Dominican Flag: Typical Lunch + Recipe

Although it is true that there is a whole list of typical dishes in the Dominican Republic, the Bandera is the favorite. Throughout the country they prefer to serve this dish at lunchtime that concentrates an entire culinary tradition.

If you have tried the Dominican flag and want to prepare it in your kitchen or have not done so yet, here you will find everything you need. We will learn the step by step for the preparation of this recipe, in addition to its history to know its origin.We also bring you suggestions about the restaurants in the DR with the best Flag so that you can enjoy a delicious lunch . Let’s get started!

What is the Dominican flag?

The first thing we can think of when hearing these words is the flag of the Dominican country, but curiously the typical national dish bears that name. This is a recipe that has several contours with meat or chicken, depending on your protein choice.

Among the ingredients that make up the Dominican flag, rice cannot be missing, as well as beans, meat/chicken and avocado. It can be accompanied by green plantain tostones or the type of meat you want: ground or in pieces. If you opt for chicken, you can select the pieces that you like the most.

This dish is ideal for lunchtime , here flavors are combined and it is very well balanced:

• Contains rice that is part of the cereal groups, to be healthy it is necessary to consume 50% in daily meals.
• Protein is also present, the recommended daily consumption is 15% at each meal.
• The fat that we could consume for a balanced diet should be 35%. We are supplying this through the avocado that accompanies the Dominican flag and the tostones.

Source: @eltipicodominicano

Origin of the Dominican Flag

Contrary to what it seems, the beginning of this dish arises from the scarcity of the DR at the time ” España Boba “. This period was marked by a crisis that the now Caribbean country was experiencing. Dominicans ate what they produced: beans, rice, and meat from cattle herds.

La Bandera as a typical Dominican dish also gathers a whole multicultural history where other nations converge. Asia is present when rice is included, which is then produced in the swampy areas of the Dominican Republic. The beans are a reminder of the presence of South America, the meat took place with the arrival of the Europeans. More precise at the time of the conquest, beginning with the breeding of pigs.

Some serve it by drawing the Dominican flag with stripes of white rice forming a cross in the center. Beans and meat on the four sides in the form of squares representing blue and red. Why not, some fresh coriander leaves.

Currently, it is a complete and exquisite menu that you must try, the Caribbean seasoning is present. Next, we tell you everything you need to know to prepare the Dominican flag.

Dominican Flag Recipe

The recipe that we will see is for 4 people , this dish has several contours with a different preparation. So we indicate the correct procedure for the preparation of the components of this menu.

It is possible to add plantain and avocado tostones to complement and accompany the beans, rice and meat. Let’s see what we need to start the preparation.

Ingredients

For the meat:

• 1 kg of beef cut into pieces, choose the cut that you like best.
• 2 lemons.
• 2 green peppers.
• 1 medium red onion.
• 2 tomatoes.
• Oil.
• Tomato paste (two tablespoons).
• 1 or 2 crushed garlic.
• Salt to taste.
• A pinch of ground pepper.
• 1 teaspoon of sugar.

For the beans:

• 2 cups of cooked beans.
• 1 red onion.
• Chopped parsley to taste.
• Chopped cilantro to taste.
• Sautéed tomatoes.
• Oil.
• 1 crushed garlic.
• oregano to taste
• Salt to taste.

For the rice:

• 4 cups of white rice.
• Water to cook the rice, between 6 and 8, depending on the type of rice you use.
• Oil and salt to taste.

Note : the tostones are optional, so if you prefer, serve the dish with the Bandera ingredients. The avocado will give a fresh touch to the dish, however, you can also choose to serve it or not.

Preparation

In this segment we will show the preparation of the elements of the Dominican flag. Do not miss the details!

The meat

1. We begin by seasoning the meat with salt, pepper and oregano, we let it marinate for 60 minutes.
2. After this time, heat the oil in a saucepan, add the meat and fry until golden brown.
3. If necessary, add water or lower the heat to prevent the meat from burning.
4. Wait for the meat to soften and add the onion cut into pieces, the chili and the other ingredients.
5. Reduce the liquids until you achieve a thick sauce and it will be ready.

Note : If you have chosen to use chicken, do it the same way to get a similar sauce. In case of adding breast, cut it into pieces or cubes and then fry with the spices and vegetables. On the other hand, it also works very well with chicken thighs or wings, serve the pieces in your Bandera.

The beans

1. In a frying pan, heat the oil to fry the onion and tomatoes together with the other herbs.
2. Add a little water or chicken broth.
3. Add the cooked beans and the rest of the water.
4. Wait for it to boil and reduce the liquids to achieve a thick and creamy consistency.
5. Season to taste and the beans will be ready.

white rice

1. In a saucepan or skillet add the water to cook the rice.
2. Add the oil (3 tablespoons) and salt to taste.
3. When the water begins to boil, add the rice.
4. Wait until the water has evaporated and lower the heat.
5. Cover the container until the water has dried completely.
6. If after 20 minutes the rice is still wet, leave it to simmer until necessary.
7. The result will be a loose and soft rice, it will be ready. Let stand with the lid on when you have turned off the heat.

