Dominican food is referred to the food of Dominican Republic that is a nation in Hispaniola islands. Dominican recipes are considered very authentic and require lots of preparation and planning before actual cooking.
Dominicans eating depends upon their place of living. People living near the sea tend to eat more of seafood, whereas those who live far away from sea shore eat more vegetables and other foods.
The highlight of the Dominican food is the mild flavor and use of fewer spices. Some of the most popular Dominican recipes are mofongo, chicarrons and tostones.
Historical and Cultural Influences on Dominican Recipes
Dominican food is mainly influenced by the Spanish cuisine, as Dominican Republic was once a colony of Spain. However, African and Taino influences are also present. Being a former Spanish colony, Dominican food exhibits many traits of Spanish cooking in their recipes. Even the food habits and complete diet routine is also similar like Spanish culture. Recipes of Dominican Republic often resemble with Cuban and Puerto Rican foods, usually only the names are different.
Ingredients Used in Dominican Recipes
As many food cultures influence the Dominican food, there are many varied ingredients that form the Dominican cooking. Seafood and various other meats are quite popular in Dominican region. Among the vegetables, beans, yuca, plantain, eggplant and potatoes are very common. Legumes are also widely used to make Dominican vegetarian recipes.
Dairy products such as milk and cheese are mainly used to make Dominican dessert and many other savory dishes. Grains are also of greater importance in Dominican Republic. Corm, rice and wheat are the popular ones.
Banana, orange and mango are the staple fruits in the region and consumed widely. However, Dominican people use to eat more of meat and seafood as compared to other foods.
Dominican dishes are mildly spices that only contains, cilantro, oregano, onion, garlic and cubanelle pepper.
Traditional Dominican Recipes
- Espaguetis (spaghetti) – This is a quite tasty dish of Dominican repertoire as it contains salami and cheese along with spaghetti. It shows the true authentic nature of Dominican food.
- Bizcocho Dominicano – It is a kind of Dominican cake that is traditionally prepared in Dominican food. This cake is typically prepared with pineapple filling; however any kind of fruit filling may be used.
- Mofongo – It is a kind of plantain dish that is prepared with stuffed and deep-fried plantains. It is usually consumed in Dominican breakfast.
Diet Routine in Dominican Food
Dominican cuisine also follows the same eating habits as in Spain. The lunch is the most important and biggest meal of the day. ‘La Bandera’ is the nickname given to this meal that typically includes a rice dish along with beans, any kind of meat dish and a salad.
Breakfast and dinner are also important but they are not very substantial.
Health Benefits of Dominican Recipes
Dominican food is indeed a healthy in nature. The recipes typically contain seafood that is quite beneficial for skin as well as for building bones. It contains omega-3 fatty acids that are helpful in maintaining body tissues.
Vegetable salad is a mainstay of all Dominican meals that is of greater nutritional value. Other ingredients such as dairy products and fruits are also very beneficial.
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