A bean-based dessert and one of our most popular dishes, this traditional Dominican Easter and Lenten dish is loved by Dominicans. But where did our Habichuela con Dulce come from? Let's see if we can finally shed some light on the origins of Habichuelas con dulce.
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Guandules: 5 Foolproof Guandules Recipes and Guide
Guandules — or gandules, as they are called in Puerto Rico – are the second most popular legumes in the Dominican Republic, only behind habichuelas, and guandules recipes are part of our most important national festivities. Learn how to cook the tastiest guandules dishes.
Sancocho de Guandules (Pigeon Peas Stew)
Let's make this wonderful Sancocho de guandules (pigeon pea stew) and enjoy an unforgettable combination of Dominican ingredients and flavors. You won't be able to resist this creamy pigeon peas soup with flavorful pork. It's perfect for the cooler days of the year.
Chambre or Chapea (Beans, Rice and Meat Stew)
Dominican Chambre or Chapea is a flavorful stew that combines rice, pigeon peas (guandules), beans, meat, vegetables, and root vegetables in a dish that is a complete meal in itself. Filling, economical, and comforting, it is perfect for those days when we're feeling lazy.
Habichuelas (Frijoles) Negros (Stewed Black Beans Recipe)
Habichuelas negras, or frijoles negros, while not as popular as other types of beans on our table, it is one of my favorites for its attractive presentation and strong flavors. It can also very easily be turned into a vegan dish. Don't hesitate, I promise it will be worth your while!
Valentine's Day in the Dominican Republic
Valentine's Day went from the celebration of a Catholic saint, to a worldwide day of romantic love, with couples exchanging gifts, going out for dinner, or just exchanging small tokens of their cariño. This is how we celebrate Valentine's Day in the Dominican Republic.
Ensalada de Aguacate (Dominican Avocado Salad)
For us Dominicans, there is no need to embellish avocado, and browsing through our blog you'll notice how it often appears in our serving suggestions, but you can elevate it to new levels with this simple yet flavorful and healthful Ensalada de Aguacate (avocado salad).
Pastelon Vegano de Plátano Maduro (Dominican Vegan Casserole)
Come see how to make this delicious Vegan ripe plantain pastelón, and if you have vegan guests, or if you or someone in your family doesn't eat meat, you don't have to miss out on one of Dominicans' favorite dishes, one which is surely our most popular pastelón.
Pastelón de Arroz (Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole)
This Dominican Pastelón de arroz (rice casserole) is a dish made with ground beef, rice, and cheese served with a light tomato sauce, and is a great way to use up leftover rice. A complete meal, it is easy to make, tasty, rich in vegetables, and perfect for group meals.
Dominican Christmas Appetizers
At Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Eve, welcome your family and friends with these wonderful Dominican Christmas appetizers, several of them are traditional and some are criollo-inspired. Sweet and savory, they are perfect for unforgettable gatherings.
Dominican Christmas Drinks
While cold drinks are more popular in our country, for obvious reasons, we also enjoy hot drinks during the cooler time of the year, or as part of breakfast or dinner. See our selection of the comforting, nourishing drinks we love for breakfast.
What Time is Lunch in the Dominican Republic?
One of the first things that visitors to the Dominican Republic will learn is that La bandera dominicana, or “The Dominican Flag”, is also what we call the national standard lunchtime dish. Learn the customs and hours for la comida or almuerzo in the Dominican Republic.
Niño Envuelto (Rice and Beef Cabbage Rolls)
Niño envuelto is the Middle-Eastern inspired Dominican rice and beef cabbage roll, with a juicy filling of minced beef with rice. Learn how to make it with this easy recipe and video.
Dominican Homemade - Dishes We Rarely Make at Home
Learn how to prepare dishes, ingredients, sauces, and condiments that we usually buy ready-made in the Dominican Republic. Whether you're far from home and can't find them, or you want something more natural, here are our homemade recipes.
