Ecuadorian cuisine offers a delightful array of flavors, influenced by the country's diverse geography and indigenous heritage. When visiting Ecuador, be sure to try these delicious dishes:
1. Ceviche: A popular seafood dish made with fresh raw fish or seafood marinated in citrus juices, typically lime or bitter orange, and mixed with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and sometimes spicy chili peppers. It's often served with plantain chips or corn.
2. Llapingachos: These are savory potato patties made from mashed potatoes, cheese, and sometimes onions or herbs. They are typically fried until crispy and served with a peanut sauce, fried eggs, and avocado.
3. Seco de Pollo: A hearty chicken stew cooked with aji peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cilantro. It's often served with rice, avocado, and a side of fried plantains.
4. Locro de Papa: A comforting potato and cheese soup flavored with onions, garlic, and achiote (annatto). It's often garnished with avocado, cheese, and cilantro.
5. Encebollado: A flavorful fish soup made with albacore tuna, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and spices. It's typically served with yuca (cassava), pickled onions, and crunchy corn nuts.
6. Empanadas de Viento: These are crispy fried empanadas filled with cheese and sometimes onions or other ingredients. They are often served dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by aji hot sauce.
7. Hornado: A traditional Ecuadorian dish featuring slow-roasted pork marinated in beer and spices, then cooked until tender and crispy. It's often served with potatoes, hominy corn, and aji sauce.
8. Choclo con Queso: This simple and delicious snack consists of boiled corn on the cob served with a generous slice of fresh cheese and sometimes sprinkled with salt or aji pepper.
9. Bolon de Verde: A popular breakfast or snack dish made from mashed green plantains mixed with cheese, formed into balls, and then fried until golden brown. It's often served with fried eggs, cheese, and avocado.
10. Humitas: Similar to tamales, humitas are made from fresh corn dough mixed with cheese, onions, and spices, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed until cooked through.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes to try in Ecuador. Be sure to explore local markets, restaurants, and street food stalls to discover even more tasty treats during your visit.