PLEASE NOTE: This is not an academic book or a complete encyclopedia of Panamanian recipes. It is a family recipe book by Sonia Ortiz who amassed a collection of recipes she lovingly prepared for her family and friends. This cookbook highlights her most popular Panamanian recipes from seafood favorites to many other international flavors. There is something to please every palate.
Specific Panamanian recipes include: Crispy fried yucca, Fried bread (Hojaldres), Fried green plantains, Seafood ceviche, Baked sweet temptation plantains (Platanos en tentación), Tortillas, Rice with pigeon peas (Arroz con Guandú), Party potato sala (Ensalada de Feria), Chicken stew (Sancocho), Traditional chicken and rice, Beef empanadas, Pickled pig's feet (Souse), Panamanian tamales, Queen's bite cake (Bocado de la Reina), Tropical cocktail (Chichita), Coconut rice with raisins (Arroz con coco y pasitas), Coconut candy (cocadas), Homestyle flan (Flan de casa), plus many more international recipes.
The cookbook includes an introduction with photos of Panama and a well-detailed section that describes popular ingredients used in Panamanian cooking. Get inspired with a specially written section on Panamanian favorites, delicious frituras (fried treats), ceviche, tamales, chicken and rice, and tortillas. Other sections in the book include Beverages, Sauces and Accompaniments, Appetizers and Salads, Side Dishes, Main Courses, and Desserts. After all, Panama enjoys a diverse cuisine from around the world.
The book has won the gold medal in the cookbook category in the 2023 President's Book Awards by the Florida Authors and Publishers Association.