A Taste of Puerto Rico: Traditional and New Dishes from the Puerto Rican Community

by Yvonne Ortiz

A collection of recipes from the multicultural mix of Puerto Rican cuisine, which includes elements of Taino, Spanish, African, and American cooking, features traditional standards and contemporary favorites and includes drink recipes and a list of food sources. Tour.

Genres: Cookbooks, Food, Cooking

288 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1994

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are (at least) three sorts of Puerto Rican cooking: traditional, new and mainland. The older classic foods of Puerto Rico reflect its heritage, the Spanish influence, and the contributions of neighbouring island cultures. The new cooking of Puerto Rico is affected by the globality of cooking culture, stimulated by mass communication and ease of travel. Mainland Puerto Rican cooking represents the compromises made by islanders who move to the United States (New York City and Miami, principally) and adapt to ingredients (and tastes) which are more mainline American. Ortiz' cookbook pays homage to the first, ignores the second and capitulates to the third. Many of her recipes are reflective of how Puerto Ricans cook outside of Puerto Rico. All of the standard dishes are represented -- arroz con pollo, pasteles, asopao, mofongo and tostones. The treatment of sauces is particularly good. The section on alcoholic drinks is unnecessary. A helpful glossary concludes the book, as does a list of sources of ingredients which is (15 years later) quite out-of-date.

[Sohan Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful cookbook for anyone who wants to explore the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine. I enjoyed the mix of traditional dishes and newer interpretations, which gives the book a nice balance of heritage and variety. The recipes are inviting and provide plenty of inspiration for cooking flavorful meals at home. I especially liked how the book showcases the richness of Puerto Rican food and its cultural character. It is an enjoyable addition to any cookbook collection and a great choice for home cooks who love discovering new cuisines. Five stars!

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have own this cookbook for 10+ years. I'm Puerto Rican living in the Florida for 34 years and this book takes me back home. Her recipes are simple to follow. Some of the dishes are not how my grandma did them but pretty close.

[Mary Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my GO-TO-Cookbook. I have gifted it many times.

[Marris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being Puerto Rican it was really neat for me to read some about the foods my Grandma and Great-Grandma ate and reminded me a lot of what they cooked. It also has a recipe for the base of sofrito, which is somewhat hard to find.

[ஐ Katya (Book Queen)ஐ · Rating 3 out of 5]

the best cookbook I found of Puerto Rican cooking

[Martie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite cook books.

[Christina]

One of my favorite cookbooks to use to cook for my puerto rican husband

[TAMMY CUEVAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't cook without it!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

in honor of my friend from Puerto Rico!