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Exploring traditional Canarian cuisine is a delightful way to experience the culture and flavors of Tenerife. The island’s culinary offerings are rich and diverse, featuring unique dishes that can be enjoyed by both adults and children. Here’s a guide to some of the must-try Canarian dishes, along with kid-friendly versions or adaptations to ensure the whole family can savor the tastes of Tenerife.
Must-Try Canarian Dishes
1. Papas Arrugadas (Wrinkled Potatoes)
- Overview: Papas arrugadas are small, wrinkled potatoes boiled in heavily salted water and served with mojo sauce.
- Kid-Friendly Version: These potatoes are naturally kid-friendly due to their mild flavor. Serve them with a small amount of mild mojo sauce or even a side of ketchup for picky eaters.
- Tips: Make it fun by letting kids dip their potatoes into different sauces.
2. Mojo Sauce
- Overview: Mojo sauce comes in two varieties: mojo rojo (red) and mojo verde (green). It’s made with garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and spices.
- Kid-Friendly Version: Mojo verde is usually milder and more suitable for children. For a less spicy version, reduce the amount of garlic and avoid adding hot peppers.
- Tips: Serve mojo sauce on the side so kids can choose how much they want to use.
3. Gofio
- Overview: Gofio is a traditional Canarian flour made from roasted grains, often mixed into dough or used in desserts.
- Kid-Friendly Version: Mix gofio with honey and milk to create a sweet, nutritious paste that can be eaten like a spread or dessert.
- Tips: Try making gofio pancakes or cookies as a fun and familiar way for kids to enjoy this local ingredient.
4. Ropa Vieja
- Overview: Ropa vieja is a hearty stew made with shredded beef, chickpeas, vegetables, and spices.
- Kid-Friendly Version: Serve a simplified version with less spice, focusing on the tender meat and vegetables that kids usually enjoy.
- Tips: Offer bread or rice on the side to help soak up the flavorful broth.
5. Conejo en Salmorejo (Rabbit in Salmorejo Sauce)
- Overview: This dish features rabbit marinated in a tangy sauce made from wine, garlic, and spices.
- Kid-Friendly Version: Use chicken instead of rabbit for a more familiar taste. Adjust the spices to be milder if needed.
- Tips: Serve with potatoes or rice to balance the flavors.
6. Sancocho Canario
- Overview: A traditional fish stew made with salted fish, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, often served with mojo sauce.
- Kid-Friendly Version: Use a mild white fish and ensure there are no bones. Serve the stew with a side of bread for dipping.
- Tips: Explain the dish as a fish soup to make it more approachable for kids.
Sweet Treats and Desserts
1. Bienmesabe
- Overview: A sweet almond cream dessert, often served with ice cream or sponge cake.
- Kid-Friendly Version: Serve bienmesabe as a dip with pieces of fruit or plain cookies.
- Tips: Kids usually love its sweet, nutty flavor, making it an easy win.
2. Quesillo (Canarian Flan)
- Overview: A traditional Canarian flan made with condensed milk, eggs, and caramel.
- Kid-Friendly Version: This dessert is already quite kid-friendly. Serve it in small portions as it’s very rich.
- Tips: Decorate with a bit of whipped cream and fruit for extra appeal.
Dining Out with Kids
1. Kid-Friendly Restaurants
- Overview: Many restaurants in Tenerife are very accommodating to families and offer special menus for children.
- Tips:
- Ask for Adaptations: Don’t hesitate to ask the restaurant to make a dish less spicy or to omit certain ingredients for your kids.
- Family-Style Dining: Order a variety of dishes to share, allowing children to try a little bit of everything.
2. Involving Kids in the Experience
- Overview: Engage children in the dining experience by explaining the dishes and their cultural significance.
- Tips:
- Taste Tests: Make it a fun activity by having kids rate the different dishes they try.
- Cooking Classes: Consider taking a family-friendly cooking class to learn how to make traditional Canarian dishes together.
Conclusion
Exploring traditional Canarian cuisine with kids can be a fun and rewarding experience. By introducing them to local dishes like papas arrugadas, gofio, and mojo sauce, and offering kid-friendly versions, you can ensure that everyone in the family enjoys the culinary adventure. Whether dining out or cooking together, embracing the flavors of Tenerife will create delicious memories for your family.
