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10 recipes · Ecuador

Ecuadorian kitchen

10 Ecuadorian recipes you can cook at home, from Encebollado (Ecuadorian Tuna and Yuca Soup), Encocado de Pescado (Ecuadorian Coconut Fish) and Fritada de Chancho (Ecuadorian Braised Pork) to Dulce de Zapallo (Ecuadorian Candied Squash).

10 recipes

About Ecuadorian food

The Ecuadorian kitchen

Ecuadorian cooking changes with the landscape: coastal meals feature fish, seafood, yuca, and plantains, while potatoes, corn, and fresh cheese are prominent in the highlands. Onion, garlic, cumin, cilantro, and annatto build many savory bases. Coconut milk enriches some coastal fish sauces, and citrus-marinated onions brighten soups and plates of meat.

Learn a few contrasting techniques: gently poach fish, braise chicken in a blended sauce, and brown cheese-filled potato patties without disturbing their crust. Rice often accompanies lentils, beans, or stews, with hot aji offered separately. Sweets can be as direct as squash simmered in spiced cane-sugar syrup and served with fresh cheese.

Questions, answered

What are some typical Ecuadorian dishes?

Encebollado pairs tuna and yuca with sharp onions; locro de papa combines potatoes and cheese; seco de pollo is a saucy chicken braise. These reflect different regions rather than one uniform national menu.

Is Ecuadorian food spicy?

Many main dishes are mild, with hot aji served separately so each person can add heat. Cumin, cilantro, garlic, and annatto often contribute more to the base seasoning than hot chiles.

What can replace annatto in Ecuadorian cooking?

Paprika offers a similar warm color and works in small quantities when ground annatto is unavailable. Its flavor differs, so use it as a practical substitute rather than an exact match.

What Ecuadorian dishes can I make at home?

Start with Dulce de Zapallo (Ecuadorian Candied Squash), Empanadas de Viento (Ecuadorian Cheese Empanadas), Encebollado (Ecuadorian Tuna and Yuca Soup), Encocado de Pescado (Ecuadorian Coconut Fish) and Fritada de Chancho (Ecuadorian Braised Pork). Every recipe here is written for a home kitchen, with substitutes for anything hard to find.

What's the quickest Ecuadorian recipe?

Encocado de Pescado (Ecuadorian Coconut Fish), ready in 40 min.