Bushra Griffith
Ecuador is known for its delicious fresh cheese, or 'queso fresco', which is used in many traditional dishes and snacks. If you're looking to get your hands on some Ecuadorian cheese, you can find it in most grocery stores and supermarkets in the country. Ecuadorian cheese is often used in dishes such as empanadas, locro de papa, bolon de verde, and dulce de higos con queso. It is also commonly used as a snack with crackers or fruit. If you're outside of Ecuador, you may be able to find Ecuadorian cheese at specialty stores or through online retailers that stock Tropical Queso Ecuatoriano.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most popular Ecuadorian cheese | Queso fresco |
| Other popular varieties | Mozzarella, Ricotta, Cheddar, Queso de hoja |
| How to get Cheddar | Order through email or WhatsApp from Productos Lacteos Yaznan in Cayambe |
| Ecuadorian dishes with cheese | Empanadas de viento, Locro de papa, Bolon de verde, Humitas, Plantains with cheese, Llapingachos, Dulce de higos con queso |
| Where to buy | Tropical Queso Ecuatoriano is available at supermarkets that sell Tropical products |
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What You'll Learn
Fresh cheese is the most popular
Queso fresco is a versatile cheese used in a variety of traditional Ecuadorian dishes, both savoury and sweet. In savoury dishes, it is often used as an ingredient in locro de papa, a potato broth, and bolon de verde, a ball of fried green banana dough that is popular for breakfast. It is also a key component in Ecuador's most popular empanada, the empanada de viento, and is commonly paired with plantains or llapingachos.
For those with a sweet tooth, queso fresco is used in desserts and sweet drinks. One such dessert is dulce de higos con queso, a combination of sweet figs cooked in panela syrup with spices like cinnamon, balanced by the natural saltiness of the cheese. Another sweet option is bolon de verde with chicharon and cheese, where the fried green banana dough is complemented by the savoury flavours of chicharon and queso fresco.
The popularity of fresh cheese in Ecuador can be attributed to its quick production time and versatility in both cooking and eating as is. Its mild flavour and homemade style make it a perfect addition to traditional Ecuadorian dishes or simply enjoyed as a snack with crackers.
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Tropical Queso Ecuatoriano
Ecuador is known for its fresh cheese, with queso fresco being the most popular variety. This type of cheese is used in a variety of traditional Ecuadorian dishes, such as empanadas de viento (cheese empanadas), locro de papa (a potato broth with cheese), and bolon de verde (a fried green banana dough ball with cheese). Ecuadorians also enjoy sweet desserts made with cheese, such as dulce de higos con queso, which combines sweet figs cooked in spiced panela syrup with the salty flavour of cheese.
To purchase Tropical Queso Ecuatoriano, you can use the store locator on the Tropical Cheese Industries website to find a supermarket near you that carries their products. It is a convenient way to bring a taste of Ecuador to your table, and it can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes or as a simple snack.
Overall, Tropical Queso Ecuatoriano offers a delightful taste of Ecuador, and its versatility makes it a great addition to meals or snacks, whether enjoyed plain, fried, or cooked into traditional dishes.
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Ecuadorian grocery stores
Ecuadorians love their cheese, with 84% of households regularly consuming it. The most popular variety is queso fresco, a fresh cheese with a light flavour. It is used in cooking many traditional Ecuadorian dishes, such as empanadas de viento (cheese empanadas), Locro de papa (potato broth), bolon de verde (fried green banana dough balls), and humitas. It is also used in desserts and sweet drinks, such as dulce de higos con queso (sweet figs with cheese).
If you're looking to buy Ecuadorian cheese, your best bet is to check out your local Ecuadorian grocery stores or supermarkets. These stores will likely stock a range of cheeses popular in Ecuador, including queso fresco, mozzarella, ricotta, and cheddar. You can also try specialty stores that sell Latin American products, such as Amigo Foods, which offers online shopping through Amazon.
For those in the US, Seabra Foods supermarkets specialize in ethnic products imported from South American countries, so they may be a good option to find Ecuadorian cheese. You can also try online stores like Unienvios, which cater to Ecuadorians and South Americans residing in the US and carry products to help them retain their cherished traditions and cuisine.
