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Encanto’s Colombian Food

When Encanto, the Disney movie came out, we went to see it right away. Loved the story, the music and the Colombian food they chose to portrait my home country.

My favorite part was all the food that they show in the movie. In this post I explain all the dishes and give you the recipes if you want to make these at home.

Colombian patacones
Patacones with hogao and guacamole

Colombian Arepas

First up is Colombian arepas. I think this dish is probably the most emblematic food.

Arepas are grilled corn cakes that are similar to a Mexican Gordita or a Salvadorian Pupusa.

The dough for arepas consist of white cornmeal, salt and water.

Colombian Arepas stuffed with meat, cheese, guacamole

Arepas are the typical Colombian breakfast. We like to eat them smothered in butter, with a pinch of salt and topped with Colombian fresh cheese (Quesito Colombiano).

Colombian arepas with cheese pull on a blue plate
Colombian arepas de queso

There are different kind of arepas depending on the color of the cornmeal, the thickness of the dough and the shape of the arepa itself. Here is a list of the most popular arepa types:

  • Arepa Tela: this one is the classic breakfast arepa. It is thin disc, plain cornmeal with water and salt. We like it quite crispy, it is the perfect vessel for our fresh cheese and or scrambled eggs.
  • Arepa redonda: This one is round, small and quite thick. This one is the perfect pairing for a Colombian soup, the bandeja paisa dish or any other stew or BBQ. We usually eat them at lunch time or when it’s time to grill with friends.
  • Arepa de Mote: This arepa is yellow because of the type of corn we make it with. The main characteristic is that we use whole grain corn to make it. It is a rustic but delicious arepa.
  • Arepa de yuca: This arepa is one of my favorites. It’s a blend of cornmeal and cassava flour which renders a soft, almost stretchy arepa. These are usually filled with mozzarella cheese and have a sweet flavor.
arepa con queso
Arepas are similar to pupusas

Although Colombians, and people from Medellin in particular, eat arepas any time of the day, breakfast is Arepa’s prime time.

In Disney’s movie Encanto, Mirabel sings about her mom Julieta’s power to heal with arepas “My mom Julieta can make you feel better with just one arepa”.

When Mirabel injures her hand, Arepas con Queso heal her.

Colombian Empanadas

Empanadas are very popular in all South America. Each country has their own version of these savory patties.

In Colombia, the most classic empanada is a fried corn patty filled with ground beef and diced potatoes.

Colombian empanadas

I have a detailed post about how to make Colombian empanadas

Colombian Buñuelos

Colombian cheese fritters are a delight! These bred-like cheese balls are deep fried to perfection creating a crusty outer shell and a pillowy, cheesy inside.

buñuelos are a staple Christmas food in Colombia

Although buñuelos are a must during the holidays, they are present year round in the Colombian diet. So much so that there are food stands that only sell buñuelos.

People usually eat them at breakfast with a cup of steaming hot chocolate or a Colombian cafe con Leche (latte), but they can also be a quick lunch with a refreshing soda.

Natilla and bunuelos
Natilla and bunuelos are traditional for Christmas

During the holidays, buñuelos are paired with Natilla, a flan-like dessert that is perfect for that sweet and savory combo we all love.

If you want to learn how to make authentic Colombian buñuelos, I have a very detailed post with the best tips and trick to get them right on the first try.

Colombian Patacones

Patacones or tostones are the Colombian version of chips and salsa. Instead of chips, we use green plantain rounds that we fry in oil twice. The result is a crispy chip that we top with a tomato and onion sauce (hogao).

Patacones on a plate
Twice-fried plantains

To make the perfect patacon, the most important thing is to get green plantains that are firm to the touch. I have a detailed post about Patacones, including a healthy Air-fryer version.

Colombian patacones
Colombian patacones with hogao and guacamole

Colombian Ajiaco

Ajiaco is the soup that the Familia Madrigal is eating during the engagement party for Isabela.

Colombian ajiaco on a bowl
Colombian Ajiaco soup

This soup is simple to make and delicious. It features corn, potato and chicken in a creamy broth.