Batata Asada (Roasted Sweet Potato)
Batata (sweet potato) is one of our most ancient foods; it has been a food staple in this island since Precolumbian times. This is a very versatile and popular root vegetable and we use to make great savory dishes, and delightful traditional desserts..
Batata: How to Cook and Complete Guide
Batata (sweet potato) is one of our most ancient foods; it has been a food staple in this island since Precolumbian times. This is a very versatile and popular root vegetable and we use to make great savory dishes, and delightful traditional desserts..
Flan de Pan (Bread Flan)
The love child of bread pudding and traditional flan, this Bread "flan" is a moist, luscious pudding bathed in a golden syrup. Lighter and creamier than our traditional bread pudding, but slightly more dense than traditional flan, this dessert combines the best of both worlds.
7 Flan Recipes
Whether you are an expert baker or a beginner in the kitchen, you can find a recipe for traditional Dominican bread that you can prepare and love. From classic favorites to lesser-known ones, check out our best bread recipes and learn how to make them at home.
Yaroa de Papa y de Platano Maduro (Dominican Yaroa)
Yaroa, flavorful, incredible dish that hails from Santiago, has become the newest classic in Dominican food, and is a newcomer to the street food scene in the Dominican Republic. This is a dish that checks every box in the "best street foods" checklist. Here's my take on it.
Locrio de Molleja de Pollo (Rice and Chicken Gizzards)
Locrio de molleja de pollo (rice and chicken gizzards) is a surprisingly flavorful dish, and one of our cuisine's best-kept secrets. From a forlorn chicken cut to a juicy and tender meat with colorful and succulent rice. You may find yourself surprised by how much you enjoy it.
Bistec Encebollado (Beef Steak with Onions)
Bistec encebollado is our name for the flavorful dish, Dominican beef steak, topped with our popular Dominican-style sautéed onions. It is an easy main dish that you can have ready without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Put this tasty little dish on your table today.
Pan de Coco (Samana Yaniqueque Coconut Bread)
I tried Pan de coco, the humble Dominican coconut bread in its birthtplace. This Samana yaniqueque is one of this beautiful region's best-kept secrets. You can try it at home now.
Pasteles al Horno (Pastelon en Hoja Casserole)
We adore pasteles en hoja, but let's be honest: they are a lot of work to make. My original pasteles al horno recipe, or pastelón en hoja, greatly reduces the work and preparation time, while still retaining the flavor and texture we like so much. I bet you'll love them too.
Yaniqueques (Crispy Dominican Fritters)
These delicious, crunchy, flaky, deep-fried Dominican Yaniqueques are a must-have on a visit to Boca Chica, the popular Dominican beach or enjoyed as a breakfast dish alongside our traditional hot drink. You'll love just how easy and inexpensive it is to make it at home.
Quipes or Kipes (Dominican Kibbeh)
Quipe or Kipe is the Dominicanized version of the Lebbanese Kibbeh, and is made with minced beef and bulgur. It is one of our most beloved appetizers, parties-must-have, and this is the recipe that has inspired many others on the internet. See why it's so popular.
Dominican Cake (Bizcocho Dominicano)
What makes Bizcocho dominicano so special? The secret is that this Dominican cake is incredibly delicate in texture and sinfully delicious. Ours is the oldest, most complete, and most popular Dominican cake recipe on the internet.
Dominican Hot Dog
¿Looking for a Dominican hot dog recipe? Well, there isn't one we can all agree on, but I've taken inspiration from my favorite Dominican hot dog carritos to share with you my favorite, an uncomplicated and tasty hot dog with Dominican flavors. Get ready to savor it.
Mambá (Spicy and Savory Peanut Butter)
Natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives, Mambá (Dominican peanut butter) is a savory, sometimes spicy spread that you can enjoy with breakfast or as a snack. It is easily made at home with just a few ingredients that are very easy to find, so try this recipe today.
