Pastel de Choclo: Chilean Corn Pie

Chilean pastel de choclo corn casserole filling with mushroom onion spices olives eggs and mozzerella topped with brown sugar

It’s amazing how food can serve as a proxy for identifying key cultural integrations. For the Chileans, the best available “yummy proxy” is none other than pastel de choclo. Drawing on key components from the different historical influences, this recipe represents far more than a corn pie for a fiercely proud population. And, given the taste of it, … Read more

Anticuchos: Peruvian Beef Kabobs

Peruvian Anticuchos Kabobs with Aji Amarillo Sauce

Thanks to some of our previous deep culinary explorations here on Arousing Appetites, we’ve encountered some prevailing trends in the world’s history. Introducing the Spanish conquistadors into the picture, for example, generally spelled bad news for the land’s indigenous populations. We’ve seen it certainly be the case both in Jamaica and in Haiti. Sometimes, amid all the historical … Read more

Jerk Chicken: Jamaican

Jerk Chicken: Jamaican Dish

Up until now, we were living in blissful ignorance. Sure, we’d tried (and even tried making) what we considered to be “jerk chicken,” but it’s very surprising – even a bit shocking – to see how far off we were. Thankfully, we’re now a little closer to being in the know, and we’re very glad for … Read more

Acaraje with Vatapa

Acaraje with Vatapa

This week marks the beginning of one of the year’s widely celebrated times shared around the world. That’s right, it’s Carnival time! An integral part of the Christian calendar, you can safely expect to find a type of pre-Lent party in any country with a well-represented Christian population. Above them all, though, the creme de … Read more

Pira Caldo

Pira Caldo

It’s safe to say that we’re generally a fan of spices and spice-filled dishes. Call it a personal preference for Arousing Appetites. As a result, it might not be everyday that you’ll see us so enthusiastically approach a recipe that is so noticeably devoid of spices. Pira caldo, however, is undoubtedly an exception to the rule. Pira … Read more

Sopa de Caracol – Coconut Conch Soup

Sopa de Caracol - Honduran Conch Soup

When finding recipes to test and adapt for here on Arousing Appetites, we look not only for great taste but also for an intriguing history. And while the story for sopa de caracol may not trace as far back as earlier millenia (like ropa vieja or latkes, for example), it’s certainly not every day that a dish … Read more