Side Dish Recipes

Ever gone to a Panamanian restaurant and seen the word arroz all over the menu? In Panamanian cuisine, rice is an essential dish. Other popular side dishes include the root yucca, which is often fried and served as a substitute for French fries. Most meals are based around coconut rice, beans and patacones (fried green plaintains). Although few vegetables are served with meals due to the humid growing conditions, small cabbage salads topped with sliced tomatoes often accompany the main dish. So many sides, so little time!