Funchi Aruba is a traditional dish from the beautiful Caribbean island of Aruba. It is a delicious and nutritious meal made with cornmeal and water, cooked to a thick and creamy consistency, and served with a variety of toppings.

Funchi Aruba is a staple food in the cuisine of Aruba, a small island located in the southern Caribbean Sea. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that is loved by locals and visitors alike.

Funchi Aruba is typically served as a side dish with a variety of toppings. Some popular toppings include shredded cheese, grilled shrimp, tomato sauce, and chopped vegetables. The toppings add flavor and texture to the dish, and can be customized to suit individual tastes.

One of the unique things about Funchi Aruba is that it can be prepared in different ways. In addition to the traditional boiled and cooled method, Funchi Aruba can also be fried in oil for a crispy texture. This variation is called "Funchi Waf," and is often served as a snack or appetizer.

Overall, Funchi Aruba is a delicious and versatile dish that is easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any meal.

Here is a step-by-step guide to making Funchi Aruba:

Ingredients:

1- 2 cups of cornmeal

2- 4 cups of water

4- 1 teaspoon of salt

4- Toppings of your choice (e.g. cheese, shrimp, tomato sauce, etc.)

Instructions:

1- In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.

2- Add the salt to the boiling water.

3- Gradually add the cornmeal to the pot, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps from forming.

4- Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring the mixture for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens and becomes smooth.

5- Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

6- Grease a pan with cooking spray or butter and transfer the mixture to the pan.

7- Smooth the surface of the mixture with a spatula and let it cool and solidify in the pan.

8- Once it has cooled, cut the Funchi Aruba into small squares or triangles.

9- Serve with your favorite toppings such as cheese, shrimp, tomato sauce, or anything you like.

Notes:

1- Funchi Aruba can be served as a side dish or a main dish depending on your preference.

2- The dish can also be fried in oil for a crispy texture.

3- For a vegan version, you can use vegetable broth instead of water.

Nutrition Facts :

2 cups of cornmeal:

• Calories: 1200 (600 calories per cup, as cornmeal is approximately 300 calories per cup)
• Total Fat: 4g (2g per cup, as cornmeal has about 1g of fat per cup)
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 264g (132g per cup, as cornmeal has about 66g of carbohydrates per cup)
• Dietary Fiber: 16g (8g per cup, as cornmeal has about 4g of fiber per cup)
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 28g (14g per cup, as cornmeal has about 7g of protein per cup)

benefits:

• Rich in fiber: Cornmeal is a good source of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and can contribute to heart health.
• Gluten-free: Cornmeal is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable alternative for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Provides energy: Cornmeal is a carbohydrate-rich food that provides a steady source of energy

4 cups of water:

• Calories: 0
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 0g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Hydration: Water is essential for overall health and helps maintain hydration levels in the body.
• Aids digestion: Drinking water helps in the digestion process and prevents constipation.
• Supports metabolism: Water is involved in many metabolic processes in the body, including energy production.

1 teaspoon of salt:

• Calories: 0
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 2325mg (1 teaspoon of salt contains about 2325mg of sodium)
• Total Carbohydrate: 0g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Electrolyte balance: Salt contains sodium, which is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance in the body.
• Enhances flavor: Salt is a natural flavor enhancer that can improve the taste of food.

Toppings of your choice (e.g. cheese, shrimp, tomato sauce, etc.):

benefits:

• Protein: Toppings like cheese and shrimp provide protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Vitamins and minerals: Toppings like tomato sauce can provide vitamins (e.g., vitamin C) and minerals (e.g., potassium) that are beneficial for health.
• Flavor and variety: Toppings add flavor and variety to the dish, making it more enjoyable to eat.

The nutritional content of the toppings will depend on the specific type and quantity used. You can refer to the nutrition labels or use online resources to find the nutritional information for each topping.

Please keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities used. Additionally, if you use other ingredients or variations in the recipe, the nutritional content may change. It's always a good idea to double-check the nutritional information for accuracy and dietary requirements.

Funchi Aruba is a great source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, making it a filling and satisfying meal. Additionally, it is low in fat and contains no cholesterol, making it a healthier option compared to other traditional dishes.