Hello friends! Today, at Paulina Cocina, we're going to learn about a very traditional Colombian dish . In the delicious world of Colombian cuisine, mote de queso holds the distinction of being a true culinary gem of the coast. A dish that combines locally sourced ingredients to offer a unique flavor experience.
On this occasion, we'll explore the fascinating world of mote ñame, its history, its presence in coastal culture, and the best secrets for preparing a delicious mote de queso recipe that you can enjoy at home, wherever you are.
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About the cheese nickname
Mote de queso is a soup that captures the very essence of Colombian coastal cuisine , like ajiaco. This dish is also known as mote ñame, since its main ingredient is yam.
This starchy tuber, very typical of the region, gives the soup a smooth and comforting texture , while the cheese adds a note of intensity that perfectly complements the mixture.
Mote de queso costeño has become a signature dish, appreciated for its simplicity and rich flavors . It's not just a soup; it's a tribute to the local ingredients that Mother Earth generously provides to the coastal region.
Birth of the nickname of cheese
Mote de queso has a history that dates back generations. It emerged as an ingenious response to the availability of local ingredients. On the one hand yam , a tuber that arrived in Colombia from Africa, became a common ingredient in various regional recipes .
There's no specific historical record identifying individual creators, but one theory is that this dish was created out of necessity during the Thousand Days' War in the early 20th century . Initially, the original recipe only contained yams , but later, salty cheese was added to give it more flavor and body.
The nickname of coastal cheese
Mote de queso, with its combination of yam, coastal cheese, garlic, onion, whey, and a squeeze of lemon , is a celebration of the diversity of the Colombian coast in every bite. This recipe is a culinary ritual enjoyed on many occasions .
Its name varies in different regions of Colombia, and it is also known as mote ñame or sopa de mote . This linguistic diversity reflects the country's cultural richness, where each region contributes its own distinctive flavor.
Mote Soup Traditions
Mote soup has become a staple on the Colombian table, present at celebrations and special occasions. Its versatility makes it perfect for enjoying with family or sharing with friends . Whether as a starter at a formal meal or as the main course at a relaxed dinner, mote de queso always finds its place on the Colombian table.
6 secrets for a perfect mote soup
- Ingredient Selection: Choose fresh, unsprouted yams and a firm, salty cheese to ensure an authentic flavor.
- Cooking time : Cook the yam until tender but not crumbly, to maintain its texture.
- Lemon Touch : A few drops of lemon add an essential refreshing touch.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of savory cheeses to customize the flavor. If you can't find savory cheese, you can substitute it with a hard cheese like Parmesan or Sardinian, which will soften but not melt in the soup.
- Whey Replacement: Whey or sour cream can be replaced with traditional cream.
- Accompaniment : Mote de queso is usually served with white rice, to complement the flavors.
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Mote de queso recipe:
Yield : 6 portions
Preparation: 1 hour
Ingredients for the mote soup recipe
- 1 kg of fresh yam
- 250 gr of salted cheese
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 medium onion
- 1 cup of buttermilk (sour cream)
- 1 lemon
- Water
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make coastal cheese mote
- Peel the yam and cut it into medium-sized chunks. In a large pot, add enough water to cover the yam and bring to a boil. Cook over medium-high heat for approximately 40 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan over medium heat, add a little oil and sauté the chopped garlic and finely chopped onion until golden brown.
- Add the garlic and onion to the pot with the yam. Stir gently and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes.
- Add the salty cheese cut into pieces and stir a little to integrate the flavors.
- Add the whey (sour cream) and lemon juice to the mixture.
- Cook all ingredients over low heat for 10 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper and enjoy hot.
