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jenroses · 5 years

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Cheap, low spoon cooking

My cooking tends to start with protein, and because of my food issues, that protein is generally meat, and if you argue with me about that, I’ll block you, because if you want to do a thread on low cost vegan cooking, go right ahead, you’ve got your own blog right there. Holler if you want more specific instructions for any of these, and let me know whether you just need a basic recipe or “how to for a complete noob to the kitchen” or anything in between.

1. Chicken

Chicken is at the top of the list for cheap and easy, because it can often be had for less than $1.50 per pound, and because many preparations of it can be done with less than 5 minutes of work (oven time not included.)

Basic: get whole chicken. Preheat oven to 450. Pull out giblets. Sprinkle salt on skin. Roast at 450 for 1 hour. Enjoy crispy skin, tender meat. Same method (shorter cooking time, about 45 minutes) works for bone-in skin-on thighs. With the whole chicken, you can usually make one bird into several meals, by using the meat for one meal, and making soup out of the bones and whatnot for the next meal. If you get skinless boneless thighs, they’ll usually be a little cheaper than skinless boneless breasts. Don’t roast them, cut them up, drench them in a marinade, and pan fry the pieces. Serve with pasta or rice and stir fried veggies.

2. Pork

Pork tends to range in price from $2.50 per pound up to $8 per pound. I’m usually getting pork shoulder for about $3 per pound. Shoulder and “country style ribs” are incredibly cheap and can be pressure cooked (instant pot) or slow cooked into pulled pork with seasonings, or you can get slightly fancier, make a marinade of coconut aminos and orange juice (or apple juice and apple cider vinegar, or rice wine vinegar, mirin, soy sauce, whatever, just make sure there’s some salt and some acid and some sweetness in the marinade to help tenderize the meat), and cut the shoulder roast into 3/4 inch thick steaks, cutting across the grain, then put in a bag or bowl with the marinade overnight. We add onions and garlic and shallots to the marinade because I can digestively tolerate them only if they’ve been soaking in acid of some sort for a while. My favorite is to marinade in orange juice, coconut aminos, chilis, onion, garlic, etc. overnight, then pan fry the steaks, turning often, until golden brown. The resulting pork shoulder steaks get cut into strips and served a variety of ways--tacos, sandwiches, lettuce wraps, whatever. We usually use about 8 oz per person if there’s no fancy sandwich toppings, and 6 oz per person or less if making wraps or tacos. I have to have a little more energy for this method, and will often have someone else prep the aromatics.

3. Eggs Even farm eggs, if you live anywhere near a rural area, can be had for less than 50 cents an egg, and regular conventional eggs have been $2 per dozen or less basically as long as I’ve been alive. Basic egg recipes can go from fridge to table in about 5 minutes. I usually get eggs from a friend whose neighbors have backyard chickens, for about $4 per dozen. A good nonstick egg pan + eggs is a fast way to get protein into you without spending all your energy doing it. Over easy, scrambled, omelet, or my kid’s favorite, egg in the hole... all cheap and incredibly fast.

4. Beef Most beef is not cheap, and has been getting steadily more expensive for years. That said, if you understand how to cook various less fancy cuts, and shop at a local butcher, chances are you can get your meat for far less than a typical grocery store. I rarely go for things like ribeye or filet. We’re all about the round roast, chuck roast and flat iron here. Also like the shank. I rarely spend more than $7 per pound on beef, usually closer to $6. But again, we’re shopping at a local butcher who sources meat locally and does all breakdown themselves. Tricks: Look for a whole flat iron and ask the butcher to cut it. The method I ask for is “Please cut it off the silverskin and then into 6 oz portions.” This eliminates most of the gristle layer, leaving incredibly tender meat with a ton of flavor. The flat iron is from the chuck, but is a specific muscle that doesn’t get used a lot, so it’s very tender. Round roast, tip roast... these can be just salted and roasted very slowly (like, 200 F) if you have a meat thermometer with a probe that can stay in the meat, so that you roast it at very low temp until it comes up to about 110-120 degrees, then you take it out, turn the oven up to like 450, put a rub on the meat, and blast it at high heat until the probe is at 140. Then you let it rest for a while and come up a few more degrees, and what you get is a roast with a crust, as tender as the cut is likely to get while staying pink, which, cut thin, will be fantastic roast beef. If you don’t have a fancy thermometer, we usually start it high, then turn it down without opening the oven and let it go for an hour or so before checking with a cheap thermometer. But you can also cut into smaller pieces, marinade, and stir fry. You can ask the butcher to cut your roast into chunks for stir fry, if you aren’t up to the cutting.

