Embark on a culinary journey through Ecuador with this collection of 27 authentic recipes! Whether you’re planning a trip to Ecuador and want to familiarize yourself with the country’s cuisine or simply looking for inspiration for your next meal, these recipes are sure to delight.
Ecuador may be one of the smallest countries in South America, but its rich cultural heritage and diverse geography have resulted in a vibrant food culture that’s heavily influenced by neighboring countries and the world at large. From hearty stews like Seco de Pollo to sweet treats like Dulce de Higo, and even festive drinks like Canelazo, Ecuadorian cuisine has something for every occasion. And the best part?
These recipes are surprisingly easy to follow and require minimal fuss in the kitchen. So why not take your mashed potatoes game up a notch with recipe #10? Without further ado, here’s our list of 27 Ecuadorian recipes that you can make at home whenever you want to bring a taste of this beautiful country to your plate.
Fritada De Chancho (Pork Fritada)
Indulge in the comforting delight of this hearty braised pork dish, ideal for satisfying your hunger whenever you crave a filling meal. The slow-cooked pork, comprising chunks of boneless pork and ribs, absorbs the rich flavors of a savory mixture featuring water, orange juice, garlic, onions, and cumin. This tender dish is then served with a trio of accompaniments – boiled yuca, plantains, and creamy avocado – all arranged on a platter that’s sure to entice even the most discerning palate.
Humitas
Indulge your love for tamales by trying this delectable savory twist. The combination of cornmeal, sugar, red onions, mozzarella cheese, and garlic is steamed together to perfection before being wrapped in a fragrant corn husk. To take it to the next level, be sure to complement it with a bold charred tomato salsa that bursts with the flavors of Roma tomatoes, serrano peppers, and fresh cilantro.
Empanadas De Viento
Looking for a snack that will keep you satisfied without compromising on taste? Look no further! A classic pastry turnover, fried to perfection, is just the thing. The magic starts with a simple yet effective dough made from flour, butter, baking powder, and a hint of orange juice. Once the dough has been rolled out, it’s time to add the filling – a delicious combination of quesillo cheese and sautéed onions that will leave you wanting more.
And finally, the turnover is deep-fried to give it a crispy exterior and a gooey interior. It’s the perfect indulgence for any time of day.
Balon De Verde (Green Plantain Fritters)
Starting the day off right with a delicious breakfast dish that pairs perfectly with your morning cup of coffee. The recipe in question revolves around unripe plantains, which are boiled, mashed, and mixed with butter, cheese, and salt to create a dough-like consistency. This mixture is then carefully shaped into balls before being fried until golden brown, resulting in a crispy fritter that’s sure to satisfy your morning cravings.
Encebollado De Pescado (Fish Soup)
Indulge in the rich flavors of a decadent fish soup by combining tuna, sautéed onions, cumin, juicy tomatoes, and a hint of chili powder. Add the freshness of cilantro and the comforting texture of yuca for a truly satisfying meal. If you’re not a fan of tuna, feel free to substitute it with your preferred type of fish. To elevate this dish to new heights, serve it alongside tangy pickled onions, a zesty tomato salsa, and crunchy toasted corn nuts.
Llapingachos (Cheese And Potato Patties)
For a satisfying meal that can be savored at any hour, look no further than these indulgent cheese-stuffed potato patties. The combination of boiled potatoes mashed with melted cheese, fresh green onions, and pepper creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. Shaping the mixture into round patties adds a delightful texture to each bite. To add some crispy contrast, the patties are then lightly fried in a skillet until golden brown.
Pair your patty with a refreshing tomato-avocado salad for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to please.
Morocho
In Ecuadorian culture, a beloved beverage offers a delightful way to conclude a meal. This comforting drink, known for its versatility, can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on personal preference.
The recipe combines the sweetness of hominy corn, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and star anise, slowly simmered until it reaches a rich, velvety texture. The end result is a smooth, indulgent drink that effortlessly pairs with any meal, making it an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire.
