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by Resto Guy
- July 18, 2024
Colombian cuisine is renowned for its rich and diverse flavors, a reflection of the country’s vibrant culture and varied geography. Among its many gastronomic treasures, Colombian sandwiches stand out for their unique ingredients, textures, and traditional preparations. This guide will explore some of the best Colombian sandwiches, offering insights into their history, key ingredients, and what makes them special. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado of Colombian food or a curious newcomer, these sandwiches are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
1. Arepa con Carne Asada
The Arepa con Carne Asada is a quintessential Colombian sandwich that combines two beloved elements of Colombian cuisine: arepas and grilled beef. Arepas, thick cornmeal cakes that can be grilled, baked, or fried, serve as the sandwich base. For this sandwich, the arepa is typically split open and filled with juicy, flavorful carne asada, a type of grilled beef that’s marinated and cooked to perfection.
Key Ingredients:
- Arepas: Cornmeal dough, often seasoned with a pinch of salt.
- Carne Asada: Beef marinated with spices like cumin, garlic, and lime juice.
- Toppings: Sautéed onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Preparation: Start by grilling the carne asada until it reaches a tender, juicy texture. Slice the grilled beef and stuff it inside the split arepa. Add sautéed onions and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor, and finish with a squeeze of lime juice.
Why It’s Special: This sandwich is a celebration of the simple yet bold flavors of Colombian cuisine. The combination of the slightly crispy arepa with the savory carne asada creates a satisfying and delicious meal that is both comforting and flavorful.
2. Bandeja Paisa Sandwich
Inspired by the traditional Bandeja Paisa, one of Colombia’s most iconic dishes, the Bandeja Paisa Sandwich brings all the flavors of this hearty platter into a convenient sandwich form. This dish originates from the Paisa region and is known for its diverse range of components.
Key Ingredients:
- Arepa or Pan de Bono: Colombian bread that serves as the sandwich base.
- Ground Beef: Seasoned and cooked to a savory perfection.
- Chicharrón: Crispy fried pork belly.
- Fried Egg: A staple in the Bandeja Paisa.
- Black Beans: Rich and flavorful.
- Plantains: Fried sweet plantains for added sweetness.
Preparation: Layer the ground beef, chicharrón, fried egg, black beans, and plantains between slices of arepa or Pan de Bono. The result is a sandwich that captures the essence of Bandeja Paisa in a handheld form.
Why It’s Special: The Bandeja Paisa Sandwich brings together multiple elements of a classic Colombian meal, making it a hearty, satisfying option that delivers a little bit of everything that makes Colombian cuisine so beloved.
3. Sandwich de Choclo
The Sandwich de Choclo is a delightful and slightly sweet variation of the classic Colombian sandwich. It features choclo, a type of tender, sweet corn that is a staple in Colombian cuisine.
Key Ingredients:
- Pan de Yuca: Yuca flour bread that is soft and slightly chewy.
- Choclo: Fresh corn kernels or corn fritters.
- Cheese: Mild, fresh cheese like queso fresco.
- Salsa Hogao: A traditional Colombian tomato and onion sauce.
Preparation: Fill slices of Pan de Yuca with choclo, fresh cheese, and a generous dollop of Salsa Hogao. The combination of sweet corn, creamy cheese, and tangy salsa creates a unique and delicious sandwich.
Why It’s Special: The Sandwich de Choclo is a great example of how Colombian cuisine incorporates local ingredients into its dishes. The sweetness of the corn, combined with the savory cheese and tangy salsa, creates a sandwich that is both comforting and uniquely Colombian.
4. Sandwich de Pollo con Aguacate
A simple yet delicious option, the Sandwich de Pollo con Aguacate features tender chicken and creamy avocado, two ingredients that are staples in Colombian cuisine.
Key Ingredients:
- Pan de Sandwich: Traditional sandwich bread, often toasted.
- Grilled Chicken Breast: Seasoned and cooked until tender.
- Aguacate: Creamy avocado slices.
- Lettuce and Tomato: For freshness.
- Mayo or Aji: A spicy Colombian sauce for added flavor.
Preparation: Layer the grilled chicken breast, avocado slices, lettuce, and tomato between slices of toasted Pan de Sandwich. Spread mayonnaise or Aji on the bread for extra flavor.
Why It’s Special: The combination of tender chicken and creamy avocado makes this sandwich a refreshing and satisfying meal. It’s a perfect representation of Colombia’s ability to balance simple ingredients with bold flavors.
5. Sandwich de Pernil
The Sandwich de Pernil showcases one of Colombia’s beloved pork dishes, Pernil, which is slow-roasted pork that is tender and flavorful.
Key Ingredients:
- Pan de Bono: Colombian cheese bread.
- Pernil: Slow-roasted pork, seasoned with garlic, cumin, and other spices.
- Pickled Vegetables: Often carrots and onions.
- Cilantro: Fresh for garnish.
Preparation: Shred the Pernil and place it inside a warm Pan de Bono. Top with pickled vegetables and fresh cilantro.
Why It’s Special: The Sandwich de Pernil offers a savory, satisfying taste of slow-roasted pork, with the tanginess of pickled vegetables providing a delightful contrast to the rich, flavorful meat.
6. Arepa de Huevo
Although not a sandwich in the traditional sense, the Arepa de Huevo deserves mention. This Colombian street food features a deep-fried arepa filled with a whole egg, creating a deliciously crispy exterior and a gooey, runny yolk inside.
Key Ingredients:
- Arepa Dough: Cornmeal dough.
- Egg: Whole, cracked into the arepa before frying.
- Hot Sauce: For a spicy kick.
Preparation: Shape the arepa dough into a ball, flatten it, and then carefully insert a raw egg before sealing it and deep-frying until golden brown.
Why It’s Special: The Arepa de Huevo is a unique Colombian street food that offers a crispy exterior and a warm, flavorful egg filling. It’s a great example of Colombian ingenuity in creating comforting and portable foods.
7. Sandwich de Tinga
The Sandwich de Tinga features a spicy and savory shredded beef or chicken, mixed with tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers. This sandwich brings a taste of Colombian street food to a handheld format.
Key Ingredients:
- Pan de Sandwich: Traditional sandwich bread.
- Shredded Beef or Chicken: Cooked with tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers.
- Sour Cream: For a creamy finish.
- Fresh Cilantro: For garnish.
Preparation: Fill slices of Pan de Sandwich with the spicy shredded beef or chicken mixture, add a dollop of sour cream, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
Why It’s Special: The Sandwich de Tinga is known for its rich, spicy flavor, making it a standout choice for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals. The combination of spicy meat with creamy sour cream creates a balanced and satisfying sandwich.
Conclusion
Colombian sandwiches offer a delicious exploration of Colombia’s rich culinary heritage. From the hearty Arepa con Carne Asada to the sweet and savory Sandwich de Choclo, each sandwich highlights unique ingredients and traditional flavors that make Colombian cuisine so special.
If you’re looking to experience these delightful Colombian sandwiches in a restaurant near me, Mecatos Bakery & Cafe Orlando, Florida, is one of the best places to do so. With multiple locations across Orlando, including Waterford Lakes, Lake Nona, Lake Underhill, MetroWest, Downtown, W. Colonial, Hoffner, and Curry Ford West, Mecatos offers a warm, inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy authentic Colombian food. Visit Mecatos Bakery & Cafe to savor these delicious sandwiches and explore a full menu of Colombian culinary delights. Whether you’re searching for a restaurant near me or a cozy cafe to enjoy a delicious meal, Mecatos is your go-to destination for an exceptional Colombian dining experience.
