La Bandera Dominicana: The National Dish
If you have only traveled to the Dominican Republic and visited a resort, there is a good chance you have missed a great national treasure. Although there may have been variations of it, this typical meal made the way it’s been done for generations is not to be missed.
Have you tried the Dominican Flag?
What is La Bandera Dominicana?
La Bandera Dominicana…are we talking about the literal Dominican flag? No. This title also refers to the Dominican national dish that is a common lunch in households all over the country.
Why is this popular dish called the Dominican flag? Aside from this meal being a point of national pride, the three colors represented on the flag can also, loosely, represent the three colors of the main components of the meal:
White Rice
Stewed Red Beans
Braised Meat (Blue??? - That one is a stretch)
Elements of La Bandera Dominicana
RICE • ARROZ BLANCO
Photo credit: Dominicancooking.com
Personally, I grew up on Uncle Ben’s rice. Dominican rice is not that! It’s practically an art form that takes quite a bit of practice to master. To show the importance of this skill in Dominican family culture, when you cook a perfect pot of white rice, you may hear this saying, “Ya te puedes casar” or “You can get married now”, even if you are already married!
What makes Dominican rice extra special? You know how sometimes when your rice starts to burn and sticks to the bottom of the pan. Do you throw it out? In the Dominican Republic, that is a sin! The way the rice is cooked here forms a thin layer that hardens and sticks to the pan, which is then chipped off and served as a delicacy along with the meal. This crispy treat is called, concón.
BEANS • HABICHUELAS GUISADAS
Each family or region may have their own version of this bean recipe. It also may depend on what you have on hand. Generally, the must-have items that go into this soupy, creamy bean dish would be:
beans
onion
garlic
tomato sauce
cubanelle pepper
cilantro
Most Dominican households will start with dry beans and soak them overnight and then cook them in a pressure cooker. After adding all of the other ingredients, the beans are lightly smashed and cooked down .to create a creamy consistency.
MEAT • POLLO O CARNE DE RES GUISADO
Braised meat is a vital part of this dish. The most common meat that is used is chicken. Beef can also be used. Typically, the meat is marinated in lime juice and spices and then braised to create a flavorful, tender end result. After the braising, the meat simmers in a sauce made with tomato sauce and vegetables.
The sauce is one of my favorite parts! I always ask for more to mix in with my rice.
Depending on the household, many of the elements of this traditional lunch could be cooked outside on an open fire in an aluminum pot such as this one.
SALAD • ENSALADA
There is almost always a salad served with La Bandera Dominicana. The type of salad can vary though. Here are a few common salads served with this dish:
Green salad/Ensalada verde: a refreshing and bright salad made with shredded cabbage, tomatoes, cucumber, onions and beets served with a vinaigrette
Russian salad/Ensalada Rusa: What many of us may know as potato salad
Pasta salad/Ensalada de coditos: Made with macaroni, mayo and anything else you please.
Boiled salad/Ensalada hervida: This sounds odd. But basically, it’s boiled or steamed vegetables such as eggs, carrots, chayote.
If it’s the right season, your dish could be taken to the next level with a few slices of a homegrown Dominican avocado on the side.
Where Can I Eat La Bandera Dominicana?
Honestly, you could probably knock on most Dominican households at around 12:30 pm and you would find this typical dish being served. Though we don’t suggest that option.
Comedores are small eateries that provide fresh food for lunch every day and they often have the elements of La Bandera Dominicana. Ask for “El Plato del Día” (The plate of the day), and they will let you know the available options. Comedores are found in every town of the Dominican Republic, as often this is where the workers go for lunch if they are unable to go home.
If you are planning to be in the Colonial City in Santo Domingo, be sure to read our post about the Colonial Zone and where to get a traditional Dominican lunch.
Here are a few variations on La Bandera Dominicana in restaurants in Barahona.
Maria Montez Restaurant
Create La Bandera Dominicana from your own kitchen!
If you aren’t planning a trip to the Dominican Republic anytime soon, don’t despair. All of the ingredients for this wonderful meal can be found at your local grocery store, and you can cook it yourself! We love Tia Clara’s extensive food blog, Dominican Cooking, where she shares tons of recipes from the Dominican Republic and the story behind them. All of the linked recipes on this post have been taken from her bilingual (English/Spanish) food blog.
Experience the Culinary Culture
As it is in many countries, food is an integral part of the culture of Dominicans. They are proud of their dishes that have been passed on through the years. With every bite, you taste the fresh, local ingredients and experience a piece of their culinary culture.
Next time you are in the Dominican Republic, look out for your chance to experience La Bandera Dominica on a plate, or make it yourself and bring the Dominican to you!
Buen Provecho!
