The Paisa tray is a cultural representation of Colombia and one of the most outstanding dishes of the country. Its origin derives from the coffee regions (Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío and the north of Valle del Cauca) although it is said that it’s specifically from Antioquia.
The origin of its name was born from the kitchen of the paisas (people from the area of the coffee regions), and the word tray comes from the ownership of the dish, its abundance in ingredients requires that it be served on a large and oval dish known as tray.
This culinary tradition is also known as Bandeja de arriero or Bandeja montañera, as we know it, the origin is not very old, in fact, no records before 1950 have been found.
Each region prepares it with its own style and food, but the essence remains intact from generation to generation. As mentioned, the abundance of ingredients is one of its main characteristics, some trays can be served with up to 14 of them (2 companions) among them can be beans, pork rinds, minced meat, white rice, chorizo, fried egg, avocado, arepa and ripe banana. The companions are usually maza morra con leche and dulce macho.
In some restaurants in Antioquia a variant of this typical lunch is offered, the tray of the seven meats that, in addition to the typical ingredients, has pork and roast beef, morcilla antioqueña and grilled pork liver.
Diana Ramírez R.
Image credits: Pinterest (Colombia.com)
