Second Spin, Country 37: Colombia [International Food]

chicharrón

🥗Healthier: grilled chicken

💰Cheaper: pork belly

Grilled chicken provides leaner protein while pork belly is more affordable.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often less expensive.

avocado

🥗Healthier: smashed peas

💰Cheaper: sliced cucumbers

Smashed peas provide creaminess with fewer calories, while cucumbers are budget-friendly.

arepas

🥗Healthier: quinoa cakes

💰Cheaper: polenta

Quinoa cakes are nutritious, while polenta is a cost-effective alternative.

Soak 2 cups of dried pinto beans overnight.

In a large pot, add soaked beans, pork hock, and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower heat and simmer for 2 hours.

In a bowl, mix flank steak with crushed garlic, chopped scallions, chopped onion, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

In a large saucepan, add marinated flank steak and 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 1 hour. Remove meat, let cool, and then run through a food processor until powdered.

In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and ground cumin. Cook for 10-15 minutes, then set aside.

In a bowl, mix cornmeal, grated cheese, warm water, 1 tablespoon of butter, and salt. Let stand for 5 minutes, then knead for 3 minutes. Form into 4 small balls and flatten into discs.

In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and fry the discs for about 3 minutes per side.

In a saucepan, add 2 cups of water, 1 cup of rice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Cook rice in a rice cooker.

In a saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of vegetable oil and fry the plantains for 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

In the same oil, fry the chorizo until cooked through. Fry the eggs in the remaining oil.

On a large platter, scoop rice, place fried egg on top, add powdered beef, fried plantains, chorizo, and a bowl of beans. Slice avocado, squeeze lime on top, and garnish with lime quarters and cilantro.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary