Colombian cuisine is an underrated treasure trove of flavors, and I’m here to shine a light on it! With 25 authentic recipes, I’m taking your taste buds on a journey through hearty, rich, and comforting dishes.
Prepare to discover new favorites that will keep your tummy full and happy!
1. Colombian Pizza
Pizza is my weakness, and the Colombian rendition is definitely one of the most interesting I’ve seen.
The toppings are incredibly unique and make my mouth water, including chorizo, diced avocados, corn, cilantro and red pepper flakes. Chorizo and avocado on a pizza? Yes, please! It’s definitely a wonderful treat with a tasty sauce and melted mozzarella.
2. Colombian Empanadas
You can find empanadas in a lot of Latin countries, and the Colombian version is a must-try. They’re overall flavorful and have a wonderful aroma, plus they are crunchy on the outside and delicious on the inside.
Potatoes, beef, and classic Latin spices are combined in Colombian empanadas.
Because each empanada can be done in only a couple of bites, make sure you make extra! They’re so delicious!
3. Colombian Chicken and Potato Stew
Ajiaco, or chicken and potato stew, is from Bogota City in Colombia, and there’s a reason why it’s so well-loved. This dish is like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl! The flavors come together in a wonderful way thanks to the chicken, Andean potatoes, corn, and classic spices.
Even better, add cilantro, capers, sour cream, and avocados as toppings. While there are many ingredients, they offer the perfect flavor balance.
4. Colombian Beans
Do you think beans are boring? This is the dish that will change your opinion of them.
Served over rice, this Colombian bean soup is both tummy-warming and delicious. Colombian condiment hogao brings even more flavor to the dish. In the meantime, carrots and plantains boost the overall nutritional value.
Every Colombian household makes this bean soup in its own way.
5. Colombian Fried Fish
Mojarra, a small tropical fish, is used in this Colombian recipe. Try tilapia or red snapper if you can’t find it.
This deep-fried fish is flavorful even when it is just lightly seasoned. Serve with a salad on the side and coconut rice for a filling and nutritious dinner.
6. Colombian Coffee
Calling all coffee fanatics!
This is Colombia’s take on the timeless hot beverage. The coffee has a nutty finish and is traditionally served sweet and light. Aguapanela, which gives a delightfully sweet flavor, is needed for the brewing procedure.
Be sure to use freshly ground Colombian coffee to be as authentic as possible. Colombia is known to have fertile soil that yields the world’s most well-known coffee beans. They are mild, aromatic, and flavorful–what’s not to love?
7. Hogao
I’ve mentioned hogao a lot in past recipes, so I think it’s definitely a Colombian cuisine essential. Used as a base seasoning or condiment, hogao is a type of salsa for Colombian dishes. It’s made using different vegetables and spices and is sauteed until well-combined and soft.
This flavorful and fragrant salsa calls for simple ingredients and just 20 minutes of cook time. You’ll be able to make great Colombian meals after you learn how to make it.
8. Three-Milk Rice Pudding
The amazing richness of this tres leches milk pudding doesn’t take a ton of effort to make. It just needs some heating and stirring and it can be done in under an hour.
The pudding’s outstanding creaminess is made possible by evaporated milk, whole milk, and condensed milk.
For a decadent dessert, add a touch of vanilla and cinnamon. Add candy sprinkles, a cherry on top, and whipped cream to make this dish more appealing to kids.
9. Aguapanela
Made using panela and water, Auguapanela is a reviving summer drink. Panela tastes like brown sugar, and is a solid block of sugarcane.
For this traditional drink, simply simmer the panela in water and boil for half an hour. Sound easy enough? For a drink that will quench your thirst, serve it cold and add lime juice!
10. Colombian Chicharron
Golden and crispy pieces of fried pork belly are what chicharron is all about.
It’s interesting to note that you don’t even need oil to cook this! The pork rinds’ own fat and a couple cups of water can get the job done!
Chicharron can be eaten at any time of the day and is a local favorite in Colombia. Have it with some hot chocolate for breakfast, or as a side dish at lunch or dinner. It is also a popular part of bandeja paisa.
11. Columbian Coconut Rice
Seafood and chicken dishes pair well with Colombian coconut rice. Locals enjoy this meal addition since it gives meals a mildly sweet and toasted finish.
It might surprise you that you’re not supposed to cook the rice in coconut milk for this recipe. Instead, you’ll have to boil the milk down until it becomes a tasty coconut oil filled with chewy bits. After that, you can add this mix to the rice while it’s dry to make a delicious side.
Add golden raisins, sugar, or ginger to the seasonings if you want it to be sweeter.
12. Colombian Green Plantains
These might be one of the simplest Colombian meals you can make since all it takes is for the green plantains to be smashed into small pieces, salted, and fried until brown.
You can make flavorful bites that everyone will love with toppings of guacamole, hogao, or sliced avocado.
13. Colombian Cheese Fritters
Families prepare these iconic cheese fritters as soon as the Christmas season begins in Colombia.These chewy and cheesy snacks with a trace of sweetness always become a holiday hit.What’s even better is that this recipe only calls for a few things you can easily find in your pantry.