Chuck, shank, and other tough cuts can be pressure cooked into super tender pot roast very quickly. Wine, mushrooms... We use cheap sulfite-free wine and whatever mushrooms are most affordable for this.

5. Lamb Lamb can be pricey, but we get a boneless leg roast (grass fed) at Costco for about $6 per pound, which is one of the best prices out there for grass fed meat. We use the roast in one of two ways: We either roast it low and slow like beef, serving it rare, or we cube it and pressure cook it with savory liquids and then serve it with coconut milk and curry paste over rice. So good. 6. Duck Our local Asian markets usually have whole duck for $3.50-ish per pound. It’s outrageously expensive literally anywhere else. Duck doesn’t cook like chicken, exactly... you must score the fat if you want it crispy, which means poking the fat without poking the meat. We roast at high temp, flipping as needed, to get a very crisp duck without drying out the breast. SAVE the drippings and use them in soup, or to cook eggs or potatoes in. Duck fat is like gold. So much flavor. 1 duck feeds 3 of us an indulgent amount of duck. Cooking gadgets for reducing the amount of physical energy you need to cook things: I never, ever use slow cookers because even used properly they seem to create less flavor than the pressure cooker methods. Pressure cookers are like slow cookers for procrastinators. Things that normally would take all day take an hour. Things that would take a couple of hours will take 30 minutes. The amount of money you can save in cooking beans alone vs. canned will pay for it. Pressure cooker is often the difference between me making homemade stock and throwing the carcass away. They’re also about as efficient at transferring heat into meat as any form of cooking you can get, so the energy savings are not irrelevant. Instant Pot is $70-ish at Costco right now, I’m just saying. An oven is helpful, but if you don’t have a full sized oven or can’t bend that way, a toaster oven can do a LOT. If you can get one that is large enough to cook a chicken in, you don’t need a larger oven if you aren’t doing large scale cooking. If you have a child who wants to learn to cook, a cheap toaster oven costs about the same as an EZ bake, but is an actual real kitchen device which can do real cooking. Spend a little more and get one with air circulation and a little more interior space if you can afford the counter space and the money. I know people like air fryers, I’ve not seen the point. Very few things an air fryer can do that a convection toaster oven can’t, and the form factor is better for the toaster oven for cooking a reasonable amount of tater tots. (priorities!)

Food processor: If you find chopping things a barrier, food processors can slice and grate very quickly, and rinse off nicely without a lot of elbow grease. I don’t usually bother, but I have minions who will do chop prep for me. If you don’t, even a small food processor will be less taxing on sore joints than most chopping. If you want to make pastry, a food processor is a must if you have energy issues.

Knives and a means to sharpen them: dull knives make cooking incredibly exhausting and tedious. Sharp knives make it all work so much better. The base price of the knife is less important than the condition you keep it in, as youtube will be happy to show you in a variety of mesmerizing videos.

Meat thermometer: Sort by reviews, ignore any where the reviews are suspicious. My strong preference is for digital quick-read ($10ish) OR probe-style leave-in. ($20-ish) You want this for food safety AND so that you can avoid overcooking roasts.

Cutting board: ideal is something with a groove (prevents juices from flooding the counter and contaminating everything) that runs around the edge. Cheap plastic boards can be convenient, I guess, but are harder to get reliably clean than wood, which tends to kill off germs. My favorites are bamboo. Not terribly spendy, super pretty, work very well.

