Nobody makes them anymore: Colombian dishes that are on the verge of disappearing

Homemade recipes are a valuable cultural legacy passed down from generation to generation, creating a bond of love and connection between families and communities. However, rapid urbanization and the modern pace of life have reduced the time available to cook and learn these traditional preparations . In Colombia, many dishes are in danger of extinction if their classic preparation methods are not recovered. What are they?

Diners Magazine presents a compilation of traditional dishes that have been lost over time, inviting us to revive and appreciate ancestral and local cuisine. Among them are:

1.Shrouded in steam:

They are one of the most representative flavors of traditional Colombian cuisine. This dish consists of corn dough filled with meat, vegetables, and spices, carefully wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. The result is a tender, aromatic, and flavorful dish that retains its moisture and natural aromas thanks to its unique cooking method. Steam wraps are a perfect example of how simple ingredients and ancient techniques combine to create a unique culinary experience.

(READ MORE: Citizen Income: What happens to people who have children between 5 and 17 years old ?)

2. Indian Soup: This is a nutritious and comforting broth, traditionally prepared with native ingredients such as tubers, corn, meats, and fresh herbs. This soup represents the culinary heritage of indigenous peoples and is valued for its deep and balanced flavor, which reflects the land and culture of the region. Perfect for cold days or as a side dish for a family meal.

3. Potato jam with curd

It's a simple and delicious dessert that combines the natural sweetness of cooked potatoes with the creaminess of fresh curd. This traditional combination offers a contrast of textures and flavors that is both comforting and very appetizing.

(READ MORE: Guaranteed Minimum Income 2025: How much money does each Sisbén group receive? )

Gastronomy forgot these dishes

The loss of these recipes is already visible and is due in part to factors such as changing eating habits, migration to cities, the influence of fast and industrialized food, and the lack of transmission of this culinary knowledge to new generations. In addition to steam wraps, Indian soup, and potato and curd jam, these preparations are also at risk.

1. Cuchuco made of barley or wheat and mazamorra, ancestral soups that have been displaced on menus by more popular preparations such as ajiaco or mondongo.

2. Typical dishes from Bogotá , also known as cachaco dishes, are gradually being forgotten due to the fast-paced urban lifestyle and the loss of culinary tradition. Examples include some mixed-race recipes that use ingredients like Creole potatoes, plantains, and curd, which are not easily found in today's cuisine.

3. In the Amazon and the Caribbean region , preparations such as moquiado fish with cassava and tucupí, and patarasca (fish wrapped in a leaf and cooked in embers) are recipes with strong cultural roots that are also at risk of being lost.