Old Indian is a traditional dish from Nicaragua. It is a thick stew or soup made with corn and previously shredded meat.
Our daily corn
Like many other Latin American countries, corn is a basic food in Nicaragua. It is widely used in different dishes, such as nacatamal and old Indian. It is also an ingredient for drinks like pinolillo and chicha, as well as in sweets and desserts.
Old Indian is one of the oldest native dishes in Nicaraguan cuisine. The ingredients are native to the region, such as corn and meat.
It is said that the name of this dish comes from a lie told by an indigenous leader to two Spaniards passing through a tribe located in Ometepe.
The Europeans saw the natives eating, and when asked what they were having, one responded that he was enjoying an old Indian.
It was called that because it was made from one of the oldest members of the tribe who had just died.
A bit of its origin
The Spaniards ultimately decided not to try the dish. But, behind this legend, the truth is that the tribe leader told that lie because he did not want to share his food.
Old Indian is served throughout Nicaragua. Some states give it a different name, but the ingredients are the same.
This stew is usually prepared for special occasions, such as patron saint festivals and other social events like weddings or outdoor banquets.
Indio viejo
El Indio viejo es un guiso típico de Nicaragua que combina carne, verduras y especias para crear sabores tradicionales y reconfortantes. Es una receta que ha pasado de generación en generación, transmitiendo el sabor y la historia de la cocina centroamericana.
Traditionally, old tortillas are used to thicken the stew. This process begins the night before and is very simple. The tortillas are cut into smaller pieces and soaked in water... Don’t miss the chance to try it!
