Season Two, Fall 2007
San Juan Soul Food
This week we cook foods from Puerto Rico with soul. The Caribbean island's cuisine is a mixture of African, Spanish, and Indigenous culinary traditions, which provides us with an eclectic base of homestyle recipes, as well as a launching pad for creative cooks.
COOKING SHOW
Croquettes (croquetas) are traditionally made with cod fish and potato. However, today Puerto Rican chefs are reinventing the island's traditional dishes. This recipe was inspired by a shrimp and scallion ceviche that is served at Aguaviva restaurant in San Juan's trendy Sofo district. Sauteed shrimp and scallion are mixed with potato and thick veloute to make a nice batter for comforting croquetas.
COOKING SHOW
What makes Puerto Rican cuisine great for fall are the slowly simmered stews and soups that are commonly eaten on the island. Our version of Asopao, with chicken and brown rice, shows its Caribbean roots with the yucca and taro, but remains local because of the butternut squash. This is a very comforting dish to make as we creep into the cooler weather, and our bodies require something a little more grounding.
COOKING SHOW
Coffee is one of the great exports of Puerto Rico. This is a great recipe that incorporates coffee into one of the island's traditional sweets- flan. Make this for your friends, and then when the time arrives, make it for your kids. Everyone's mom has their own version of this classic dessert, so make it your own.