Aguado De Gallina (Rice And Chicken Soup)
Indulge in the warmth of Aguado De Gallina, a mouthwatering comfort food that’s sure to become a new favorite. This delectable dish combines the creaminess of rice with the richness of chicken, all wrapped up in a flavorful broth made with tomatoes, onions, potatoes, carrots, and a blend of spices including cumin, cayenne, cilantro, and achiote.
Not only is it a satisfying way to get your daily dose of veggies and complex carbohydrates, but it’s also a nourishing meal that’s sure to leave you feeling cozy and content.
Colada Morada
Elevate the flavor of your fruit punch by creating a spiced fruit drink that’s perfect for festive gatherings. Typically served during Ecuador’s traditional holidays, this signature red drink is also ideal for Christmas celebrations or any occasion where you want to impress your guests.
To make this unique drink, combine blackberries, blueberries, pineapple, strawberries, and other fruits with a blend of aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and star anise.
The result is a warm, inviting beverage that’s sure to delight.
Molo (Mashed Potatoes)
Take your mashed potatoes to new heights by incorporating the bold flavors of Ecuadorian Molo. Start by boiling your potatoes until they’re tender, then mash them with a combination of sour cream, butter, milk, olive oil, sautéed onions and garlic. The result is a creamy, aromatic side dish that’s sure to impress. To elevate it even further, serve the Molo atop a bed of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and boiled eggs for a feast for the senses.
Fanesca
Indulge your taste buds with this sumptuous Ecuadorian holiday soup, a culinary masterpiece that will leave you craving more. A rich and velvety broth is crafted by slow-cooking an array of ingredients, including cod, pumpkin, squash, cream cheese, onions, lentils, and other vegetables, all infused with a depth of flavor from a carefully balanced blend of spices.
This hearty soup is perfect for serving with a side of crispy empanadas, creamy avocados, or crunchy fried plantain for a truly satisfying meal.
Vegan Mote Pillo
In this vegan twist on a classic Ecuadorian breakfast, mote or hominy takes center stage. The cooked mote is then sautéed with a flavorful combination of ingredients, including marinated tofu, caramelized onions, pungent garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. To add depth and warmth to the dish, achiote is also incorporated into the mix.
If you’re not a fan of tofu or prefer a more traditional take, feel free to substitute it with eggs for a scrambled egg version that still honors the spirit of this beloved breakfast.
Tortilla De Verde
In Ecuador, plantains hold a special place in the culinary scene. It’s only natural that they’re transformed into these mouthwatering plantain patties. To create this treat, boiled plantains are first mashed to form a dough-like consistency, then filled with melted queso cheese and cooked on a griddle for a few minutes until golden brown. For an added burst of flavor, serve the patties with your choice of hot sauce or tangy salsa.
Arroz Con Manestra De Lentejas (Lentil Stew With Rice)
A culinary masterpiece begins with the slow-cooked combination of lentils, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and garlic, melding together in a rich and flavorful stew. To elevate this hearty dish, it’s paired with creamy rice cooked in butter, topped with a runny fried egg and a delicate slice of avocado, creating a satisfying and filling meal perfect for both lunch and dinner.
Pan De Yuca
For those who follow a gluten-free lifestyle, this bread offers a delightful alternative. The combination of tapioca flour, baking powder, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and coconut milk yields a soft, chewy dough that transforms into a rich, buttery, and cheesy delight when baked.
Seco De Pollo
Tender chicken thighs and legs simmer in a richly flavored broth, expertly blended with an array of aromatic ingredients. The savory mixture combines the natural sweetness of tomatoes, the crunch of bell peppers, the subtle spiciness of chillis, the freshness of parsley, the tanginess of orange, and the depth of chicken stock. This mouth-watering stew is perfect for serving alongside Ecuadorian rice or savoring on its own.
Pescado Encocado (Fish In Coconut Sauce)
When it comes to Ecuadorian cuisine, sauces play a starring role. One of the most mouthwatering examples is a creamy coconut sauce that’s cooked with generous chunks of white fish, along with tomatoes, onions, coriander, and cumin. This flavorful combination creates a dish that’s both rich and vibrant. To complete the meal, it’s served alongside crispy fried plantains and fluffy rice.