Ajiaco is one of the most traditional Colombian dishes and I have an excellent recipe that you can try at home. Grab the recipe for Colombian Ajiaco recipe.

If you’d like to learn more about Colombian foods you should try, I made a list of my favorites Colombian dishes.

Cheese Arepas (Arepas de Queso)
Corn dough stuffed with cheese
Check out this recipe
Colombian arepas with cheese pull on a blue plate
Colombian Empanadas
Corn shells filled with meat and potatoes
Check out this recipe
Colombian Empanadas
Colombian Bunuelos
Fried cheese bread
Check out this recipe
Colombian buñuelos on a plate
Colombian Patacones
Crispy fried green plantains
Check out this recipe
Colombian Patacones with guacamole and hogao
Ajiaco Soup
Delicious Colombian chicken soup with corn and potatoes
Check out this recipe
Colombian Ajiaco
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jeff

    January 12, 2022 at 8:49 am

    But what is the soup served during the proposal dinner? My wife loves this movie and i think I’m going to be taking her on a tour of Colombia via these dishes!!

    Reply
    • Isabel

      January 14, 2022 at 7:37 pm

      They are eating ajiaco which is a chicken and potato soup. I will have my recipe up soon! Have you tried the arepas yet?

      Reply
      • Grace

        January 17, 2022 at 1:20 am

        What is the green drink they have with the soup?

        Reply
        • Isabel

          January 19, 2022 at 8:41 pm

          It could be Lulo juice.

          Reply
      • Caliedh Fraser

        January 21, 2022 at 10:14 pm

        Please put it up soon!

        Reply
  2. Nicole

    January 15, 2022 at 3:48 pm

    This is a great post! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Isabel

      January 19, 2022 at 8:40 pm

      Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you try the recipes.

      Reply
  3. Kuri

    January 24, 2022 at 5:28 am

    Thank you so much for this list! The ingredients are a bit difficult to source for me (we live in Japan) but I managed to order some corn flour from Amazon last week, and my husband is *infatuated* with arepas! I’m looking forward to trying a few different recipes!

    Reply
    • Isabel

      January 24, 2022 at 5:17 pm

      Kuri,

      This comment made my heart so happy! Thank you so much for trying the recipes. I will be posting more Colombian recipes soon!

      Reply
  4. Luke

    January 25, 2022 at 6:04 pm

    Thank you for this! Any time an animated movie with a food element comes out, I’m determined to find all the food it features. I made arepas con queso today for the first time, but since I have no comparison I have no idea if I did it right; are they supposed to be fairly dense inside, rather than fluffy? I thought fluffy but then I suppose without gluten or a raising agent they wouldn’t be… mine were sort of firm, not doughy, but definitely not bready haha.

    Reply
    • Isabel

      January 25, 2022 at 6:18 pm

      That’s correct! They are not supposed to be bread-like. Arepas are similar to a corn tortilla for a taco but a lot thicker. Depending on how thick you made them, the dough can be more or less dense. If you use the method of putting 2 discs together, they should be crispy when you bite but doughy and cheesy inside.

      Let me know if you have any other questions, I will be posting a video about arepas soon. I hope you try the bunuelos, those are more like a cheese bread.

      Reply
  5. Zig Royeca

    January 28, 2022 at 2:56 pm

    Nice Post! Thanks for this!

    What did Mariano munch from the tray that Luisa carried?

    Reply
    • Isabel

      January 28, 2022 at 10:19 pm

      I believe it is cocadas (coconut candy)

      Reply
  6. Sarah

    January 29, 2022 at 3:20 am

    What is the big platter of food that passes by with Luisa at the very beginning of the party? Great article!

    Reply
    • Isabel

      January 29, 2022 at 5:50 am

      Hi! If its the colorful tray I believe it’s cocadas, a type of coconut candy that we make here in Colombia.

      Reply
  7. Genee

    February 20, 2022 at 4:16 pm

    What were they eating at the table when abuela was talking about Antonio’s new gift?

    Reply
    • Isabel

      February 22, 2022 at 2:50 am

      They are eating a typical Colombian breakfast with Huevos Pericos. Find the recipe for Colombian Breakfast here.

      Reply

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