Belizean Cuisine

This post will be short and on a focused topic (shocking, I know!)- Food in Belize. Like many cultures, food is an integral part of its identity, holidays, and traditions. One of my absolute favorite parts about Belize its diversity. To remind you, there are only about 330,000 people in Belize, and it has about 6 different ethnic groups! Belize is home to groups of: Mestizo (Spanish speaking- mixture of Spanish and Mayan), Q’eqchi, Kriol (mix of enslaved West Africans with British colonist), Mennonites (from Germany), Mopan Mayans, and Yucatan Mayans.

With Belize’s rich ethnic makeup, their cuisine has many different influences from the variety of cultures. Since I am living in a Mestizo village, of course I can’t tell you the complexities of the other cuisines, but I can tell you that there are a LOT of similarities. Despite each distinct cultural influence, ‘Belizean food’ has become a shared commonality amongst all Belizeans. At the central point of the Belizean diet is rice, beans, and tortillas (Flour and corn) and every meal inevitably has these items (in some shape or form).

The most popular meal in many houses is rice and beans, which is yes, exactly as it sounds. I affectionately (and begrudgingly), call this meal rice and beaN because it’s typically 80% rice. Unfortunately, fruits and vegetables are not commonly seen in the diet and if so, they are cooked beyond the point of viable nutritional quality (one of our project goals is to encourage and teach healthy eating). The average meal is typically rice and beans, stewed chicken, fried plantains, potato salad, and of course- tortillas. This is typically accompanied by coke or juice. Needless to say, there are a lot of non-communicable diseases here such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Though the diet is certainly a challenge, I have semi-adequately managed to incorporate enough fruits in veggies into my diet.  Despite these many challenges, I have enjoyed tasting new foods and eating things I never expected to. One of the best pieces of advice given by an RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) is to always say ‘yes.’ So that’s exactly what I have done, with only occasional regret by my stomach.

Traditional Meal of "Rice and Beans"- includes stewed chicken, potato salad, and fried plantains 

One of the best things about being a local in Belize...knowing people who can get free and delicious lobster!

The famous food of Orange Walk- Belizean Tacos

 Marcia (sp?)- Stewed Pig Intestine. I successfully to swallowed one bite

Preparing for a birthday celebration by butchering a pig- Yes, I watched (or ran away)

Preparing the 'Pib'. Way of cooking the pig underground all night. 

My CHW, Manuella with her hands in a bowl (or bowel) of intestines. 

                               
                                       The Pib is ablazing!

Once the fire drops down into the 4 foot hole, you cover with dirt for the rest of the night to cook

                                     Finished Product!

Black Relleno- Stuffed Chicken with pork and eggs

                  Pig Tail and Beans...It's exactly as it sounds

Making Tamales- Ground Masa (corn) with spicy sauce and chicken wrapped in Banana Leaves and cooked over fire