The traditional dishes of a region surpass mere recipes and aromas, offering an experience that extends beyond the explicit and delicious interplay of texture and flavor, delighting the palate.
In Aloha Vera we are lovers of these details that give a glimpse, customs, culture, regional products, and the passage of time through the lens that travels in time to a past to just keep in mind, remember and honor.
Therefore, our language tourism, coupled with an educational proposal in Spanish language, leaves a distinctive imprint—a flavor that our students won’t forget: the taste of tradition, understanding, and, above all, living culture.
In our quest for authentic stories from Jarndillanos settlers, we had the privilege of meeting Aarón Vegas Olmos, who graciously welcomed us into his kitchen, sharing not just his culinary expertise but also the passion and history behind it.
With only 26 years, Aarón is a cook, and settler according to the “of a lifetime” in Jarandilla. At only 26 years old, Aarón is a cook and a lifelong resident of Jarandilla. He identifies Jarandilla’s favorite aspects as “the charming corners it has and the essence of its people.”
The dish that takes us to Aarón is the Cochifrito or Suckling Pig, a traditional Extremaduran delicacy that we bring to the table today. “There is a phrase that I like a lot, and it is “Who knows how to make rice, knows how to cook,”‘ Aarón tells us while taking the first steps in the preparation of the cochifrito
According to him, for the dish to be good, it has to be crispy on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside. He added that in the restaurant where he works, it’s one of the most sought-after dishes. “Being a typical dish attracts a lot of people’s attention. Both local and foreign audiences ask for it in equal parts.”
How is cochifrito made?
Some recipes suggest that the secret to cochifrito lies in the marinade. It is crucial to let the meat, cut into small pieces, marinate to absorb all the flavors of paprika, oregano, thyme, fresh herbs, and garlic. Afterward, fry it in plenty of oil, and you can accompany it with potatoes and fried peppers. Let your palate be revolutionized! Then fry it in plenty of oil, it can be accompanied with potatoes and fried peppers … and Let the palate be revolutionized!
