South America · South America
92 recipes
Venezuela's iconic 'Queen Arepa' – a perfectly grilled corn patty, split and generously stuffed with a creamy mixture of shredded chicken, ripe avocado, and mayonnaise. Named in honor of Susana Duijm, Miss World 1955.
Venezuela's staple - griddled corn cakes split open and stuffed with endless combinations of savory fillings. These arepas are naturally gluten-free and a versatile base for any meal.
A simple yet essential Venezuelan white rice, cooked to fluffy perfection. This versatile side dish is a staple accompaniment to many traditional meals.
A sweet and fragrant Venezuelan coconut rice, often served as a side dish, especially in coastal regions. It's simple to make and highlights the tropical flavors of coconut.
A comforting and creamy Venezuelan rice pudding, infused with cinnamon and sweetened to perfection. Best served chilled with a dusting of cinnamon.
A classic one-pot Venezuelan dish featuring tender chicken simmered with rice, vegetables, and a hint of beer for depth of flavor. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
A comforting and flavorful Venezuelan pot roast, featuring tender beef slow-braised with aromatic vegetables and spices. Perfect for a hearty Sunday lunch.
A classic Venezuelan Sunday family meal, this Asado de Res features a tender, slow-cooked beef roast infused with aromatic vegetables and spices. Perfect for a comforting and hearty gathering.
Venezuelan Asado Negro is a classic comfort food dish featuring a beef roast slow-cooked in a rich, dark caramel sauce made from papelón (unrefined cane sugar). The result is incredibly tender beef with a deep, mahogany hue and a complex sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile. It's traditionally served with white rice.
A refreshing and creamy tropical papaya milkshake, perfect for breakfast or a light snack.
Venezuelan coconut kisses (Besitos de Coco) are delightful, sweet, chewy coconut macaroons that are incredibly easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
A rich and creamy Venezuelan coconut pudding, often described as 'tastes good to me' (Bienmesabe). This dessert has colonial origins and is a delightful sweet treat.
Crispy on the outside and delightfully melty on the inside, these Venezuelan cheese balls are a popular appetizer and party snack. They are simple to make and incredibly addictive.
Tender corn dumplings, stuffed with a savory seasoned ground beef filling and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. A beloved Venezuelan comfort food.
Venezuelan sweet corn pancake - a delightful blend of fresh corn, lightly sweetened, and pan-fried to a golden hue, then folded around melty queso de mano. A perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Deliciously flaky and buttery pastry rolls filled with savory ham, a beloved breakfast and snack staple in Venezuela.
A comforting and energizing Venezuelan classic, Café con Leche is a simple yet satisfying coffee beverage made with strong brewed coffee and warm milk, sweetened to your preference. It's a staple for breakfast and a perfect pick-me-up any time of day.
Slowly simmered, deeply flavorful Venezuelan black beans, sweetened with papelón and seasoned with cumin. A staple side dish, especially when served with Pabellón Criollo.
A classic Venezuelan side dish of creamy, flavorful refried black beans, mashed and fried to perfection. This quick version is ideal for a weeknight meal or as a delicious accompaniment to arepas and other traditional dishes.
A hearty and flavorful Venezuelan staple, these red beans are slow-cooked until tender and then simmered with aromatic sofrito and spices, creating a rich and comforting stew. Perfect as a side dish or a main course.
A classic Venezuelan comfort food, Carne en Bistec features tender strips of beef quickly cooked with onions and tomatoes. It's a flavorful and satisfying everyday meal, perfect for a weeknight.
A traditional Venezuelan dish from the Llanos region, featuring a large cut of beef slowly roasted on a wooden stake over an open wood fire. This method imparts a unique smoky flavor and tender texture to the meat.
A hearty and comforting Venezuelan beef stew, slow-cooked with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, and carrots in a rich tomato-based broth.
A classic Venezuelan shredded beef dish, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, perfect for stuffing into warm arepas or as a component of Pabellón Criollo.
These traditional Venezuelan cookies are rich with the deep, molasses-like flavor of papelón (unrefined cane sugar) and warmly spiced with cinnamon and cloves. They are dense, slightly chewy, and have a beautiful dark hue.
A beloved coastal specialty from Venezuela, Cazón Frito features tender baby shark fillets coated in a seasoned flour and fried to a perfect golden crisp. It's often served with rice or arepas.
A flavorful and tender shredded baby shark stew, traditionally used as a filling for Venezuelan empanadas, especially popular on Margarita Island.
A thick, traditional Andean fermented corn drink, known for its unique tangy flavor and slight effervescence. This recipe focuses on a more traditional, less intensely fermented version.
A beloved Venezuelan beverage, Chicha is a creamy, sweet, and refreshing drink made from rice, milk, and infused with cinnamon and vanilla. Perfect for a warm day or as a dessert drink.
A rich and tender goat stew, slow-cooked to perfection, originating from the Falcon region of Venezuela. This dish is a testament to traditional Venezuelan comfort food.