The pans I use: 9x13 pyrex baking dish for most of our chicken stuff dark enamel roaster (not huge unless you’re going to do turkeys) for beef roasts (very cheap) large baking trays lined with silpats (both bought at costco, idek, they’re ideal for tater tots and such and don’t get problems with sticking and are easy to clean) Nonstick PFOA-free egg pan, sautee pan and 11 inch griddle. I think I spent $22 at Target on three egg-type pans of different sizes? Not particularly spendy, but you do need to replace them every 5 years or so. variety of saucepans and pots in stainless (I have cuisnart and Kirkland and they’re fine and last kind of forever barring disasters and sometimes even then. Can be bought second hand.) We use a lot of pyrex stuff because it’s convenient for leftovers and mise en place. If you have someone helping with chop prep, little dishes full of prepped things make the cooking go so much easier. But you can do that in regular dishes too, we’re just fancy that way (and I stg the pyrex breeds in the cupboard.)

I’ll talk starches if people want.

#Mine

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thewoolfman12 · 3 years

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Battle of the burgers: Who’s got the beef?

Let’s be honest, unless you don’t eat meat, it is hard to turn down a good burger. Not all burgers are created equally; however, there are fast food burgers, ballpark burgers, gourmet burgers, your sad attempt at a homemade burger, and so on. More importantly, each state (and even cities within a state) all have their claim to fame for the best burger in the country. Minneapolis is home to the Juicy Lucy (or Jucy Lucy), Connecticut prefers their burgers steamed, even Alaska likes to put their wildlife between two buns. But what about my home, California? We certainly have a few burgers to tip our hats to.

In-N-Out

A California classic. It is almost like a religion or cult in California. People here will be shocked if you’ve never been. What makes In-N-Out so good is that they stick with what they’ve been doing since 1948: create a simple menu with low prices and delicious taste. In-N-Out has more or less left the Menu unaltered for its entire existence. Outside of raising prices over time, the only other major difference they have made is allowing customers to alter their burger using the “not so secret” menu: how many patties they want, replace the buns with lettuce, or add extra special sauce to the burger or fries known as “animal style”. The burger is not going to amaze you from a visual perspective, but when you sink your teeth into a double-double animal-style, you will find yourself in a place of nirvana. The fries unfortunately are nothing to write home about, but the atmosphere and friendly staff sure make you feel welcome.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack is another favorite of mine for fast food burgers. The meat is thick, flavorful and juicy, the toppings are a great complement to the meat and cheese, and the atmosphere is far different from In-N-Out’s retro 50’s beach vibe. It has a modern décor and, in my opinion, seems to toe the line between a fast-food restaurant and a gourmet one. Another thing that I liked about Shake Shack is that you don’t have to wait for a loudspeaker (or a loud voice) to tell you your order is ready as they give you a buzzer. The fries were crinkle cut, which is always great, but they are frozen before thrown into the deep fryer, so it won’t be as fresh as potatoes sliced per order. Overall, it is a very good burger place.

Who is better between Shake Shack and In-N-Out though? There are countless differences between the two that I have seen, heard, and tasted. First off, the buns. In-N-Out uses soft, plain white rolls that are toasted to a golden brown. They hold up very well to the grease and sauce without disguising the meat. Shake Shack uses Martin’s rolls that are toasted like In-N-Out, however, they are toasted with butter to add another layer of richness while In-N-Out does not use any butter. The Martin rolls are thicker and can handle more ingredients. The cheese is yellow American for both, so this is a push. In terms of toppings, there is more variety to choose from with Shake Shack, but the quality of In-N-Out tasted better. Both In-N-Out and Shake Shack have a secret sauce (which is just thousand-island spread more or less). Shake Shack’s is slightly mustardy in taste and has very little sweetness to it. They also add a few different seasonings to it as well. In-N-Out’s is much sweeter, with a distinct vinegar flavor. In-N-Out uses smaller patties than Shake Shack (2 vs 4 oz.), therefore it is cheaper than Shake Shack. Because the patties are so thin, it is hard to develop a crust for In-N-Out burgers, whereas the Shake Shack patties are thicker with different meats blended together to allow for a nice char to form. Overall, both are an excellent choice, and you can’t go wrong with either. If you are tired of fast food and are looking for a more up-scale burger, 1909 in downtown Temecula has a burger with an 8 oz. patty, bacon onion jam, sharp white cheddar, tomato, baby arugula & garlic aioli on a brioche bun. That burger is truly an orchestra of flavors and colors that I would eat at least once a week if I could. But that is a story for another time…

