El Salvador is a small country that lies to the southwest of Honduras. It’s a fraction of the size of our feature country last week, but it has just as much heart. There is a wide variety of food in El Salvador, thanks to both location and cultural influences; traditions of Salvadorans have held strong over time.
First of all, the similarities between Salvadoran food and that of its surrounding countries lie in the staples. Tortillas, refried beans, corn, and rice are all used regularly. Its tropical climate allows for a great assortment of fruits and vegetables, while its south coast’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean provides a good amount of seafood.
Cultural influences in El Salvador are substantial, with Mayan and Spanish being the most obvious in terms of food. Maize (corn) was the most important ingredient in Maya cuisine, as well as in ideology and mythology. It is still a staple in Salvadoran food, and corn flour is used in tortillas and many other common foods.
Though there are many different dishes that are very unique to El Salvador, Pupusas (thick, handmade corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, pork, and refried beans – though, there are several variations of the dish) are arguably one of the most traditional fares of the country. They, like Honduran Baleadas, are considered to be fast food, and are sold at small restaurants and can be bought from street vendors. They’re also a very tasty and inexpensive choice.
A few more common Salvadoran dishes include: Pavo Salvadoreño (roast turkey with a rich sauce of pureed vegetables and spices), Sopa de Pata (soup made with tripe, cow’s feet, corn, yucca, chayotes, bananas, and string beans), and Atol de Elote (a thick corn beverage). In addition to Atol de Elote, coffee and hot chocolate are both extremely popular drinks, despite the hot climate.
It all sounds good, doesn’t it? Well, on Wednesday we’re going to feature a recipe for Curtido – a cabbage salad, traditionally served alongside the famed Pupusas. Have you ever been to El Salvador? If so, did you enjoy the food? What is your favourite Salvadoran dish?
To get weekly updates from Food Freeway, subscribe to the RSS feed (on the right hand side of the screen). Until Wednesday: keep exploring and trying new foods – you’ve got nothin’ to lose!