Dominican food is a unique type of Latino cuisine. Not only does it utilize local ingredients, but it also incorporates an assortment of spice to create simplistic dishes that are hard to resist. Three of the most popular include ceviche, bacalao, and mofongo. Consider the following to learn more about their origins and to learn how they came to be such a staple in the Dominican culture.

Common Dishes in Latino Cuisine

1. Ceviche

Ceviche consists of raw seafood—usually shrimp—vegetables, and a marinade with a citrus base. The acid within the liquid “cooks” the meat to eliminate any harmful bacteria, producing a light flavor that complements the meat. Dominican restaurants traditionally serve this dish with a fresh lettuce leaf and plantain chips to offset the sharpness of the citrus.

2. Bacalao

Bacalao, or dried, salted cod, has origins that date all the way back to colonial times. Salt was useful for preserving the fish when there was no refrigeration and the meal was served as a kosher option during Lent. Cooks today usually leave the fish to soak in water overnight before prepping it for a meal. They then either chop up an assortment of vegetables to create a stew or simmer the meat in a white sauce before stuffing it into a sweet plantain.

3. Mofongo

Mofongo is a plantain dish that technically originated in Puerto Rico. As travelers moved between countries, the locals got a taste of their cuisine and found a way to incorporate it into the culture. Dominican chefs fry the plantain and mash it until it gets soft. They then mix it with chicken, beef, or shrimp and serve it with a creole sauce. This adds just the right level of heat to complement the sweetness of the fruit.

Treat your family to authentic Latino cuisine by enjoying a meal Mamajuana Café Queens in Woodside, NY. This locally owned Dominican restaurant has been in the business since 2000. They use a combination of old-world spice with modern-day techniques to create a full menu of flavorful dishes. Call (718) 565-6454 to schedule a reservation or visit their website to browse their menu.