
This delicious fried treat is a popular street food that can be served as an appetizer or a quick snack.
Pina Colada
No matter the season, nothing beats a cold drink on a hot day, and Pina Coladas are no exception. And who can resist a cocktail with flavor profiles inspired by the tropics?
The pina colada is Puerto Rico’s most famous drink, invented at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan. Some claim that Ramón “Monchito” Marrero Perez, one of the Caribe Hilton’s early local bartenders in the nineteenth century, invented it.
While others claim Ricardo Garcia, another hotel bartender, is credited with adding strained pineapple juice and naming the drink. “Pina colada” translates to “strained pineapple” in Spanish.
Although it is now a worldwide favorite, the traditional recipe calls for pineapple juice, coconut water or cream, crushed ice, and a local rum such as Don Q. On top, there’s usually whipped cream, a slice of pineapple, and a classic maraschino cherry.
If you don’t want to use rum, a non-alcoholic version will taste just as fruity and sweet. If you ever visit Puerto Rico, you should try it.
Amaretto Colada
The Amaretto Colada is a modification of the classic Pina Colada that combines amaretto almond liqueur, which adds a rich and nutty flavor to the traditional coconut and pineapple flavors. It has white rum, amaretto, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and whipping cream in it.
Combine all of the ingredients in a blender with crushed ice, then garnish with a cherry or a pineapple slice to make this amazing cocktail. The cocktail should be served in a hurricane glass.
Puerto Rico’s Best Caribbean Restaurants
If you want to try all of this delicious food while in Puerto Rico, here is a list of popular Puerto Rican restaurants.
El Campeón
El Campeon, located in the heart of Old San Juan, is a modern, elegant Puerto Rican restaurant that offers excellent service and savory Puerto Rican flavors. This is the place to go if you’re in Puerto Rico and want to try mofongo. It is located at 201A Calle de San Justo, San Juan 00901-1710 Puerto Rico.
La Alcapurria Quemá
This restaurant is well-known for serving Caribbean foods like empanadillas, tostones, mofongo, and other Puerto Rican dishes. It is located at 251 Calle Duffaut Orbeta and Duffaut St. Intersection, San Juan 00907-2911 Puerto Rico.
Tropical Taste
Another authentic Puerto Rican restaurant with a wide variety of mofongo dishes and soaps such as asopao de pollo on the menu, as well as a variety of vegan dishes. The restaurant also serves a variety of beverages.
If you want to try a variety of dishes while in Puerto Rico, go to 156 Cristo Street, San Juan 00901 Puerto Rico.
Red Coral Lounge
This is the place to be if you want to party in Puerto Rico. It is both a local hangout where residents come to have fun on weekends and a tourist hangout where visitors can get a drink and listen to music. It also has a good food selection and should be on your list of places to visit while in Puerto Rico. It is located at 1309 Ashford Avenue in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Caribbean foods and drinks always have a tropical flavor, and the vibrancy of Puerto Rican culture comes alive in its dishes, so make a list of authentic Puerto Rican food and drinks to try when you visit Puerto Rico.
If you are interested in visiting the Caribbean to try all of these delicious cuisines, go to Expedia for the cheapest flights and hotels, and make sure to check the most recent Covid-19 updates before you go.
Also, stop by our IC Caribbean shop to pick up some cool and unique souvenirs for your trip.
While you’re looking at flights and hotels, listen to our podcast episode about Grenada travel.
Have a wonderful vacation and stay safe!
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