The Vegetarian’s Latino Family Quandary: Why Vegetables Are Offensive
Like many bicultural kids, I have a strong connection with food. In my community, it is used to show respect, celebrate milestones and, in many ways, illustrate success. This is because you can communicate, show emotion, and send subtle messages through food.
The difference between serving roasted pork or shrimp during a dinner party is huge – and trust me, Latinos notice. At least the old school type. They won’t say anything to you directly. – that would be rude – but the peanut gallery will be buzzing with comments that, from an American perspective, are hysterical.
I will never forget the first I was indoctrinated into this part of my culture. We went to a party where the host decided to serve “Americanized” healthy food. This included the very American dish of couscous and roasted vegetables. lol While delicious, she made the fatal flaw of not serving meat (gasp!), and not serving Latino food as an alternative. The old ladies went into a frenzy.
“Mija, esto parece comida para los animales.”
“Pero porque nos esta poniendo a dieta?”
“Voy a tener que comer otra vez cuando vuelva a casa. Esto es yerba.”
Now, from an American perspective this may seem odd, but from a Latino perspective it was really the modern Latina that failed here. How dare she invite people into her home and not serve proper food! Is this what her mother had taught her about hospitality? (Can’t you just picture your grandmother saying something like this). It almost makes you think that vegetables are offensive. Of course, this is not the case, but when you invite someone to your home, offering special food with substances is quite important. The Latino food hierarchy goes something like this:
- Lobster / Crab
- Shrimp
- Pork
- Red Meat
- Chicken
- Tropical Vegetables
- Turkey
- American Vegetables
Of course, this affects me directly. As a practicing Buddhist, I am not even supposed to cook meat. What in God’s name do I serve my family or, in that case, any Latino guest, without it seeming like its a slap in the face? What Latino dish, that is not an accompaniment, vegetarian friendly? Do I just give up on hosting family parties?
Any answers to the above questions will be appreciated. This is one vegetarian challenge I still have not been able to solve!
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Eggplant is something I know latino folks like to eat. Perhaps a Pastelon or even a pionono with soy crumbles made entirely of Eggplant.
I think throughout the weeks we will have Latino Dishes that will allow you to have be able to build a menu of options for your guests.
In my case if you are visiting my house you are eating vegetarian… The same way that when I visit your house I don’t expect you to cook vegetarian!
I never thought about it but this is what happens. I like “meat” as much as the next Latino, but that dinner sounded amazing. Every meal does not need meat but when we visit my mom, there is always red meat with rice. There may be a few other things but that is the basic menu.
As far as suggestions, a good meat substitute could be mushrooms.
Luis
I never thought about it but this is what happens. I like “meat” as much as the next Latino, but that dinner sounded amazing. Every meal does not need meat but when we visit my mom, there is always red meat with rice. There may be a few other things but that is the basic menu.
As far as suggestions, a good meat substitute could be mushrooms.
Luis
hey Luis!, I remember talking to you on twitter way back when! how ru! I’ll try mushrooms. and egglplant as luci recommended. I’m always afraid of offending! lol 🙂
Pastelon sounds great! And the soy crumbles, vamos a ver!!
I think a good Portabella mushroom can serve an acceptable and familiar meat substitute.. Thanks for visiting and commenting on Sandra’s Post!
I know my dad loves his Portobellos. Mom is always so dang picky when it comes to food. I have a garden and even the stuff I grow is sometimes hard for her to even try.
I’m good. Got my blogs and photography site going. Hope to find a job soon but doing good overall.
Another idea would be chayote relleno with soy crumbles topped with a little bit of cheese.
what type of job are you looking for? I’ll let nyou know if i find anything
My family has gotten used to my style of cooking. But that doesn’t mean they won’t eat a veggie meal. They love it when I make Caldo de Verduras, Picadillo with Veggie Crumbles, Quesadillas de Flor de Calabaza or Enmoladas de Queso (one of my mom’s friends who is a cattle rancher orders then when she has parties). I’ve got them all hooked on Huchepos. And even the hubby who’s idea of veggies on a plate was potatoes and rice…. now asks for seconds when I make Calabacita. This last year I even made Tamales with Sweet Potato mixed into the masa and stuffed with Queso Panela for New Year.
Yes, I am the lone Vegetarian in my family, or as mom calls me “La Vieja-tariana”. 😉
Clara,
what are Calabacitas it would be great if you could share a recipe?
Treat yourself to the cookbook “Viva Vegan” which is full of fantastic recipes & ideas!
I just made a passable and very good picadillo with dark lentils – they look like meat and are yum! I want to smush them next time, I think it’ll be more convincing visually. My favorite cake recipe is from Veganomicon “Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake,” it’s highly recommended. Another new discovery for me is that red kidney beans and lentils make great faux burgers with their colors.
HI Gabi,
I have been trying to buy all different types of beans. Being of Puerto Rican parents, mom cooked Butter Beans, White Beans, Red and Pink beans with occassional Chick Peas but all had a meat by product. I have been on a black bean kick lately as well and found a recipe to make a black bean burger. Lentils are also good and I put them in a Sancocho the other day.
With the Red Kidney/Lentil burgers, do you put any other vegetables/condiment/herb like onion or cilantro?
Rice, beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, quesadillas, enchiladas, entomatadas.