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 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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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 Ajiaco
Ajiaco is the soup that the Familia Madrigal is eating during the engagement party for Isabela.
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.
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!!
They are eating ajiaco which is a chicken and potato soup. I will have my recipe up soon! Have you tried the arepas yet?
What is the green drink they have with the soup?
It could be Lulo juice.
Please put it up soon!
This is a great post! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you try the recipes.
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!
Kuri,
This comment made my heart so happy! Thank you so much for trying the recipes. I will be posting more Colombian recipes soon!
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.
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.
Nice Post! Thanks for this!
What did Mariano munch from the tray that Luisa carried?
I believe it is cocadas (coconut candy)
What is the big platter of food that passes by with Luisa at the very beginning of the party? Great article!
Hi! If its the colorful tray I believe it’s cocadas, a type of coconut candy that we make here in Colombia.
What were they eating at the table when abuela was talking about Antonio’s new gift?
They are eating a typical Colombian breakfast with Huevos Pericos. Find the recipe for Colombian Breakfast here.