When we have all the elements of the dish ready, serve with some avocado slices to decorate. Add the rice at one end, the meat and beans at the other, you will be left with three sections.

Accompany the Bandera with your favorite salad or with a very cold natural fruit drink. We invite you to prepare this dish and enjoy with your loved ones!

Source: @arrozlagarzaoficial

Restaurants with the best Dominican Flag

On your vacation in the incredible Dominican Republic do not miss the best Dominican Flag for lunch . You have no excuses, below we will show you the best restaurant options that include this dish on their menu.

So, take note of the sites ready to be visited if you are in different cities of the Caribbean country.

1. Osiris Chicken Mince

It is an ideal restaurant for the whole family where you will find a wide menu of fast food and fried chicken. In addition to that, you will find typical dishes of Dominican gastronomy , of course the Bandera is available.

Pica Pollo Osiris is located on Calle Duarte in Santo Domingo , the opening hours are as follows:

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 11:00 – 12:00
• Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday: 07:00 – 01:00

Source: @toquerdmagazine

2. Manolo Restaurant

Most of the dishes that are served in this restaurant are from the food that characterizes the Dominican Republic . You will find a pleasant and impeccable space. If you are visiting Santo Domingo, head to Av. Independencia 457. To communicate with Manolo Restaurant you can call the telephone number +1 809 687 7670. Make your reservations or check the availability of the menu, in this case, the Dominican Flag.

Source: @manolorestaurantrd

3. Gladys Inn

Posada de Gladys restaurant you will enjoy an outdoor space where you can taste typical Caribbean food. Near the beach you will enjoy your Dominican lunch or dinner, of course you can order your Bandera.

This dish is served in separate portions, so you will receive a bowl of beans. Meat and rice are also served separately , which means that the portions are substantial.Opening hours are every day from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., including Sundays. The location of this restaurant is in La Altagracia in Punta Cana . Contact this restaurant at the number + 1 646 469 6949.

Source: @bar_dona_luz

4. La Marina Stoves

In Fogones La Marina you can try the typical dishes of the region, such as stewed goat and the Bandera . An extra point is that it is prepared at the moment, so you will have the best quality and a pleasant experience.

When you are looking for a place to eat in La Romana , stop by Ribera 9 and enter this establishment. Hours of operation are every day except Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

To contact customer service, call +1 809 523 2333 and ask any questions you want.

Source: @fogoneslamarina

5. Bohio Punta Cana

This is an excellent place to eat a delicious mofongo or a Dominican sancocho, but also the Creole dish la Bandera. International food is also served in the best style of Bohio Punta Cana .This restaurant is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 11:50 p.m., go anytime. Find them at 18 Aruba street in Punta Cana, you can contact them at +1 809 505 8090. It is an excellent place to share with the family.

Source: @bohiopc

6. Playa Blanca Restaurant

Continuing with the city of Punta Cana, we suggest Playa Blanca , a beautiful place that will undoubtedly captivate you. With a splendid view, you will witness a delicious light Caribbean meal and options with the freshest fish.Clients recommend the Bandera if you are about to have lunch , in this dish all the Cominica flavor is concentrated. This restaurant is located in La Altagracia in Punta Cana, it is available from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Every day they are open to provide you with an excellent menu.

Source: @playablancapuntacana

7. The Conuco

The succulent typical dishes that are served in El Conuco are loaded with the seasoning of the Caribbean. La Bandera is served with tomato, lettuce and cucumber salad with croutons to accompany. It comes with a serving of meat, rice and beans on top as is usually presented in Dominican homes .

The restaurant is located at 152 Casimiro de Moya street in Santo Domingo. The hours in which you can go are from 12:00 to 23:00 every day of the week. You can call the following number +1 809 686 0129, where they will attend you with the best attention.

Source: @elconucord

8. Cafeteria America

With the atmosphere of a cafeteria, you will access a menu with typical Dominican dishes where the incredible Bandera stands out. The establishment has a modern look and you get great service from the moment you walk in.

Find it in Santo Domingo or call this number +1 809 566 0090. Opening hours are every day from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.The restaurants that we have shown you are just a few, when it comes to Creole food, it has a great preponderance. The Dominican Flag is an excellent option if you are thinking about what to eat for lunch .

Source: @cafeamericard

Conclusion

Dominican food is rich in flavors and cultures , which is why the recipes are so varied and delicious. If you are going to cook the Bandera at home, remember that you can add your favorite ingredients to the stews.

In most restaurants this dish is prepared, in any case, ask your waiter for its availability. So if you don’t see it on the menu, they may prepare it for you. Your palate will fall in love with the Dominican flag.

For lovers of homemade food, this dish is ideal, bring the goodness of the Dominican Republic to your table.