Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Belize with a delightful recipe that captures the essence of its rich and diverse food culture. Today, we present to you the time-honored Belize Bollos, a traditional dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also reflects the warmth and hospitality of this Central American paradise.

Bollos, a beloved street food in Belize, are savory parcels of joy wrapped in banana leaves, bursting with a symphony of flavors. This culinary gem beautifully combines indigenous ingredients with influences from Maya, Garifuna, Mestizo, and other cultural traditions that have shaped Belizean cuisine over the centuries.

Join us in recreating this authentic Belizean experience in your own kitchen. From the rhythmic sounds of bustling markets to the aromatic wafts of spices, our Belize Bollos recipe promises to transport you to the vibrant streets of Belize, where food is not just a meal but a celebration of history, culture, and community. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will surely leave you craving the taste of Belize.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup masa harina (corn dough)
• 1 cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• Banana leaves, cleaned and cut into 8x8-inch squares
• Cooking twine or strips of banana leaves for tying

Instructions:

Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas:

1-Drain and rinse the soaked black-eyed peas.

2-In a blender or food processor, puree the black-eyed peas with coconut milk until smooth.

Mix the Dough:

1-In a large mixing bowl, combine the black-eyed pea puree with masa harina, grated coconut, vegetable oil, cilantro, green onions, minced garlic, ground cumin, and salt.

2-Mix thoroughly until a smooth, uniform dough is formed.

Prepare Banana Leaves:

1-If using fresh banana leaves, quickly pass them over an open flame to make them pliable.

2-Cut banana leaves into 8x8-inch squares.

Assemble the Bollos:

1-Place a banana leaf square on a flat surface.

2-Spoon a generous amount of the dough mixture onto the center of the leaf.

3-Fold the banana leaf over the dough, creating a square or rectangle.

4-Secure the bollo by tying it with cooking twine or strips of banana leaves.

Steam the Bollos:

1-Arrange the bollos in a steamer, making sure they are not too crowded.

2-Steam for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours or until the bollos are firm and cooked through.

Serve and Enjoy:

1-Carefully unwrap the banana leaves and serve the bollos hot.

2-Optionally, garnish with extra cilantro or green onions.

Savor the Belizean Flavors:Embrace the unique taste of Belize Bollos, a delightful blend of black-eyed peas, coconut, and aromatic spices. Enjoy the tamale-like texture and the richness of Belizean culinary traditions!

This recipe brings the heartwarming flavors of Belize into your home, allowing you to savor the authentic taste of Belize Bollos.

Nutritional Values:

Nutritional values can vary based on factors like specific brands and preparation methods. The values provided here are approximate and based on commonly available data.

Nutritional Values per Serving (Assuming 8 servings):

Black-Eyed Peas (cooked, 2 cups):

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 8g
• Fat: 1g

benefits:

• Rich in protein and fiber.
• Good source of vitamins and minerals.
• Supports digestive health.

Coconut Milk (1 cup):

• Calories: 552
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 5g
• Fat: 57g

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats.
• Contains essential nutrients like iron and magnesium.
• May contribute to heart health.

Masa Harina (1 cup):

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 86g
• Fiber: 10g
• Fat: 4g

benefits:

• Good source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains fiber for digestive health.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Grated Coconut (1 cup):

• Calories: 283
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 7g
• Fat: 27g

benefits:

• Rich in healthy fats.
• Contains fiber for digestive health.
• Provides essential nutrients like manganese and copper.

Vegetable Oil (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 960
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 108g

benefits:

• Source of healthy fats.
• May have cardiovascular benefits.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant.

Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 0
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and essential oils.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Adds flavor and freshness to dishes.

Chopped Green Onions (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Low in calories, high in vitamins.
• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Adds a mild onion flavor to dishes.

Garlic, Minced (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Known for its potential immune-boosting properties.
• Contains allicin, which may have health benefits.
• Adds flavor to dishes.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 1g

benefits:

• May aid digestion and improve gut health.
• Contains antioxidants.
• Adds a warm, earthy flavor to dishes.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Essential for maintaining electrolyte balance.
• Adds flavor to dishes.
• Should be consumed in moderation.

Banana Leaves (8x8-inch square):

• Calories: 0
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Provides a natural, aromatic wrapping for food.
• Imparts a subtle flavor to the dish during cooking.
• Commonly used in traditional cooking methods.

Cooking Twine or Strips of Banana Leaves:

• Calories: 0
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Essential for tying and securing the bollos during cooking.
• Ensures the dish maintains its shape and cooks evenly.

These values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Adjustments can be made based on dietary needs and preferences.