Ep 12. A Sentimental Journey Through Nicaragua

In A Taste of History season 9 episode 12, titled "A Sentimental Journey Through Nicaragua," host Walter Staib takes viewers on a culinary tour of Nicaragua. The episode begins with Staib visiting the small village of La Flor, where he meets with locals to learn about traditional Nicaraguan food and its cultural significance. He is introduced to a local delicacy called the "nacatamal," a type of tamale made with cornmeal and filled with meat, vegetables, and spices.

Staib then travels to the city of Granada, where he explores the local food market and meets with a chef to learn how to make traditional Nicaraguan dishes. He observes the preparation of a dish called "vigaron," made with fried yucca and topped with pork and a cabbage slaw. He also learns how to make a soup known as "sopa de mondongo," which includes ingredients such as tripe and plantains.

Next, Staib visits a coffee plantation to learn about the history of coffee production in Nicaragua and how it has influenced the country's cuisine. He samples some locally grown coffee and observes the roasting process.

The episode concludes with a visit to the Masaya Volcano, where Staib meets with a local family to experience a traditional Nicaraguan feast cooked using volcanic heat. The family prepares dishes such as grilled chicken, fried rice, and plantains. Staib comments on the unique taste of the food, which he attributes to the volcanic heat.

Throughout the episode, Staib emphasizes the importance of food in Nicaraguan culture and the ways in which it reflects the country's history and traditions. He also highlights the impact of factors such as immigration and trade on the evolution of Nicaraguan cuisine. The episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of this Central American nation.