But even if it is not Christmas, don’t hesitate to go ahead and whip up these treats!Serve alongside a creamy cinnamon custard for a true taste of Colombia.
14. Colombian Griddled Corn Cakes
One popular type of arepas are the fluffy corn cakes prepared using masarepa, which is a special pre-cooked corn flour.There is perfect flavor harmony in these recipes thanks to the corn kernels and cheese that are used.
When served alongside chorizo and a fried egg on top, these are excellent and hearty for breakfast.If you want your corn cakes to be extra cheesy, you can also stuff them with a slice of mozzarella or serve with white cheese on top.
15. Columbian Style Stuffed Pork
The Tolima region in Colombia is proud to present its stuffed pork dish, lechona tolimense. Since you’ll need a whole pig prepared in a brick oven, this dish isn’t meant to be eaten regularly.
You’ll have one of the best-tasting Colombian meals when you stuff it with rice, peas, and Latin spices. The most critical part is to ensure the pork skin turns out very crispy, according to most Colombians.
Do you agree that every bite should have some crispy goodness?
16. Colombian Aji
Aji picante, a fiery Colombian sauce, comes from Antioquia and is widely used in Colombian empanadas. You can add this hot sauce to nearly everything, from stews to soups to rice. Since it is so flexible, you’ll want to have it all year round!
Creating this iconic sauce is a cinch with a food processor. Simply combine the ingredients, pulse a few times, and alter the heat according to your taste.
17. Colombian Potato Salad
As an alternative to potato salad with a mayo base, try this nutritious and delicious dish. Plus, it has amazing color! Even picky eaters will be tempted to try some!
This recipe uses a dressing with a wine vinegar base, so you’ll taste some tangy and refreshing flavors. The blend includes red potatoes, carrots, onions, cilantro, and tomatoes.
Combine everything until it’s mixed well. Load it with cilantro for the best-tasting salad!
18. Chuleta Valluna (Colombian Pork Milanese)
Let’s try something crispy and meaty such as this chuleta valluna. This common Colombian cuisine started in Valle del Cauca but now can be found all over Colombia.
It’s a breaded pork filled with flavors from spices and fragrant ingredients. Serve with a side salad, arepas, and french fries for an upscale and fulfilling meal.
19. Roasted Potatoes
I’m a huge potato lover, so this dish is one of my favorites! Plus it’s so easy to make and super flavorful.
The main reason is the main ingredient: papas criollas, otherwise known as Andean potatoes. They’re used to get this Colombian recipe’s signature taste, since they’re richer and creamier than white potatoes.
Mix these little balls of happiness with olive oil, pepper, and salt. Toast until they’re perfectly brown and soft. Add salt and serve–they won’t last long!
20. Colombian Style Powdered Beef
A classic meal from the Andean region of Colombia is carne de polvo, also known as Colombian style powdered beef. Flank steak that is cooked, sliced into pieces, and processed to a powdered texture is used.
Although you can have this dish by itself, it tastes best when added to bandeja paisa. You can give your kids their vitamins and protein by giving them this powdered beef.
21. Columbian Pico De Gallo
Looking for Colombian recipe calling for few ingredients but is packed with flavor? That’s pico de gallo for you!
All you’re going to need to prepare this super easy recipe is to let onions, tomatoes and cilantro to soak in lime and lemon juices. The explosive, refreshing taste of this salsa makes it a great addition to tortilla chips or fried plantains.
22. Colombian Cassava Bread
This recipe makes a cheesy and starchy snack or breakfast that is gluten-free. They may appear like donuts, but they’re created using cheese and cassava starch.
To make it even more flavorful, you can add a fruit paste as a filling. Simply pour a cup of warm coffee or chocolate over the cassava bread to enjoy this treat in the most traditional way.
23. Colombian Seafood Stew
This rich, savory, and tummy-warming Colombian stew brings to the table seafood goodness coming from shrimp, mussels, and white fish. The combination of seasonings and chopped veggies balances the flavors coming from coconut milk and white wine. The outcome is a creamy Colombian comfort meal at its finest.
Feel free to replace the mussels or shrimp with your favorite seafood additions. Cod, red snapper, and sea bass are ideal for the fish.
24. Bandeja Paisa
Hailing from the Antioquia department, bandeja paisa isn’t suitable for anyone on a restrictive diet. If you’re having a cheat day, this high-calorie meal is essential.
In English, bandeja translates to platter. Thus, this recipe gives you a platter with Colombia’s best-loved dishes, with arepas, hogao, and carne de polvo, to name a few.
It takes both time and effort to prepare, but it will be worth it.
25. Arepas
Made with sweet cornmeal dough that’s deep-fried until crispy, arepa is a popular Colombian street food. The inside is soft and delicious, making for a wonderful blend of textures.
Colombian arepas often have a cheese filling, but you can add just about anything that you like, from rice to beans to scrambled eggs.
Plain arepas with butter and maple syrup is also a good alternative to your pancakes for breakfast.