Recipes, Food, Cuisine and Culture

Ecuadorian diets usually consist of meat, potatoes and rice accompanied by aji hot sauce. Soups are a specialty and a first course to most meals. Those who enjoy cooking might like to try their hand at a few Ecuadorian dishes. In fact, why not prepare these food recipes from Ecuador and invite your friends over for a fun-filled Ecuadorian evening? You'd be surprised at how much fun you can have getting your friends to try new and exciting things.

You certainly don’t have to wait till you visit Ecuador to fill your senses with the tastes and aroma of this magnificent country. Simply follow the recipes below and enjoy the tastes and smells of Ecuador...

Locro

Start your meal with this creamy potato soup.

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 med onion, finely chopped
  • 4 lb potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup each milk
  • 1 cup light cream
  • ½ lb Munster cheese, grated
  • salt

 

Heat the butter in a large sauce pan and then add the paprika whilst stirring. Sauté the onion in the butter. Add 4 cups of water, boil. Put the potatoes in and reduce heat, allowing the potatoes to simmer uncovered, stirring every now and then. Just before the potatoes are cooked through, add the cream and milk, stirring occasionally until the potatoes start to break up. Add the cheese and salt to taste, stir and serve straight away. Serve with slices of avocado on a side plate.

Ceviche de Camaron

A popular shrimp recipe from Ecuador.

  • 2 lb med shrimp, shelled and de-veined
  • 2 cups bitter orange juice
  • 1 med onion, finely chopped
  • 1 fresh hot red or green pepper, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 lrg tomato, peeled, seeded, and chopped
  • ground pepper and salt

 

Boil the shrimps in a saucepan of salted water for about 2 to 3 minutes until cooked. Drain the water out and then add orange juice, onion, red/green pepper, tomato and seasoning. Allow it to stand for an hour. Serve along with toasted corn.

Llapingachos

An Ecuadorian recipe for potato cakes, a great accompaniment to a meal.

  • 2 lb potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 2 med onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cups Munster cheese
  • shredded lard, butter or oil
  • salt

 

Boil potatoes in water (salted). When soft, drain and mash the potatoes. Sauté the onions in a pan and then mix in with the mashed potatoes. Make 12 balls out of the mash. Stuff cheese into the potato balls, flattening then into patties. Place in the refrigerator for approximately 15 minutes. Cover the bottom of a pan with the oil/butter/lard and fry the potato cakes until they turn a golden color.

Rompope

This is a traditional Christmas drink recipe from Ecuador, much like eggnog.

  • 1 l milk
  • ½ lb sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 bottle Aguardiente or other alcohol
  • 8 egg yolks

 

Boil the milk, sugar and cinnamon together in a pan until the mixture turns a pink color. Remove and allow it to cool down. Beat the egg yolk and then add to the milk. Boil again. Remove and allow to cool. Add the Aguardiente. Place the drink in a bottle in the refrigerator.

back to Culture