Encebollado facts for kids
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Type | Fish stew |
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Course | Main course |
Place of origin | ![]() |
Main ingredients | Fish (albacore or other tuna or billfish), cassava, pickled red onions |
Encebollado is a delicious fish stew from Ecuador. Its name means "cooked with onions" in Spanish. This tasty dish is considered a national food in Ecuador.
You can find encebollado all over Ecuador. However, it is most popular in the country's coastal areas. It is usually served with boiled cassava and pickled red onion rings. A special onion dressing is made with fresh tomato and spices like pepper or coriander leaves.
Encebollado is often made with albacore fish. But other types of fish, like tuna, billfish, or bonito, can also be used. Sometimes, people add ripe avocado to their encebollado.
Where Did Encebollado Come From?
Encebollado might have come from a Basque dish called marmitako. The Basque Country is a region in Spain and France. This shows how food traditions can travel and change over time.
How Encebollado is Eaten
People in Ecuador enjoy encebollado for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is a very popular meal at any time of day. Restaurants that specialize in this dish often open very early in the morning.
Encebollado is usually served with side dishes. These can include banana chips, fried plantains, or bread. To add more flavor, people often squeeze fresh lime juice over it. Some also add chili sauce for a spicy kick.