Colombia is known for its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse cuisine. Each dish tells a story, blending Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences into meals that reflect the country’s regional diversity. From the hearty stews of the Andean highlands to the tropical flavors of the Caribbean coast, Colombian food is all about tradition, community, and bold flavors.
Cooking is at the heart of Colombian culture, bringing families together through flavorful, traditional dishes. Host families and Au Pairs from Colombia or other countries can bond while making classics like arepas, ajiaco, empanadas, and bandeja paisa—delicious yet simple meals everyone can enjoy. Let’s explore some easy Colombian recipes, key ingredients, and fun ways to cook together as a family!
14 Easy Colombian Recipes to Try
Colombian cuisine is full of comforting dishes that are perfect for families to cook together. Many of these recipes are simple enough for children to help with, making them a fun and interactive activity for Host Families and Au Pairs.
1. Arepas
Arepas—a staple in Colombian cuisine—are versatile corn cakes that can be enjoyed at any meal. Made from pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa), water, and salt, the dough is shaped into rounds and cooked on a griddle until golden brown. Arepas can be eaten plain, stuffed with cheese, or topped with butter, avocado, or shredded meat. They’re simple to make and perfect for children to help shape the dough before cooking.
2. Ajiaco Soup
Ajiaco is a traditional Colombian soup, especially popular in Bogotá. It features shredded chicken, three types of potatoes (yellow, white, and red), corn on the cob, and guascas, a Colombian herb that gives the soup its distinct flavor. The ingredients are simmered until thick and hearty, then served with capers, cream, and avocado on the side. This dish is best enjoyed on a chilly day and is great for families to prepare together, with each person adding their own toppings.
3. Patacones (Twice-Fried Green Plantains)
Patacones, also known as tostones, are twice-fried green plantain slices that are crispy on the outside and soft inside. The plantains are sliced, fried once, smashed flat, and then fried again until golden. They’re commonly served with salt, guacamole, hogao (Colombian tomato sauce), or shredded cheese. This hands-on recipe is ideal for cooking with kids, especially when flattening the plantains before the second fry.
4. Chocolate con Queso
Chocolate con queso combines hot chocolate with chunks of cheese for a unique sweet-and-savory flavor. The hot chocolate is traditionally made with milk, sugar, and Colombian chocolate bars, then whisked until frothy. Cubes of mild cheese (such as queso campesino) are dropped in, melting slightly and creating a creamy, rich texture. This drink is best served with almojábanas (cheese bread) and is a fun way to introduce families to flavor-filled Colombian recipes.
5. Aborrajados
Aborrajados are a delicious snack made by stuffing ripe plantains with cheese, dipping them in batter, and frying them until golden and crispy. The combination of sweet plantains and melted cheese creates the perfect balance of flavors. Kids can help by mashing the plantains, filling them with cheese, and dipping them in the batter before frying. Try experimenting with different seasonings and dips to add a personal twist to this sweet-and-savory treat or enhance the richness of the melted cheese filling.
6. Changua
Changua is a traditional breakfast soup made with milk, water, eggs, scallions, and cilantro. The eggs are gently poached in the hot broth, creating a comforting and creamy dish. It’s also typically served with stale bread or almojábanas. To get the whole family involved, invite the kids to crack the eggs and stir the soup as it simmers.
7. Arroz con Coco
Arroz con Coco is a delicious coconut rice dish served on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Made by caramelizing coconut milk and sugar before cooking the rice, it has a subtly sweet and nutty flavor. Kids can help by stirring the rice as it cooks and measuring out the coconut milk and sugar. As one of the most beloved Colombian food recipes, it showcases the country’s coastal influences and is a must-try for families exploring authentic flavors.
8. Empanadas
Colombian empanadas are crispy, golden cornmeal turnovers filled with seasoned meat, potatoes, or cheese. The dough is made from masarepa and fried until crunchy, while the filling can be customized with different spices and ingredients. For family fun, encourage the little ones to fill the empanadas, seal the edges, and help with the frying process. Served with a tangy aji sauce or a creamy guacamole dip, these empanadas are a go-to snack or appetizer for sharing with family and friends.
9. Cazuela de Mariscos
Cazuela de Mariscos is a rich and flavorful seafood stew packed with shrimp, fish, clams, and coconut milk for a creamy texture. This dish is a coastal favorite infused with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. Kids can help by stirring the ingredients as they cook and adding seasonings. And remember—don’t be afraid to try out different seasonings and dips to bring out the natural seafood flavors!
10. Pandebono
Pandebono is a soft and cheesy bread made with a blend of tapioca flour, cornmeal, and cheese, creating a light and fluffy texture. These golden, bite-sized treats are usually enjoyed for breakfast or as a hot chocolate or coffee snack. Plus, kids can help mix the dough, shape the rounds, and brush them with egg wash before baking.
11. Bandeja Paisa
Bandeja Paisa is one of the most iconic Colombian recipes, often considered the country’s national plate. It features a large platter of rice, beans, ground beef, chicharrón (fried pork belly), sausage, fried egg, avocado, plantains, and arepas. Kids can take charge of plating, spreading out the rice and beans, and adding a finishing touch with the avocado and plantain slices. With a variety of flavors and textures in every bite, bandeja paisa is perfect for feeding a crowd and giving a true taste of Colombia’s rich culinary heritage.
12. Chicharron
Chicharrón is a popular dish made from crispy, fried pork belly or pork ribs. The pork is seasoned then deep-fried to achieve a crunchy, golden exterior while remaining tender and juicy inside. Often served with rice, beans, and arepas, chicharrón is a key component of dishes like bandeja paisa. Get the kids involved by letting them season the pork, watch it fry to golden crispiness, and sprinkle the finishing salt for the perfect balance of flavor.
13. Whole Fried Fish
Whole fried fish, or Pescado frito, is a favorite dish along Colombia’s coast. Made with fresh fish like red snapper, the fish is seasoned, coated in flour, and fried until crispy and golden. Let the kids help by seasoning the fish with spices, gently dusting it with flour, and carefully placing it in the frying pan (with supervision). They can also help prepare the side dishes like coconut rice and plantains. Served with salad, this dish delivers a fresh and tropical experience.
14. Sancocho Trifásico
Sancocho Trifásico is a hearty stew that combines three types of meat—beef, chicken, and pork—with root vegetables, plantains, and corn. This comforting dish is slow-cooked to develop rich, deep flavors. Ask the kids to help by adding the vegetables and meats to the pot, stirring the ingredients, and even adjusting the seasoning to taste. As the dish simmers, they can help prepare the rice and slice the avocado for a delicious side.
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Cooking recipes from Colombia, South America is more than just preparing meals. It is a way to connect with traditions, bring families together, and explore new flavors as a team. Whether you are making arepas for breakfast, a warm bowl of ajiaco, or crispy patacones for a snack, each dish is an opportunity to experience Colombian culture in a fun and meaningful way.
Hosting an Au Pair from Colombia allows your family to enjoy flexible and affordable childcare, cultural enrichment, and the chance to learn even more authentic Colombian recipes. Your children will gain a deeper appreciation for new traditions while forming a lasting connection with someone from another part of the world.
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