What are tortillas called in Colombia?

[Frank O]

I mentioned this to the lady I'm writing/calling & she did not know what a torilla was. I'm sure they just have a different word for them.

[doombug]

... in response to What are tortillas called in Colombia?, posted by Frank O on Jul 9, 2005

"I'm sure they just have a different word for them."

Don't be too sure.  They might not even be a staple of Colombian cuisine.

I was surprised to see how different the cuisine was in Peru as compared to that of Mexico.  Much more emphasis on exotic grains, potatoes, seafood, and eggs (both quail and chicken) in Peru; while Mexican cuisine revolves around  the pinto bean, beef, corn, and often cheese.  Both country's soups are among the tastiest I've ever had, though I favor Peru's a bit more because of its richness.  I also came across some very tasty tomales in Peru.  Not as varied as Mexican tomales, but equally as yummy.  

Didn't see a single tortilla while in Peru, though.  I now assume most Latin countries offer very unique cuisines, whereas before I thought they'd be essentially the same.

My first instinct upon seeing french fries (aka, freedom fries) in Peru was that these people must have a fondness for--and thus stole--this Yankee snack food.  In fact, we (and everyone else in the world who consumes potatoes) stole the idea from them, as spuds (as well as tomatoes) originated in Peru.

I think many women who marry and move to the States are as equally shocked as we are over the difference in cuisines.  Though, the ladies are surely a little more disappointed.

[Malandro]

... in response to Re: What are tortillas called in Colombi..., posted by doombug on Jul 10, 2005

or central america I've tried so far.  the Aji de gallina is great and Pisco Sours are the best.  

the one thing though is that they serve rice and french fried together.   Beans seem hard to come by.  

"Pizza Street" in Lima has a Mexican restaurant with tortillas and beans too.

[doombug]

... in response to Peru has the best food in south america, posted by Malandro on Jul 11, 2005

"Peru has the best food in south america"

Though I haven't been to other countries in LA (with the exception of Mexico), it's certainly the best food I've ever had.  They perfectly blend so many varied ingredients, and offer so many varied dishes, that it's tough to get bored of the stuff.  Breakfast time at the home of my ex was amazing!  Always a variety of tropical juices, fruits, hot drinks, hot cereals, and hot dishes.

I've been on "Pizza Street," though I don't recall visiting or seeing this Mexican restaurant.  I blame it on the hotties.  Tough to recall the names on facades with so many gorgeous lovelies prancing about.

[Gator]

... in response to What are tortillas called in Colombia?, posted by Frank O on Jul 9, 2005

strangely enough they are called tortillas. Much more popular are  Arepas-all different kinds, Arepas De Chocolo (a fresh corn tortillas and my favorite,)

A basic arepa, from Mrs. Gator, is:

1 cup precooked white corn meal
1 cup water
1 tsp butter
salt

Method :
Bring water to a boil and add it to the corn meal, stirring thoroughly. Add the butter and salt to taste. Form into several flat tortillas (around 3mm thick) and roast over a low charcoal fire or on a wire rack over the burner of the stove. Serve hot with butter and fresh white cheese.

Arepa de Chocolo

Remove the corn from the cob and grind(Mrs. Gator has a grinder that looks like a meat grinder to do the corn.  If Gator had been a really good boy she will make them). Knead it until it forms a firm ball. With your hand, form into several round, flat tortillas (3-6 mm thick) and roast over a low charcoal fire or on a wire rack over the burner of the stove. Serve hot with butter, salt and white cheese.
NOTE: You can also put the corn in the blender (don't use canned corn), add some salt, and some corn starch to reduce the watery consistency. Then, you can prepare the arepas the same way you would prepare pancakes on a pan. Once again, serve hot with butter, salt and white cheese.

[Frank O]

... in response to Re: What are tortillas called in Colombi..., posted by Gator on Jul 10, 2005

I tried describing a tortilla & she said we call them "arepas estoy segura, vas a ver". I said ok. Thanks.

[OkieMan]

... in response to Re: What are tortillas called in Colombi..., posted by Gator on Jul 10, 2005

That was interesting.  BTW, would Mrs. Gator's first name be Allie? ha  Couldn't resist.

                        OkieMan

[Gator]

... in response to Re: Re: What are tortillas called in Col..., posted by OkieMan on Jul 10, 2005

damn, that's worth a second thought

[Michael B]

... in response to What are tortillas called in Colombia?, posted by Frank O on Jul 9, 2005

No, they don't have them. They have 'arepas' which are similar but much thicker, too thick to roll up like a tortilla. If you tell her 'la misma masa que arepa, pero el tamaño y la forma de un crepe' she should understand.

[Frank O]

... in response to Re: What are tortillas called in Colombi..., posted by Michael B on Jul 9, 2005

In Mexico they have these fat little corn tortillas they call gorditas. That sounds like an arepa. Oh well, I'll see shortly enough.

[Michael B]

... in response to So an arepa is like a "gordita"..., posted by Frank O on Jul 10, 2005

[This message has been edited by Michael B]

Pretty close. You will be able to see a slight difference between them, but I'd say gordita would be the closest thing to them that Mexico has.

Hey, here's an idea. Stop at the grocery before you leave and take a pack of tortillas with you when you go.

[Frank O]

... in response to Re: So an arepa is like a "gordita&..., posted by Michael B on Jul 10, 2005

I was thinking the same exact thing. I did that with Ukraine but somewhere along the line they got "lost". I figure some Ukrainian was probably very curious.

[thundernco]

... in response to Re: What are tortillas called in Colombi..., posted by Michael B on Jul 9, 2005

That's correct.  My wife never had a tortilla until she came to the states.  You can find them every once in awhile at Exito or Carrefour, but they're there as a specialty food.  They taste horrible btw.  One of my main gripes while living there was the inability to get good mexican food. -TNC

[doombug]

... in response to Re: Re: What are tortillas called in Col..., posted by thundernco on Jul 10, 2005

I didn't see any Mexican restaurants while in Lima, either.  

Chinese restaurants were EVERYWHERE.  They call them "chifas," and it seemed like every block had one.  Also ate at a variety of Thai, Japanese (sushi), and American (mostly fastfood) joints.  

On a side note, the only time I've ever found an insect in my food was while at a Chinese restaurant:  once in Mexico(actually twice, as the replacement bowl also had a backstroking roach in it); and once in Peru.

[papi]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: What are tortillas called in..., posted by doombug on Jul 10, 2005

There is a decent Mexican restaurant in BAQ but the name escapes me for the moment. something about the slang word used for happiness or hello in Mexico. And they do have tortillas.  I am going to BAQ this week if anyone needs to know