Bandeja paisa

Bandeja paisa, also known by names such as bandeja de arriero, bandeja montañera, or bandeja antioqueña, is a hearty and traditional Colombian dish. It holds particular popularity in regions like Antioquia, the Paisa Region, the Colombian Coffee-Growers Axis, Valle del Cauca, and parts of Tolima. The dish is renowned for its generous portions and diverse ingredients, typically served on a large platter.

What sets bandeja paisa apart is its variety. The dish typically includes red beans cooked with pork, white rice, ground beef, chicharrón (crispy pork belly), a fried egg, plantain, chorizo, arepa (corn cake), hogao sauce, black pudding, avocado, and a slice of lemon.

The dish has a rich history, influenced by the myriad of cultures that have settled in Colombia over the years. Indigenous peoples, colonial Spaniards, Africans, and even French and British colonialists have all left their mark. Interestingly, the dish in its current form only began to appear after 1950. It represents a beautiful blend of Native American and European ingredients, characteristic of many Latin American mestizo dishes.

Bandeja paisa is often served on a large oval tray due to the substantial amount of food it comprises. Different regions in Colombia have their own interpretations of the dish, and some restaurants even offer versions with additional meats such as grilled steak, pork, and liver. For those mindful of their diet, there are lighter versions that replace pork with chicken breast and black pudding with a salad.

In 2005, there was a movement to declare bandeja paisa the national dish of Colombia, under the more inclusive name "bandeja montañera." However, this proposal faced some resistance. Critics argued that the dish is a regional specialty and is not widely consumed across the entire country. They suggested ajiaco, another beloved Colombian dish, as a more fitting national symbol. Despite this, the Colombian tourism industry often highlights bandeja paisa as a must-try Colombian dish.

Ultimately, bandeja paisa is more than just a meal; it is a symbol of Colombian culinary tradition. It encapsulates a rich mix of cultural influences and offers a taste of the diverse flavors found throughout the country.