Traditionally during Christmas and New Year celebrations in Panama, the star on the table is the classic Rice with Guandú, so there is no Christmas without this dish.
A superfood
And it is that guandú is a healthy food with high nutritional value that provides the body with many proteins and amino acids.
It is a typical dish consumed throughout the country, although it presents variations depending on the region, for example, by adding coconut milk to make the preparation creamier and more flavorful.
About its origin
According to studies, it is estimated that guandú cultivation originates from India, from where it was introduced to Africa and later to the Caribbean during the colonial era.
Guandú planting traditionally takes place in June, allowing the crop to grow more easily during the rainy season. Once the plant has grown, the leaves are used for livestock feed, and the pods are used to make typical Panamanian dishes.
This legume has some variations in color and smell of the grains, for example, purple, green, or black gandules, and grains that emit a smell as well as those that do not.
And speaking of the versatility of this grain, it can be used to prepare soups, stews, cold salads, guisados (stews), or even jams, or simply to prepare creams and serve as dips accompanied by crackers. But mainly, it will be the star ingredient when preparing the incomparable Rice with Guandú, as well as enjoying it with pork or flavored with coconut.
For all these reasons, in Panamanian cuisine, guandú holds a privileged place, providing benefits and allowing you to enjoy delicious dishes that make Panamanian cooking unique and unmatched.
