Add Flavor to Your Spanish Class

“Dominican Cooking” is the perfect add-on experience to spice up your Spanish course at IIC. It offers students the opportunity to immerse into the rich culture of the Dominican Republic through its flavorful cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll enjoy it!

A Cultural and Culinary Journey

Dominican cuisine reflects the country’s diverse heritage, blending influences from Africa, Spain, and the indigenous Taíno people. It is centered around a few staple ingredients that form the backbone of many dishes. Plantains, rice, beans, and meat are commonly used, along with a variety of tropical fruits and vegetables.

One of the most iconic Dominican dishes is sancocho, a rich stew made with a variety of meats, root vegetables, and plantains. Often served on special occasions, sancocho is considered a national dish and is a must-try for anyone visiting the Dominican Republic.

Another staple is mangú, a traditional breakfast dish made from boiled and mashed green plantains. It’s often served with “los tres golpes” (the three hits): fried cheese, eggs, and salami.

Moro de guandules is another popular dish, consisting of rice cooked with pigeon peas and flavored with coconut milk and spices. This dish is often served as part of the “La Bandera” (The Flag), a typical Dominican meal that also includes meat (usually chicken or beef) and a side of beans.

Flavors and Cooking Techniques

Dominican food is known for its bold, yet balanced, flavors. The use of herbs and spices such as oregano, garlic, cilantro, and thyme is common. Sofrito, an aromatic blend of onions, peppers, garlic, and tomatoes sautéed in oil, is a foundational seasoning used in many recipes.

Grilling, frying, and slow-cooking are traditional cooking methods in Dominican cuisine. For example, chicharrón, or crispy fried pork, is a popular street food, while pollo guisado (stewed chicken) is a slow-cooked dish that’s deeply flavorful and tender.

Cultural Significance

Food is a celebration of community and culture in the Dominican Republic. Meals are often shared with family and friends, and food plays a central role in social gatherings and celebrations. Whether you’re enjoying a casual lunch at a local comedor or partaking in a festive feast, Dominican food is an invitation to experience the warmth and hospitality of the country’s people.

Tía Clara’s Dominican Cooking is a great website all about typical recipes and the culture of cooking of the Domincian Republic. In Spanish and English.

Our recommendation for German speakers: Dominikanisches Kochbuch von Nina Zimt.

Dominican Cooking at IIC

The 2-hour activity introduces you to this culinary tradition of the Dominican Republic. You’ll learn to prepare classic dishes like ‘arepita de yuca’, ‘mangú’, ‘tostones’ or other traditional recipes of the Dominican cuisine.

It’s a fun, interactive, and delicious way to immerse yourself in the local culture and practice what you’ve learned in your Spanish course. For more information read here.