Rice is a product originating from Asia. It is not exactly known whether it comes from China or India. Today, it is considered the most consumed grain worldwide, and its cultivation reached some countries in the American continent, including Panama, where a significant Chinese immigration occurred, bringing their respective dishes and products, such as rice.
The King Grain
Currently, rice is the most consumed grain among Panamanians. As such, different rice-based dishes can be found that are part of the country's typical meals.
Among the most prominent dishes are rice with beans, "ropa vieja," rice with pigeon peas, rice with chicken, seafood rice, "gallo pinto" (rice and beans stew), rice with sweetbreads, rice pudding, and pineapple rice.
Rice with beans is one of the most eaten dishes during lunch. It consists of white rice served with beans or beans and some vegetables like tomato.
"Ropa vieja," on the other hand, consists of shredded cooked meat with tomato, garlic, onion, pepper, and rice. In Panama, it is usually served with plantain chips and fried plantain pieces.
Pigeon pea rice is considered a traditional Panamanian dish. Its ingredients include long-grain rice, vegetable oil, onion, pigeon peas, cilantro, water, and salt.
The rice is gathered and shaped into a small cylinder adorned with a parsley leaf, creating an elegant presentation. It is typically served with stewed meat and vegetable salad.
Panamanian Tradition
Chicken with rice is another classic of traditional Panamanian cuisine. While the recipe has become popular in other countries, Panamanian chicken with rice is characterized by its flavor combination and preparation.
Ingredients include rice, chicken breast, onion, celery, annatto, olives, capers, tomato, peas, carrot, bell pepper, salt, and garlic. It is especially eaten for lunch and, due to its easy preparation, is commonly enjoyed in family settings.
Next to chicken with rice, there is seafood rice. This dish is popularly enjoyed at Panama's beaches.
Because Panama borders both oceans, seafood prices are relatively affordable, and the products are fresh and high quality. Seafood rice is made with rice, various seafood, shrimp, coconut milk, parsley, garlic, onion, and cilantro. Some restaurants season it with lime for flavor enhancement and decorate with parsley leaves for presentation.
A Delicious "Guacho"
The Panamanian rice "guacho" or "gallo" consists of rice cooked in broth. Two popular variations are seafood and pork tail. Other variants commonly found at food stalls include chicken, beans, and pigeon peas.
Its ingredients can vary according to personal taste, but commonly include rice, yuca, yam, garlic, tomato sauce, sweet pepper, and cilantro. The presentation may also vary by cook; some serve all ingredients mixed, others separately.
There is also rice with sweetbreads. This is prepared with sweetbreads, rice, red bell pepper, onion, garlic, mushrooms, tomato, chicken broth, olive oil, saffron, bay leaf, and salt. It is considered a variation of chicken with rice, and while the flavor is similar, the ingredients and preparation may differ.
After mentioning the savory and typical lunch dishes, we move on to desserts. In this case, rice pudding, which is considered one of the most popular desserts in Panamanian cuisine due to its low cost and easy preparation. Ingredients include rice, liquid milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, raisins, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Following the dessert, there is the beverage. Panamanians drink pineapple rice. It is considered a delicious and refreshing drink. Its ingredients include rice, pineapple, water, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar. A distinctive feature is that the whole pineapple is used, with the peel included for making the drink. It is also recommended to add pieces of the fruit for a thicker flavor.
