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Colombia's Independence Day Celebrated With These Five Recipes (PHOTOS)

RECIPES: Happy Independence Day, Colombia!
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What better way to celebrate Colombia's Independence Day then with una bandeja paisa or empanadas with a little aji.

Colombia may be famous for their coffee but their cuisine is just as delectable, with many indigenous and Spanish influences.

Colombians are the seventh-largest population of Hispanic origin living in the United States, according to the Pew Hispanic Center, with the population reaching over 800,000. They are also the largest South American ethnic group in the U.S.

In honor of the country's 202 years of independence, LatinoVoices picked out the five top recipes to get those taste buds flowing.

5 Colombian Recipe
La Bandeja Paisa(01 of05)
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This "Paisa" Tray is served steaming hot for lunch all over Colombia but originates from the northwestern Department of Antioquia. This hefty dish is a staple of the country, keeping true to the spanish saying: "Eat breakfast like a king, eat lunch like a prince, and eat dinner like a beggar." If this is lunch, what's for breakfast?Ingredients:1 Recipe Paisa Pinto Beans (Frijoles Paisas)1 Recipe white Rice (Arroz Blanco)1 Recipe Powdered Beef (Carne en Polvo)4 Fried Pork Belly (Chicharrones)4 Cooked Chorizos4 Fried eggs sunny side up4 baked plantainsor Tajadas de Plátano1 Recipe HogaoLime and Avocado for ServingClick for Full Recipe and Directions (credit:mycolombianrecipes.com)
Ajíaco Bogotano(02 of05)
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Served primarily in the often chilly capital of the country, Bogotá, this broth contains all the components of a main dish combined tastefully in a bowl. Often served as a meal itself, the dish is as filling as it is difficult to make. It takes true talent and patience to prepare a good Ajíaco, a minimum a four hours (not including preparation) is required for best results!Ingredients:3 pounds (~1.3 kilos) chicken breast, on the bone with skin (or 1 whole chicken, cut into parts)6 quarts (~6 liters) water3 pounds (~1.3 kilos) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks6 pounds (~2.7 kilos) new red potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks3 pounds (~1.3 kilos) papas criollas (in the U.S. use Dutch Creamer, Baby Dutch Yellow, Yukon Gold, or Yellow Finn potatoes), cut into 1-inch chunks4 ears corn on the cob (fresh or frozen), cut into 3-inch pieces2 handfuls of quascas (about 5 g dried or 10 g fresh)Click for Full Recipe and Directions (credit:andreasrecipes.com)
Aguapanela(03 of05)
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Aguapanela (or Agua de Panela) most literally translates to "Sugar Cane Water." This traditional drink can be served hot or cold and lime wedges, which help reduce the drink's sweetness. Preparation is fast and easy, but its main ingredient may be difficult to attain at your local grocery store. Ingredients:5 cups water,or to your taste2 cups or 16 oz, grated or in chunksClick for Full Recipe and Directions (credit:mycolombianrecipes.com)
Salpicón(04 of05)
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For those hot days of summer, this Colombian fruit drink is sure to refresh your palate. Often sold by city street vendors or served as a type of punch at family events, the key to a good salpicón is a medley of fresh tropical fruits. Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups diced apples, I used green and macintosh1 1/2 cups diced strawberries1 1/2 cups diced watermelon1 1/2 cups diced banana1 1/2 cups diced papaya1 1/2 cups diced orange1 1/2 cups diced fresh pineapple1 1/2 cups grapes (red and green)1 1/2 cups diced kiwi6 1/2 cups Sprite Zero or diet champagne kolaClick for Full Recipe and Directions (credit:skinnytaste.com)
Colombian Empanadas(05 of05)
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In South America, empanadas are as diverse as the country they originate from. Colombian empanadas or "patties" are a great snack to go along with a cold glass of aguapanela or salpicón. These fried patties are usually stuffed with ground beef, chicken, or potato and served with ají (a colombian spicy sauce) and/or lime wedges to add flavor.Ingredients:3 cups all-purpose flour (see Tips)1 1/2 cups cornmeal3 tablespoons sugar1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder3/4 teaspoon salt3/4 cup canola oil1 1 1 cups water1/2 cup hulled pumpkin seeds (see Ingredient notes)1/2 pound lean ground beef1 small onion, choppedClick for Full Recipe and Directions (credit:mycolombianrecipes.com)

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