Uncommon Dominican Recipes You Probably Never Tried
Chances are you know what tostones, sancocho or locrio are, but there's more to Dominican cuisine than the best-known dishes you can find on any recipe site, and our recipe collection reflects that. Let me show you some Dominican dishes you may not have even heard of.
Ensalada de Bacalao (Chickpea and Bacalao Salad)
If you're looking for a great ensalada de bacalao, I got one for you. Whether served as a salad or a cold dish, this filling and satisfying chickpea and codfish salad is a fantastic summer dish with ingredients and flavors we love, and that can be served for Lent and Easter.
Bacalaitos (Codfish Fritters)
Bacalaítos, also known as torrejas de bacalao or arepitas de bacalao, are very popular in the Dominican Republic. They are typically served as a side dish, but can also be enjoyed as a main dish, especially during Dominican Cuaresma (Lent).
Helado de Habichuelas con Dulce (Popsicles)
Can there be an easier way to enjoy Habichuelas con dulce better suited for the hot summer days? Yes!. Cool off and enjoy one of our favorite desserts in the form of a creamy, lovely Paleta or Helado de habichuelas con dulce. It is sure to please kids and grown-ups alike.
Maiz Caquiao, Chacá or Maíz con Dulce (Hominy and Milk Dessert)
This is one of those humble dishes that in our country serve many purposes, Maiz Caquiao or Chaca (Cracked Corn Pudding) is truly delectable and comforting.
Pica Pollo (Dominican Fried Chicken)
Move over Coronel, the authentic Dominican fried chicken is here. Our flavorful Pica pollo is a burst of flavor in our mouth, and the favorite fried chicken dish for Dominicans. See why it is so popular with us, and learn how to make it with our foolproof recipe with handy video.
Vegan Asopao (Rice, Textured Soy & Vegetables Stew)
This filling, flavorful stew this veggie-rich Vegan asopao (rice, textured soy & vegetables pottage) is perfect to atone for days of excesses and give our bodies a rest, or as a comforting soups for vegans, vegetarians and for those who'd like to enjoy the occasional meatless day.
Berenjena Asada (Roasted Eggplants)
A traditional Dominican side dish, Berenjenas Asadas (Roasted Eggplants) is a luscious, smoky and decidedly grown-up dish. Perfect for vegetarians too.
Rendir: Dominican Meat Dishes with Vegetables
It should surprise no one that the food we love today, the traditional comfort food we remember and long for, was once created by those who were once very poor in an effort to feed the family. Therefrom comes the Dominican art of "rendir": making a lot from little.
Bacalao con Repollo (Lent Codfish with Cabbage)
Inspired by a century-old mention in a Dominican book, I bring you my simple, tasty Bacalao con repollo y huevo, a codfish with cabbage and eggs dish perfect for Lent. If you're Dominican, you will probably enjoy having a new dish to add to the Lenten menu.
Carne Molida (Ground Beef with Vegetables)
Carne molida or Dominican-style Res Molida can easily be adapted to your preferences. This ground beef recipe is as full of vegetables as it is flavorful and an excellent example of how you can cook a tasty, filling, healthful, economical meat dish that everyone will enjoy.
Yuca: How to Cook and Peel & Guide to Cassava
Learn how to peel and cook yuca and much more with our essential guide to the amazing cassava root. It's one of our ancient foods and has been eaten on our continent for millennia.
Dulce de Leche en Tabla (Dominican Dulce de Leche Candy)
Learn how to make Dominican Dulce de leche en tabla, the traditional Dominican dulce de leche candy, dulce de leche fudge squares that can be combined with other flavors. You can find this popular sweet anywhere in the Dominican Republic and now make it at home.
Ensalada de Molondrones (Okra Salad)
Okra fans rejoice, this Ensalada de molondrones – one of my favorite Dominican salad recipes – is an easy-to-prepare, and very healthful okra salad. Once you try it, you'll surely be convinced to add this lovely vegetable forward dish to your Dominican lunch meals.