The Flag...In Food Form!

Flag of the Dominican Republic

La Bandera

There are a few particular dishes that Dominicans enjoy. The first is La Bandera or the Flag, which is made with a mix of white rice, red beans and some sort of stewed meat. This dish is a reminder of the flag and their independence (Culture of the Dominican Republic). The flag consists of a white cross that divides the flag. The white is symbolizes salvation, blue represents liberty and red represents the blood of those who fought for the Dominican independence (Culture of the Dominican Republic). This dish is important because it reminds the people of the struggles that came with the fight for independence. La Bandera is usually consumed at lunchtime and is the biggest meal. Also, it its enjoyed by all levels of social standing. (Visiting the Dominican Republic) Another popular dish is the Dominican Sancocho, which has Spanish influences. This long recipe includes:(Traditional Dominican Republic Food)

"* INGREDIENTS for 12 servings

* 3 lbs whole chicken

* 1 lb. pork shoulder/bone-in

* 1.5 lb. beef stew meat/bone in

* 3/4 lb. longaniza

* 1/2 oz Ajies Gustosos"

* 2 each Anaheim or Cuban peppers

* 1 large white onion

* 1/4 bunch fresh parsley

* 1/4 bunch fresh cilantro

* 1/6 bunch fresh oregano

* 2 cloves garlic

* 3 ears fresh corn / each ear cut into 6 pieces

* 4 "green" platano / peeled and washed in water with lime juice and then each cut into 8 pieces

* 1 lb. pumpkin (auyama) / cut into medium size pieces

* 1/2 lb. yam (Yautia amatilla) / cut into medium size pieces

* 1/2 lb. yam (Yautia blanca) / cut into medium size pieces

* 1 lb. white potatoes (yucca)## / cut into medium size pieces

* 1 lb. sweet potatoes (batata)/ cut into medium size pieces

* 4 oz. vegetable oil

* 1 gallon chicken or beef stock (if none available, use water)

* 2 oz. salt

* 4 sour oranges (naranjas agrias)"

This dish is important because not only is it prepared in the Dominican Republic but in many other countries of the Caribbean. Each dish is concocted in its own way depending on the country and region (Traditional Dominican Republic Food). It brings together the Caribbean culture while also allowing each group to express their individuality through food.

                                              A Little Cooking Video...

References

Culture of the Dominican Republic. Elizabeth Vanepsgarlo.2011. Countries and Their Cultures. 1 December 2011. < http://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Dominican-Republic.html#b> .

Traditional Dominican Republic Food. 2006-2011. Welcome-Dominican Republic.com. 1 December 2011. < http://www.welcome-dominican-republic.com/Dominican-Republic-Food.html#r15> .

Visiting the Dominican Republic. Ruth Ramos, Esther Ramos, and Al G. Smith. 2005-2011. 1 December 2011. < http://www.visiting-the-dominican-republic.com/food-of-the-dominican-republic.html>.