Cuban food is simple but offers unique interpretations of Caribbean. Spanish and African traditions to create amazing comfort cuisine. Here are five Cuban dishes to try.
1
Chicharrones
These are the Cuban version of fried pork rinds. They are what is left after rendering lard and offer a great crunchy snack. Sold throughout Cuba, they provide a tasty and inexpensive treat.
2
Pastelitos
These turnovers, available in sweet or savory versions, are generally eaten as snacks mid-morning or mid-afternoon. The pastry is a variation on traditional puff pastry, and the turnovers can be filled with various tropical fruits, cream cheese, or meats.
3
Lechon Asado
Lechon asado is the star of the barbeque – a whole pig roasted with garlic and sour oranges for flavoring. In the traditional Cuban method, the pig is roasted whole in a pit covered with banana leaves. The dish is usually served as part of a celebration such as Christmas Eve. It is marinated at least eight hours in the flavoring ingredients and then cooked for an equal period of time.
4
Capuchinos
These rich and eggy cakes get their name from the brown habits traditionally worn by Capuchin monks. The spongy cone-shaped cake is made with egg yoks and after baking, it is soaked in a brown sugar syrup!
5
Coquitos
These Cuban-style macaroons are little mounds of toasted coconut floating on a “raft” of chocolate. They look like haystacks and feature a crunchy exteriod and a tasty soft interior.