Panamanian Cuisine

Located in Central America, Panama gained its independence in 1903 and gradually it has been transformed into a passage of international commerce. Its society became more complex during the 20th century. Beside other aspects, Panamanian uniqueness is also given by is cuisine, more exactly by the way in which every meal is prepared in this region. Is seems that Panama has been blessed with a large variety of vegetables, herbs, and tropical fruits. Its cuisine is influenced by the Hispanic population, native Europeans, Indians, or by Chinese people. In Panamanian cuisine a lot of cooking traditions have been borrowed from Panama’s neighbors and developed from these neighbor’s traditional dishes. Despite the fact that there are no unique or specific preparation methods in Panamanian cuisine, it should be taken into account that attention to every detail plays a crucial role in this region. This cuisine contains a great diversity of cereals and vegetables. Another attention is given to the visual attractiveness of every Panamanian dish and to the real balance between colors and proportion, as well. Every traditional Panamanian dish is prepared differently than the others. Meat is the most important item belonging to Panamanian cuisine.

Panamanian cooking always requires various equipment meant to generate the most interesting and sophisticated dishes. Such kitchen utensils include cake pans, colanders, can openers, egg rings, poachers and holders, food pans and containers, as well as food scales, food scoops, fryer baskets and many other accessories. In case the food in transported you definitely need insulated food carriers or a set of kitchen linens and uniforms. Some of the items you need while cooking Panamanian food are: kitchen knives, juicers, kitchen slicers, kitchen thermometers, miscellaneous utensils, mixing bowls and skimmers, strainers, measuring cups or measuring spoons. The most common utensils are spatulas, serving spoons, turners, forks, kitchen knives, and scrapers.

Most Panamanian festivities occur during Christmas time. Here, the Holidays begin on December 8 when people celebrate the Immaculate Conception which coincides with Mother’s Day. On this occasion, the Panamanians serve some of their traditional food, such as pavo, which is Turkey; relleno, meaning stuffing; arroz dulce, and tamales which consists of a cornmeal made into a paste with Arturo sauce, prunes, capers, meats, and spices wrapped in plantain leaves and boiled. The most popular dessert from the Panamanian cuisine is represented by fruitcakes. Obviously, this does not mean that the family gathered around the table cannot serve Chicken with rice, Chickpea “Ceviche”, or different kind of soups or meat dishes. No matter how weird or complicated it may sound, in order to prepare an avocado soup you need only Chicken consommé, avocados, and whipped cream or evaporated milk. As for a fish soup, its preparation requires white fish, onions, parsley, celery leaves, lemon juice, pepper, salt, flour, and water.

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