If you're specifically looking for Tropical Queso Ecuatoriano, the brand's website has a store locator to help you find a supermarket near you that stocks their products. This fresh cheese is perfect for traditional Ecuadorian dishes and snacks.
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Traditional dishes with Ecuadorian cheese
Ecuador has three distinct regions: the Amazon jungle, the Andean highlands, and the coastal regions. Ecuadorian cuisine varies across these regions, with each offering its own unique dishes and ingredients. Here are some traditional Ecuadorian dishes that feature cheese:
Llapingachos
Llapingachos are a popular Ecuadorian snack and side dish. They are made from seasoned potato patties stuffed with cheese and cooked until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and gooey on the inside. They are often served with chorizo, fried egg, avocado slices, and a side salad. Llapingachos are a perfect vegetarian option and can be eaten at any time of the day.
Bolon de Verde
Bolon de Verde is considered Ecuador's national dish. It is made from mashed green plantains mixed with cheese or pork, formed into baseball-sized balls and fried until golden brown. The result is a dish that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a savoury and slightly sweet flavour. It is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, making it a hearty breakfast option.
Empanadas de Viento
Empanadas de Viento, or "wind empanadas," are a popular Ecuadorian snack. They are made by filling empanadas with cheese and deep-frying them, causing them to puff up and form a hollow, crispy exterior. After frying, they are dusted with sugar, creating a unique sweet-savoury combination. Empanadas de Viento are enjoyed at any time of day and are often paired with a hot cup of coffee.
Humitas
Humitas are traditional Ecuadorian tamales made from ground corn, cheese, and spices. They are wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed. Unlike typical tamales, humitas have a soft, slightly crumbly texture and can be prepared in both sweet and savoury versions. They are commonly enjoyed as a snack, breakfast, or light meal.
Locro de Papa
Locro de Papa is a traditional potato soup that is especially popular in Ecuador's highland regions. This thick and creamy soup is made from potatoes, milk, cheese, and sometimes annatto for colour. It is often served with fresh cheese and a hot cup of Ecuadorian coffee.
Fritada
Fritada is another popular traditional dish in Ecuador. It is made by braising pork in orange juice, onion, garlic, and cumin, and then frying it in a brass pan over hot flames. The pork is typically served with llapingachos (as mentioned above) or yuca, a root vegetable similar to potato.
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Ecuadorian cheese empanadas
To make the empanadas, you will need empanada discs, which can be either store-bought or homemade. For the homemade dough, you will need flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, butter, orange juice, and sparkling water. Mix the dry ingredients in a food processor, then add the butter and pulse until mixed. Finally, add the orange juice and water and pulse until clumps of dough start to form. Form a ball with the dough and knead lightly.
For the filling, you can use quesillo, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or any other cheese that melts well. Grate about 2 1/2 cups of cheese and place 1 1/2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture in the center of each empanada disc. You can also add diced or green onions to the cheese mixture if desired. Fold the discs in half and seal the edges first with your fingers, then with a fork, and finally by twisting and folding the edges.
Once the empanadas are filled and sealed, chill them for at least an hour to help them seal better and prevent leaks. Heat a deep fryer or a frying pan with enough neutral high-heat oil, such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil, to cover at least half of the empanada. When the oil is very hot, fry each empanada until golden on each side, or about a minute per side. Place the fried empanadas on paper towels to drain the excess oil, sprinkle generously with sugar, and serve warm.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh cheese, or queso fresco, is the most popular type of cheese in Ecuador. Other types of cheese available include mozzarella, ricotta, and cheddar.
You can buy Ecuadorian cheese at most grocery stores and supermarkets in the country. Tropical Queso Ecuatoriano, for example, can be purchased at any supermarket where Tropical products are sold.
Ecuadorian cheese is used in a variety of traditional dishes, including empanadas de viento (cheese empanadas), locro de papa (potato broth with cheese), bolon de verde (fried green banana dough with cheese), and dulce de higos con queso (sweet figs with cheese).
