Popayan's typical food!

Popayán is the capital of the Colombian department of Cauca. Why are we talking about it in this blog? Well... we are both colombians and we love our country's culinary variety, AND, it is the only place in Latin America to have been declared a City of Gastronomy by UNESCO,because of its significant tradition of regional cooking. Spanish and indigenous peoples have contributed to its rich tradition.

Location

The "National Gastronomical Congress" (Congreso gastronómico Nacional) is celebrated there each year, attracting people from different countries in search for good food.  But Popayan is not only about food. This town is well-known for its beautiful colonial architecture and culture. You will find amazing buildings and churches that make this little town special and different from the rest. 

If you know Spanish and want to know more about Popayan's cuisine and tradition, then we invite you to watch this very interesting video posted on the website of the Popayan's Gastronomical Corporation. 


Here there are some pictures of Popayán. Follow this link if you want to learn more about this beautiful town. 

Some pictures of Popayán.

Here's a really simple and refreshing recipe, typical from Popayán!

CHAMPÚS

Champús

Ingredients for preparing "Champús":

5 litters of water
1 ½ pounds of ground corn
1.5 pounds of panela

1 cup of orange juice/orange peel/orange leaves

7 small sticks of cinnamon

5 cloves

1 pineapple cut in small pieces

12 lulo fruit

2 green lemons

Preparation

Soak the ground corn in water for three days, changing the water every day. Wash it and cook it until it's tender. Mix the panela or the brown sugar with some water, cook the mixture until it's thick.Add the cinnamon, cloves, and leaves. Let cool.
Peel the pineapple and cut them into little pieces.  Cut the lulos in half and smash them by hand. Add corn and mix. Then, add orange juice and pineapple. Mix well in a blender and let it rest.


Serve the beverage cold and enjoy this refreshing drink!

Rice Pudding

Rice pudding

This is a very typical and famous dessert in Popayán and in a lot of cities of Colombia. No one makes rice pudding as our mothers and grand-mothers. It is one of those desserts that make you feel better and that bring to your mind good memories.  Here's a recipe demonstration to inspire you:

Here are some pictures of other typical dishes from Popayán:

Carantanta!

Aplanchados!

Empanadas de pipian!

So... when are you planning your visit?!