Authentic Venezuelan chorizo, a flavorful and less spicy sausage compared to its Spanish counterpart, perfect for grilling and serving with traditional arepas.
A hearty and comforting Andean cream soup featuring tender potatoes, melty cheese, and perfectly poached eggs.
A rich and comforting Andean-style cream soup made with tender hen, potatoes, and cheese. Traditionally served with poached eggs.
A traditional Venezuelan confection made from shredded coconut and papelón (unrefined cane sugar), spiced with cinnamon and cloves. This dense, sweet candy is a popular treat, especially during the Christmas season.
A traditional Venezuelan sweet treat of green figs gently simmered in a spiced sugar syrup until tender and translucent. Perfect for holiday celebrations or served with cheese.
A rich, creamy, and deeply caramelized milk-based spread, a staple in Venezuelan kitchens, often referred to as 'Arequipe'. It's a slow-cooked delight perfect for desserts, pastries, or simply enjoyed by the spoonful.
A traditional Venezuelan Christmas dessert featuring tender strips of green papaya simmered in a spiced syrup made from papelón (unrefined cane sugar). The papaya becomes translucent and sweet, with warm notes of cinnamon and cloves.
Crispy, golden-fried corn masa pockets filled with a savory ground beef and vegetable mixture. A beloved Venezuelan street food classic.
Traditional Venezuelan empanadas filled with a flavorful shredded shark (cazón) and vegetable mixture, encased in a crispy corn dough. A beloved coastal specialty, particularly from Margarita Island.
Crispy, golden-fried empanadas filled with a savory shredded chicken and vegetable mixture. A beloved Venezuelan street food and appetizer.
Crispy fried empanadas filled with a generous amount of melty white Venezuelan cheese. A beloved breakfast and snack.
Authentic Venezuelan empanadas, featuring a crispy fried corn dough shell filled with savory black beans and cheese. These are typically larger than their Colombian counterparts and are a beloved street food.
A refreshing Venezuelan take on the classic Caesar salad, featuring crisp romaine, a creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan. This version often omits anchovies, focusing on the bright, tangy flavors.
A classic Venezuelan chicken salad featuring tender shredded chicken, diced potatoes and carrots, sweet peas, and crisp apple, all bound together with creamy mayonnaise. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, especially during festive occasions.
A classic Venezuelan potato salad, creamy and comforting, perfect as a side dish for any meal. This recipe features tender potatoes and hard-boiled eggs, all brought together with a rich mayonnaise dressing.
A robust and spicy Venezuelan seafood soup, known for its rich flavor and generous mix of various seafood. Often considered a potent hangover cure.
A simple yet comforting savory cornmeal porridge, enriched with butter and cheese. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
A vibrant and visually stunning layered gelatin dessert, a beloved treat in Venezuela, perfect for celebrations.
Golfeados are traditional Venezuelan sweet rolls, characterized by their soft, spiced dough, a sticky coating of papelón (unrefined cane sugar) syrup, and a topping of salty queso blanco. They are a beloved bakery staple, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
A vibrant and creamy Venezuelan avocado sauce, perfect as a condiment for grilled meats, arepas, or as a dip. Unlike guacamole, guasacaca is blended to a smoother, more sauce-like consistency.
A fundamental Venezuelan sofrito base made with ripe tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and garlic. This aromatic mixture is the foundation for countless traditional dishes, adding depth and flavor.
A traditional Venezuelan Christmas tamale, the Hallaca is a labor of love. It features a rich corn dough filled with a savory stew of beef, pork, and chicken, complemented by capers, raisins, and olives, all wrapped in fragrant banana leaves.
A hearty and comforting Venezuelan beef soup, similar to sancocho, featuring tender beef ribs simmered with a medley of root vegetables and corn. Perfect for a Sunday family meal.
A refreshing and fragrant pink guava juice, naturally sweet and a beloved Venezuelan classic.
A refreshingly tart and tropical passion fruit juice, a beloved Venezuelan classic.
A succulent and flavorful roasted pork loin, seasoned with aromatic Venezuelan spices and served with tender roasted vegetables. This dish is a staple for family gatherings and special occasions.
A creamy and sweet traditional Venezuelan dessert made from fresh corn and coconut milk, often topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. It's a delightful pudding with a unique texture and flavor.
Mandocas are traditional sweet fried dough rings from the Zulia state of Venezuela, featuring the unique sweetness of ripe plantain and panela (unrefined whole cane sugar), complemented by salty queso blanco and aromatic anise seeds. They are a popular breakfast or snack item.
A classic Venezuelan no-bake chocolate dessert, featuring layers of chocolate-dipped cookies and a rich chocolate cream. Perfect for making ahead.
A classic Venezuelan strawberry milkshake, known for its thick, creamy, and refreshing texture. Perfect for a hot day or a sweet treat.
A traditional Venezuelan blood sausage, rich with spices and cooked with rice, offering a unique and savory culinary experience.
