MOMMM!!!!

Yes, Honey? 

Today in class we spoke about Central American Countries... I really enjoyed learning about Mexico and the other countries surrounding it. Could you tell me more? 

Of Course, Sweetheart! Firstly Central America is made up of 7 Countries Including; Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize. While Mexico is not considered a part of Central America, I will include it in this category for today only!

How do you know so much about Central America, Mom? 

Well for starters, I love their food! And I enjoy learning about their food's history too! Let me tell you a little more about each country. 

Mexico

Chilaquiles are my go to breakfast option in Mexico. They are made of delicious fried and crispy tortillas, which are later cooked in a spicy sauce, and scrambled eggs are added with onions and cilantro finishing it off! This dish is thought to have originated in pre-hispanic Mexico with the indigenous Aztecs! 

If I'm not stuffed by dinner time in Mexico, I would finish off the day with a warm Pozole. Pozole is a popular soup in Mexico made with Hominy corn, meat, and topped with tons of fresh vegetables. Pozole is believed to have originated in pre-hispanic Mexico with the aztecs!  

Lunch in Mexico is full of delicious food too. Specifically those Molletes, which is toasted bread topped with refried beans, cheese, and salsa. Molletes are thought to have originated in Mexico City!

Guatemala

Breakfast in Guatemala is simple but delicious, the typical breakfast is made with eggs, beans, cheese, Crema, and fried Plantains. Desayuno Chapin is a staple in Guatemala and while the origin of this dish is unclear, the word Chapin came to be during the country's colonization by Spain. 

Pepian a popular dish in Guatemala is considered to be their national dish! It is a thick stew made with meat, potatoes, carrots, chayote, and green beans. Much like Tostadas, Pepian Originated in Pre-hispanic Guatemala but it has both mayan and spanish influences in the modern dish. 

While Tostadas are a staple in many countries, they are particularly  enjoyed during lunch hours in Guatemala. These Crispy tortillas are topped with refried beans, guacamole, and salsa. Tostadas are thought to have originated during pre-hispanic Guatemala but the modern version of tostadas have mayan and spanish influences. 

El Salvador 

For breakfast, El Salvador has a dish known as Desayuno Tipico. This dish has eggs, fried plantains, refried beans, cheese, crema, and tortillas. The most notable influences of this dish are the Native American Pipil and Lenca people, along with spanish influences! 

Pupusas being El Salvador's national dish is no surprise because this cheesy and delicious meal is truly incredible. Pupusas are tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, meat or vegetables. This dish is thought to have originated in ancient El Salvador with the indigenous pipil people. 

Dinner in El Salvador is no different from the other meals as it is delicious and comforting. Sopa de Gallina India is a chicken soup made with chicken, onions, carrots, chayote, squash, tomatoes, and corn. This delicious soup is thought to have originated in pre-hispanic El Salvador. 

Honduras

Baleadas are a common breakfast in Honduras. These flour tortillas are stuffed with refried beans, crema, cheese, eggs, and meats! Baleadas originated in La Ceiba, Honduras. Which is a port city! 

For lunch Honduras has a delicious meal, Pollo Chuco. Pollo Chuco is fried chicken over fried plantains, served with coleslaw and sauce. Pollo Chuco originated in San Pedro, Honduras!

A typical dinner plate in Honduras contains meats, beans, rice, plantains, cheese, and tortillas. A Plato Típico is said to be heavily influenced by indigenous and spanish dishes.

Nicaragua

In Nicaragua breakfast is hearty and warm. Many people enjoy a nice warm Nacatamal with a cup of coffee in the mornings. A Nacatamal is a large tamale filled with pork or chicken and vegetables. This dish is said to have originated during the pre-columbia Nicaragua. 

Vigoron is typically served during lunch. Vigoron is made with boiled Yuca, chicharrones, and served with a coleslaw. Vigoron is said to have originated in Granada, Nicaragua. 

If you enjoy seafood then Rondon is the meal for you! This seafood stew is made with fish, coconut milk, peppers, and yuca. While the dish itself originated in Jamaica, it was brought to Nicaragua's coast in the 19th century and has become a staple since then. 

Costa Rica

Gallo pinto is a great way to start the morning! This rice and bean dish is made with onions, bell peppers, eggs, plantains, and cheese. Gallo Pinto is said to have originated in a small neighborhood in San Jose, Costa Rica. 

If you want a quick and simple lunch, you should consider Picadillo. This dish is full of fresh vegetables and meats finely diced and served for lunch. Picadillo is thought to have originated in Spain and later brought over during their colonization of Costa Rica. 

Sopa Negra, otherwise known as black bean soup is a humble and delicious meal in Costa Rica. This soup is made with black beans, rice, tortillas, avocado, and eggs. Its origins trace back to coffee plantation workers who needed a simple and affordable meal for dinner. 

Panama

Carimanolas are the typical breakfast in Panama. This sweet dough is often stuffed with meat, cheese, or chicken and served with coffee. This dish is said to have originated back in the 19th century! And was heavily influenced by Panamian and columbian culture. 

While popular in many countries, Ceviche is a common lunch option in Panama. This raw fish dish is made with onions, lime juice, cilantro, tomatoes, and chili peppers. Although it originated in Peru, it is now considered a staple meal in Panama. 

Sancocho is a popular stew in Panama. This stew is served for dinner and made with meat, root vegetables, cilantro, and served with rice. Sancocho is said to have been introduced during Spains colonization of Panama. 

Belize

Breakfast in Belize is like no other with their delicious Fry Jacks. These deep fried doughs are served with eggs, refried beans, cheese, sausage or bacon. While the dish itself originated in the carribean, it popularized in belize during the colonizational time period. 

In Belize, Salbutes are served during lunch hours. These fried corn tortillas are topped with chicken, cabbage, tomatoes, and cilantro. While this dish is said to have originated in Mexico, they became a staple in Belize during the Mestizo etime period. 

A typical dinner in Belize is centered around incredible Belizean Stew Chicken. This stew is served with a special rice and beans, which is cooked in coconut milk, plantains, and potato salad. This stew is said to have originated in Kriol Culture but was later adapted to better suit Belizean culture.