Quequisque (Malanga/Taro)
Quequisque is a root vegetable with a brown, hairy skin and crisp white flesh that turns soft and creamy when cooked. It has an earthy, nutty taste and is a standard ingredient in hearty beef soups (Sopa de Res) or boiled alongside yuca.
About this Ingredient
Quequisque is a starchy root vegetable related to taro, featuring a brown, hairy exterior and a crisp, white or pinkish flesh. It is a native crop that has been cultivated in the region for thousands of years, valued for its hardiness and nutritional content. It has a nutty, earthy flavor and a texture that becomes smooth and creamy when cooked, making it a favorite carbohydrate source alongside yuca and plantains.
It is a mandatory ingredient in the famous 'Sopa de Res' (Beef Soup) and 'Sopa de Mondongo' (Tripe Soup), where it absorbs the rich flavors of the broth while adding body to the soup. Quequisque is also simply boiled and served as a side dish, topped with a bit of butter or cheese. Its ability to hold its shape while becoming tender makes it a comforting and filling component of the traditional Nicaraguan diet.
Culinary Uses
- Sopa de Res (Beef Soup)
- Boiled with cheese
- Puree
Cultural Significance
An indigenous root vegetable that provides sustenance and comfort in hearty soups.
