Eat Local! The Foods of Ecuador

When I 1^st thought about eating in Ecuador, I thought it would be all rice and beans. Boy was I wrong and not once did I eat that. And to rest your minds, the food gag factor is VERY LOW. While it certainly is not the best cuisine I have eaten (Vietnam is one of my favorites), it is tasty and cheap. Here is a cheat sheet to some local foods to help you navigate the deliciousness of la comida de Ecuador.

• Platacones- fried plantains served with most meals as a side (great with a mayo/ketchup spread)
  

  Plantains, cousin to the banana, fried to greasy perfection

• Muchora- milk based drink laced with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and raisins. It is sweet and served hot.
• Ceviche- not your average ceviche but this comes warm and with side of rice to dump into the citrus broth (HIGHLY RECCOMENDED)
  

  Is that Ecuadorian ceviche or are you just happy to see me?

• Seco de Pollo- fabulous chicken meal served in a red peppery sauce with a side of rice
• Pan de Yucca- light, airy bread made from the Yucca plant

• 

  Food of the Gods!!!

• Humitas- Corn like mix wrapped in corn husks similar to tamales filled with cheese
• Tortillas de Maise- round cake-like corn tortillas sometimes filled with cheese
• Tortillas de Yucca- similar to tortillas de maise but made of yucca and filled with white milk’s cheese (Holy Yum!)
• Avoid watita (spelling could be off on that one). It is cow stomach unless you really like eating cow stomach!

WARNING: Most Ecuadorian dishes are void of one main component, vegetables. 90% of local dishes are the following colors: brown, yellow, and/or white. Sounds delicious right? You may see an occasional tomato or piece of lettuce on a plate but don’t be fooled as this is only a garnish. Main stay vegetables are: corn, potatoes, and sometimes avocado.