Nicknamed Los Cafeteros, due to coffee production in the country, the Colombian men’s national team has appeared in six FIFA World Cup championships. Their best result? Reaching the quarterfinals in the 2014 edition of the competition, hosted in Brazil.
In terms of food, the Colombian diet includes a lot of meat and fresh fruit. Bandeja paisa, one of the nation’s favourite meals, is a traditional platter; it consists of grilled steak, fried pork rind, chorizo sausages, rice, red beans, avocado, fried egg and sweet banana chips. Ajiaco, tamales and arepas are also popular staples.
Ajiaco
Serves 6
Ingredients
3 chicken breasts
2 stock cubes
3 spring onion, chopped
3 tbsp coriander, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 ears corn, cut into 2 pieces
6 medium potatoes
250ml heavy cream
200g capers
Preparation
1. Place chicken, stock cubes, spring onion, coriander and garlic in a large pot on a high heat. Season. Add 3l of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 40 minutes until chicken is cooked. Set chicken aside.
2. Boil the corn for 30 minutes. Discard onion and add potatoes. Cook for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, stir and cook for another 15 minutes.
3. Cut the chicken into small pieces and return to the pot. Serve hot with heavy cream and capers on the side.
