King of Corn

To celebrate 4th of July, we eat corn on the cob. For Thanksgiving we eat cornbread. During summers we make corn salsas and eat corn grilled on the BBQ. As the number 1 corn producer in the world, the US really knows and loves corn. BUT you have not seen anything or anyone love corn so much until you have been to the Chinandega Corn Festival. It is a yearly event that kicks off Chinandega's patron saint celebrations and a fundraiser for one of the Catholic churches. The church grounds are filled with tents, a stage and tons of tables and chairs. I went with a couple of peace corps friends and Muriel, a friend from my site. Other than having a very cute child talent show (filled with Ruben Dario poem readings, songs about how much they love their mothers and folkloric dances), there was a TON of food and drink made out of corn. Here is a basic list and description of the dishes that were offered:
                   FOOD
                      Indio Viejo-originated from 500 years ago, this dish is a corn stew made with corn flour, tomatoes, baby corn, onion, peppers, aciote, mint, sour oranges and usually chicken or beef (we make this in the comedor for the kids all the time and I absolutely LOVE it.)

                             

                      Tortilla with cheese-pretty basic and a staple for all Nicaraguan diets. Tortillas are made by hand on an iron hot plate.
                      Grilled chicken and meats
                      Tortilla Soup-My friend Nelson got this soup and it was delicious. The soup has strips of tortilla, avocado, chicken, tomatoes, lime, corn and cheese.

                                

                      Fish Soup
                      Tamales-Pretty simple dish made with corn flour and water to form a rectangular gelatin like substance which is wrapped in and steamed in a banana leaf.
                      Atol-A tasty hot desert made with corn flour, water, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla.

                 DRINKS
                      Chicha- This drink is called the Coca Cola of Corn and is a bright bright pink color. I personally am not a huge fan of the flavor, but people here love it. I've usually seen it being sold in the corner stores in plastic bags. Nicaraguan "chicha de maiz" is made by soaking the corn in water over night. On the following day it is ground and placed in water, red food colouring is added, and the whole mixture is cooked. Once cooled, sugar and more water is added. On the following day one adds further water, sugar and flavoring. Although fermented chicha is available, the unfermented type is the most common. (wikipedia)

                                        

                      Pinolillo- Cornmeal and Cacao based drink- It is said to be the official drink of Nicaragua.
                      Tiste- Very similar to pinolillo, but I think has a bit more sugar and more cacao.
               

                            

                                         the crowds eating and drinking CORN

                            

                                     Lindsey, Muriel and I at the festival