Like other aspects of Cuban culture, traditional Cuban foods are rich in both Spanish and African influences. Pork, the meat of choice in a traditional meal, is almost always accompanied by rice and beans. When white rice and black beans are cooked together, they are called arroz congri, which literally means "rice with gravy." Black beans, prepared many different ways, are a Cuban specialty
(Rodriguez, 2012).
Fried green plantains, called tostones or mariquitas, and ripe plantains, or maduros, round out the meal. Yuca (cassava), malanga (taro), and boniato (sweet potato) are also commonly served in traditional meals. Typical fruits include avocados, mangoes, guavas, and papayas. Customary beverages include guarapo (sugarcane juice) and rum(Rodriguez, 2012) .
Poor economic conditions that resulted in reduced food rations have made the traditional meal a thing of the past. Rations under the Special Period consist of a piece of bread per person per day, three eggs per week, and a portion of fish or chicken per month. Milk is available only for children under the age of eight. Rice and beans are hard to get and many Cubans have not had beef or pork in years. On the black market, a piece of beef can cost as much as a month's wages (Rodriguez, 2012).
"Well, living here we still eat traditional foods. I would say my favorite is a papa rellena. You should try them sometime!"- Nelson
"Usually when we have parties, croquetas and pastelitos de guayaba are finger food musts." - Diana
Resource:
Rodriguez, H. (2012). Cuban Food Profile. Retrieved from About.com: http://latinfood.about.com/od/cuba/p/cuba_food.htm
Fried green plantains, called tostones or mariquitas, and ripe plantains, or maduros, round out the meal. Yuca (cassava), malanga (taro), and boniato (sweet potato) are also commonly served in traditional meals. Typical fruits include avocados, mangoes, guavas, and papayas. Customary beverages include guarapo (sugarcane juice) and rum(Rodriguez, 2012) .
Poor economic conditions that resulted in reduced food rations have made the traditional meal a thing of the past. Rations under the Special Period consist of a piece of bread per person per day, three eggs per week, and a portion of fish or chicken per month. Milk is available only for children under the age of eight. Rice and beans are hard to get and many Cubans have not had beef or pork in years. On the black market, a piece of beef can cost as much as a month's wages (Rodriguez, 2012).
"Well, living here we still eat traditional foods. I would say my favorite is a papa rellena. You should try them sometime!"- Nelson
"Usually when we have parties, croquetas and pastelitos de guayaba are finger food musts." - Diana
Resource:
Rodriguez, H. (2012). Cuban Food Profile. Retrieved from About.com: http://latinfood.about.com/od/cuba/p/cuba_food.htm