Ecuadorian Potato Soup
Savoring each spoonful of this indulgent potato soup, it’s easy to get hooked on its velvety texture and rich flavors. The key to its irresistible charm lies in the slow-cooked combination of boiled potatoes, sautéed onions, pungent garlic, and aromatic coriander, all brought together by the creamy union of milk, olive oil, and a generous helping of melted cheese.
As the mixture is coarsely blended, it yields a satisfyingly thick soup that still retains a delightful chunkiness, making each bite a true delight.
Canelazo
The perfect party cocktail combines the warmth of cinnamon and citrus in a delightful blend that’s sure to impress guests. This unique concoction is crafted by slowly cooking together the sweetness of sugar, the zest of orange slices, and the rich flavor of aguardiente, a type of liquor derived from sugar cane. The resulting drink is a true showstopper.
Ecuadorian Shrimp Ceviche
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors as this shrimp ceviche wins over even the most discerning palates. The key to its success lies in the harmonious union of boiled shrimp, sautéed onions, crunchy jalapenos, fragrant cilantro, and a splash of fresh lemon and orange juice. As these ingredients meld together with a pinch of spices, they’re served chilled, allowing the bold flavors to shine.
To elevate this dish to new heights, consider garnishing each serving with a few crispy fried plantains – a match made in heaven that’s sure to leave you wanting more.
Ecuadorian Yellow Rice
Yellow rice is an incredibly versatile dish that can be effortlessly paired with a wide variety of options. Its unique flavor profile, which results from the combination of achiote, onions, oil, and garlic during cooking, makes it a great match for many different cuisines.
For those looking to add a touch of turmeric instead, rest assured that this alternative will still yield that signature yellow hue characteristic of the dish.
Patacones
For those who crave the unique flavor combination of sweet and savory, this delectable snack is an absolute must-try. The process begins by boiling the plantains until they’re tender, followed by a gentle smashing using a trusty bottle. Then, the mixture is carefully deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, golden-brown interior that’s simply irresistible.
Aji Sauce
Looking for a way to bring some excitement to your plate? Why not try whipping up your own hot sauce at home? This recipe combines the sweetness of tree tomatoes with the spiciness of chili peppers, tanginess of lime juice, freshness of cilantro, and pungency of onions to create a unique and flavorful condiment. The best part is that you can adjust the level of heat to suit your taste buds!
Come Y Bebe
Summer desserts don’t get much better than this refreshing fruit salad. The combination of papayas, bananas, and watermelons is a match made in heaven. To bring out the best in these fruits, they’re first frozen and cut into cubes to preserve their natural sweetness. Then, a splash of chilled orange juice is added to enhance their flavors and textures. The result is a sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for hot summer days.
Dulce De Higos
Indulge in the sweet and savory delight of these syrup-soaked figs, a culinary treat that’s sure to satisfy. The process begins by boiling fresh figs with sugar, cloves, and allspice until a rich syrup forms, perfectly coating each fig. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with crusty bread, these tasty treats are sure to impress.
Banana And Cheese Fritter (Amoures Ocultos)
Imagine indulging in crispy, sweet, and utterly decadent banana fritters infused with melted cheese goodness. It sounds crazy, but trust us, this unique dessert is a game-changer! To create these treats, start by whipping up a rich batter using flour, milk, baking powder, and egg. Next, stuff sliced bananas with melted cheese and then coat them in the aforementioned batter before frying until golden brown.
Finally, give your fritters a light dusting of powdered sugar to balance out the sweetness.
Ecuadorian Quesadillas
While quesadillas are often associated with savory fillings, Ecuadorian cuisine has a unique twist – sweet quesadillas. These delectable treats start with a dough made from flour and egg, which is then filled with a rich and creamy combination of cream cheese, egg yolk, and sugar. The mixture is carefully folded into a pentagonal shape before being baked to perfection, resulting in a delightful dessert that’s sure to surprise and satisfy.
The bottom line
Ecuador’s vibrant food scene boasts a staggering array of culinary possibilities, with an incredible diversity of techniques and flavors to explore.
