To the west of Nicaragua lies the city of Masaya, the capital of the country's folklore, famous for its indigenous neighborhood Monimbó, a pre-Hispanic Chorotega community, which over the centuries has been characterized by its bravery in defending its ethnicity, resisting Spanish colonization and two dictatorships.
An ancestral community
The indigenous community of Monimbó stands out for its cuisine, with some dishes that are not known elsewhere in the country, and its preparation is passed down orally from generation to generation.
Every celebration is accompanied by special foods such as smoked bone soup, come and be quiet, sour tamale, chanfaina, iguana pinol, and a variety of desserts.
At each festivity, the foods are prepared by cooks known for their mastery in culinary art, called “Kitchen Matrons”; they are not only involved in religious festivities but also lead the wake during the days of mourning and a year after a community member's passing.
The typical table
For making their food, they used utensils made from volcanic stones such as the metate and cut meats with obsidian knives.
Among the dishes served at midday were watery rice, cazuela dough, and other foods, accompanied by refreshing drinks and sweets, and a glass of cususa was always present.
They used to cook their meals over flames and embers, which helped them perfect their cooking utensils by employing clay to make pots, colanders, cazuelas, and griddles.
Thanks to this indigenous community, which has preserved its traditions, including its gastronomy, today we can enjoy their creativity, crafts, and cuisine.
