Recipe help!!!

[panda08]

Hi Ladies!

I am looking to make something from the South American region- specifically Venezuelan, but i will settle for something close.  Any type of recipe would be fine.  If anyone has any suggestions- id be very appreciative!

Thanks:)

[Detail Diva]

I can't help with that cuisine ... but give us some more details ...

Do you want a main dish, appetizer, dessert?

Is it for an international-themed carry-in (potluck) ... or to impress or make someone from Venezuela feel welcome?

Details .... details ... details ....         lol

[panda08]

Details huh-

Well i want to make dinner for a friend of mine.  Nothing over the top- but i wanted to impress:).  I don't need an appetizer.  I'm looking for a real good main dish.  Something that i can add Plantanes to or make as a side with the main dish.  Dessert would be fun and not expected.  I just wanted to give a friend of mine a nice dinner with a home-feel to it!  My friend hasn't been home in 10 years id say.

Ive looked online and have a few options, i just wanted to see what others might be able to add.

Thanks for the inquiry!!!!

  Rachel

[Denise]

Rachel,  not sure this really qualifies, but I did ask a friend who suggested this...

Chipotle Beef in Butternut Squash Boats

1-1/2 pounds lean beef for stew
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons ground chipotle chile pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 medium butternut squash (about 3 pounds)
1-1/2 cups water
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 small ripe avocado, cut into cubes (optional)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped


   1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Place beef, water, tomato paste, sugar, vinegar, chipotle pepper, cumin, salt and black pepper in stockpot. Cover and bake in 325°F. oven 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 hours or until beef is fork-tender.
   2. Meanwhile, cut squash lengthwise into quarters; remove seeds. Place squash cut side down in 13" x 9" glass baking dish, overlapping if necessary. Add water. Bake in 325°F. oven 1 to 1-1/4 hours or until fork-tender.
   3. Place each baked squash quarter onto serving plate. Fill with equal amounts of beef mixture. Top with tomato and avocado, if desired. Sprinkle with cilantro.

[panda08]

I don't know if it counts either, but it sounds yummy!   Ill do it and let ya know.

Thanks for the help!!!

Rachel

[fashionista]

I did do some looking for you. My guess was plaintains would be a regional food and it turns out they are. http://www.foodieview.com/food/recipes/venezuelan.jsp looks like some interesting recipes. I think I may try the chipotle beef recipe of Denise's-sounds good and I love the smokiness of chipotles. This site looks a little more informational but some background is always nice- http://www.southamerica.cl/Venezuela/Food.htm. This one looked pretty authentic- http://www.fooddownunder.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=venezuelan. Ok, your on your own now I expect reports! and samples!

[panda08]

Thank you Sara!!! 

These sites are exactly the thing i need.  I think ill be trying all of my suggestions, so ill plenty to sample out in the days ahead!

Thanks to you and the others that helped me in my quest!

Ill report soon!

Rachel