Venezuela's national dish - shredded beef (carne mechada) simmered in a rich tomato and pepper sauce, served alongside fluffy white rice, tender black beans, and sweet, caramelized fried plantains. A harmonious combination of textures and flavors.
Crispy, slightly sweet, and aromatic cornmeal cookies infused with the subtle flavor of anise. These traditional Venezuelan treats are simple to make and perfect with coffee or tea.
A rustic, crusty country bread with a soft, airy interior, perfect as a daily staple or for any meal.
A quintessential Venezuelan Christmas bread, this sweet and savory roll features a soft dough generously filled with thinly sliced ham, briny olives, and sweet raisins, creating a beautiful spiral when sliced.
Delicious Venezuelan Papas Rellenas are crispy, golden-fried potato croquettes generously filled with a savory seasoned ground beef mixture. A popular street food and appetizer, these are sure to be a hit!
A traditional Venezuelan beverage made from unrefined cane sugar (papelón) and lime juice, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart refreshment.
A delightful assortment of classic Venezuelan small bites, perfect for any gathering or party. This selection includes tequeños, mini empanadas, and cheese balls, offering a variety of textures and flavors.
A rich and comforting Venezuelan take on lasagna, featuring layers of tender pasta, a savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted mozzarella cheese. Often enjoyed as a festive Christmas dish.
A hearty and iconic Zulia-style plantain sandwich, featuring crispy fried green plantain discs filled with savory shredded beef, fresh salad, and a medley of delicious sauces.
Perico is a beloved Venezuelan breakfast dish featuring fluffy scrambled eggs cooked with sautéed tomatoes and onions. It's simple, flavorful, and often served alongside arepas.
A classic Venezuelan centerpiece for Christmas and special celebrations, this pernil features a succulent pork leg marinated overnight in a robust blend of garlic, onion, and spices, then slow-roasted to tender perfection with a delightfully crispy skin.
A classic Venezuelan coastal dish featuring whole fish, deep-fried to a perfect golden crisp. Simple, fresh, and full of flavor.
A comforting and nourishing Andean breakfast soup, featuring tender potatoes, creamy milk, and perfectly poached eggs, finished with fresh cilantro.
A hearty and flavorful Venezuelan baked polenta dish, featuring a rich ground beef and tomato sauce layered with creamy polenta and melted cheese. A true comfort food classic.
A quintessential Venezuelan rotisserie chicken, marinated in a vibrant blend of garlic, spices, and citrus, then grilled to achieve incredibly tender meat and crispy, flavorful skin. This dish is a beloved national fast food, perfect for gatherings.
A comforting and flavorful Venezuelan chicken stew, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with aromatic vegetables and spices. This one-pot dish is perfect served with rice.
Venezuelan polvorosas are delicate, crumbly, buttery shortbread cookies that practically melt in your mouth. They are a beloved traditional treat, perfect with coffee or tea.
A classic Venezuelan Quesillo, this is a rich and creamy caramel custard, denser and smoother than its Mexican flan counterpart. The sweet, liquid caramel coating is a signature element.
A hearty and traditional Venezuelan black bean soup, perfect as a comforting main course, often served with rice.
A traditional and hearty Venezuelan tripe soup, slow-cooked with a medley of vegetables until tender and flavorful. This dish is known for its rich taste and is often considered a comforting meal, perfect for any occasion.
A light and flavorful coastal-style fish soup, brimming with tender vegetables and fresh fish. This comforting soup is a staple in Venezuelan coastal regions, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
A creamy and comforting Venezuelan soup made from green plantains, offering a subtly sweet and hearty flavor. Perfect for a light meal or a starter.
Suero is a traditional Venezuelan fermented milk drink, specifically the whey separated from curdled milk. It's a tangy, slightly salty, and probiotic beverage with roots in Andean culinary traditions.
Fried sweet plantains - ripe plantains sliced and fried until caramelized and tender, a classic Venezuelan side dish.
A delightful Venezuelan coconut tart featuring a rich, sweet coconut filling baked in a crisp pastry crust. This dessert is a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tropical flavors.
Crispy, golden-fried dough wrapped around savory white cheese, a beloved Venezuelan party snack.
A wonderfully moist and warmly spiced pumpkin cake, perfect as a comforting dessert.
A comforting and flavorful Venezuelan layered cake made with mashed ripe plantains, seasoned ground beef, and melty queso blanco. It's a delightful balance of sweet and savory.
A rich and dense Venezuelan Christmas fruit cake, traditionally soaked in dark rum for an intensely moist and flavorful dessert. This cake benefits greatly from being made in advance.
Tostones are a classic Venezuelan appetizer or side dish made from twice-fried green plantains. They are first fried until tender, then smashed flat, and finally fried again until golden brown and crispy. The result is a delightful contrast of textures and a satisfyingly savory snack.
A beloved Venezuelan street food and side dish, Yuca Frita features tender, boiled yuca that is then deep-fried to a perfect golden-brown crisp on the outside, while remaining fluffy and soft within. It's a delicious alternative to french fries, often served with a vibrant guasacaca sauce.
