- The 5 main typical dishes of Manabí
- 1- Fish, crab or shrimp viche
- 2- Tonga
- 3- Casserole flowed
- 4- Onions
- 5- Dry of Creole hen and fish
- References :
In the typical dishes of Manabí the most used ingredient is the banana. Manabí cuisine is the most recognized in Ecuador. This results from an ancestral combination of indigenous knowledge and Spanish methods.
These practices were passed down from generation to generation in front of the clay ovens filled with firewood, which are still used today.
In Manabí gastronomy, corn and peanuts are one of the most used ingredients.
Both are included as condiments of the most acclaimed dishes in the province, such as onions, ayacas, banana leaf tortillas or seco de chivo.
Seafood is also widely used, which is the basis of many dishes. These are made with local ingredients like corn and cocoa.
To drink they make guarapo, which is fermented sugarcane juice.
The 5 main typical dishes of Manabí
1- Fish, crab or shrimp viche
It is a thick soup that combines a wide variety of fresh vegetables, bananas, and peanut-based broth. It is cooked with carrots, beans and various herbs.
There are different versions: it can be made with shrimp, with fish, with both and even with a small lobster. It usually includes garlic, spices, coriander, onions, and milk.
2- Tonga
It is a dish that includes rice, cooked bananas and chicken in a peanut sauce. It stands out for its originality when served on a banana leaf.
Its origins date back to the era of the rubber workers and the first settlers. The farmers who work foraging for rubber brought their lunches wrapped in banana leaves.
The preparation has survived time and is still popular in Manabí homes and restaurants. It is not uncommon to see office workers carrying their lunch wrapped in banana leaves.
3- Casserole flowed
This typical dish of the coastal cuisine is made in the oven with green banana, fried, fish or shrimp and peanuts. It is accompanied with the classic hot white rice, lemon and chili, and is cooked in clay pans.
Another version of the casserole is the banana sango with corn and fish. It is similar to casserole, but is more humid and cooks very slowly.
4- Onions
It is a delicious soup, considered a breakfast and the first remedy for a hangover. It is a popular soup on Sunday mornings.
It is prepared by combining spices, onions, peppers and yucca, around the fish, typically white tuna.
It is very popular and is sold on the streets, since in its origin it was prepared to feed the people of the port, and it was cooked in the kitchen of the boats.
Its preparation is a ritual in the places where it is sold, and it begins at dawn.
5- Dry of Creole hen and fish
The chicken is cooked in a saucepan along with grated onion, oil, tomatoes, parsley, coriander, cumin, salt and pepper.
The variety of fish is prepared in the same way, but instead of chicken, fish cut into large pieces and cassava or potatoes are used.
References:
- Editor. (2014). Ecuador travel Manabi food. 10/21/2017, from Ecuador travel planner Website: ecuador-travel-planner.com
- Paul Green. (2016). Manabi Cuisine. 10/21/2017, from Exploring South America Website: Exploringouthamerica.com
- Layla Pujol. (2014). Ecuadorian fish soup {Biche or fish viche}. 10/21/2017, from Ecuador Recipes Website: ecuadorbeachfrontproperty.com
- Regis St Louis. (2011). Regional dishes and delicacies of Ecuador. 10/21/2017, from Lonely Planet Website: lonelyplanet.com
- Editor. (2017). The Food & Cuisine of Ecuador. 10/21/2017, from Adventure Life Website: adventure-life.com