Puerto Rico is known for many things, mostly its beaches and its great food. Considering the history of the island, its food is based largely on a combination of food from Spain, Africa, and their native Tainos. It has also been largely influenced by the United States, however, "Boricuas" never fail to add their own latino touch. Puerto Ricans tend to spice their foods with "Adobo", "Sofrito", and "Sazón" which are, without complicating it too much, small combinations made in heaven.
1. "Mofongo"
This Puerto Rican dish actually originates from Africa. Mofongo is green fried plantain smashed together to create the perfect delicious mountain that can be either just exquisitely simple or stuffed with other food such as shrimp, steak, or "carne frita" (fried meat) as seen in the second picture.
2. "Arroz y habichuelas"
It may seem like just regular rice and beans, but Puerto Rican rice and beans are immediately three times tastier than any normal food. Adding a hint of "sofrito" to the beans really gives it the "Boricua" touch.
3. "Amarillos"
Fried sweet plantain is one of a Puerto Rican's favorite things to complement arroz and habichuelas with.
5. "Tostones"
Fried green plantain also joins the favorite complement aisle. Not to mention you can stuff them with other food and make one of the best appetizers ever, "tostones rellenos".
6. "Arroz con Gandules"
According to Wikipedia, "Arroz con gandules is a combination of rice, pigeon peas and pork, cooked in the same pot with Puerto Rican-style sofrito. This is one of the signature rice dishes of Puerto Rican cuisine." Not to mention, it's delicious.
7. "Pastelón de Carne"
Several people have called this "Plantain lasagna", considering it is a layered meat dish whose starch is plantain, instead of pasta.
8. "Tembleque"
Tembleque is a very common Puerto Rican dessert. It is basically coconut pudding, but if it's made just right, it's like heaven in your mouth.
So next time you come for a visit, make sure to try most, if not all, of these exquisite Puerto Rican dishes.