In conclusion

In-N-Out and Shake Shack happen to be my favorite burger places since the majority of time I get a burger, it is fast food. Of course, since California is so large and diverse, you can really find any type of burger imaginable. It is really hard to choose which burger places to compare and contrast because there are so many of them, and it makes it impossible to do a proper analysis. Whether your preferences are geared more towards gourmet burgers with fancy flavors and ingredients, fast food places with oozing cheese and greasy meat, or joints that just want to break the rules (shoutout to Hodad’s in San Diego), California is a great place to get a burger. Just don’t forget fries and a drink!

#burgers #in-n-out #shake shack

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joyfulfryer · 3 years

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Brentwood Air Fryer (3.4qt) Review: Read before you buy

Use this Brentwood Air Fryer AF-32MBK 3.4Qt to fry meals to perfection fastly and evenly without the guilt of calories and fat.

This air fryer needs less or no oil to nicely cook onion rings, french fries, chicken wings, roasted veggies, steak, and much more. Utilize the quick temperature guide and the thirty-minute timer for crispy, quick results.

You can use Cool touch, detachable basket, and fry pan to make serving pretty easy. The basket and frying pan are made with a nonstick copper material for effortless cleanup.

By the way, this Brentwood model managed to beat Elite platinum air fryer, Ultrean Air Fryer, and unbelievable, even the super performer, Tristar air fryer wasn’t able to dominate this model!

Brentwood Air Fryer Reviews

NON-VEG DISHES 93% VEG DISHES 88% SNACKS 90%

Benefits

BENEFITS Quick & even cooking utilizing rapid hot-air circulation 1,400W Uses little to no oil Thirty-min timer Temperature control from 175F to 400F Easy-to-clean, nonstick surface Quick temperature guide Includes cool-to-the-touch Detachable frypan & basket One-year manufacturer warranty

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON!

What were the results of the 4 major dishes we tested with Brentwood air fryer?

1.) Bacon dumplings

We had a streak of dishes to test on with this air fryer, but we finalized four dishes to score the performance of this model. The very first out of these dishes was Bacon dumplings and breaking the suspense; the taste was heaven!

This air fryer prepared the dish in time (does a faster job than most similar air fryers out there). Once dumplings were prepared, one of our testers exclaimed that the color of the outer crust wasn’t exactly what it should be.

Yes, it wasn’t that brownish, but we can’t say, “it looked ugly” at all. Well, no one can fill the stomach by just staring at the dish, so finally, those dumplings were finally in our mouths.

From a little air fryer that costs around $80, we were in no way expecting the dumplings to be so tasty! most importantly, even the center part of the dumplings was perfect, and talking about the crust; it was crispy enough to make you say “yummmm.”

So, for the dumplings, it deserves a solid 9.5 score out of 10!

2.) Chicken breasts

Talking about Chicken breasts, undoubtedly it’s so rich in protein, but the issue for which most of the kids and also oldies with weak teeth prefer chicken thighs instead of breasts is its hardness. It’s hard to chew when we deep fry thick chicken breasts, but that was exactly what we wanted to test with Brentwood’s model.

We sliced thick breasts just to figure out how well does this air fryer cook it from within. Does it cook the breasts tender soft without overcooking it from out, or does it provide “hard to chew’ pieces like the other air fryer in our test did (no, we won’t tell the name)? Well, it beat Bella 1.2 qt air fryer in this testing.

Once again, this little air fryer impressed us with its “overall perfect” cooking. We included little children and 60+ oldies as our volunteers. Everyone was chilling with the juicy, tender chicken breast. The remarks were positive from the experts (we weren’t left behind in grabbing), children, and oldies.

One oldie went a bit far by saying – “KFC should use this air fryer to make their stuff a bit softer.”

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON!

3.) French Fries

We’d make a big mistake if we conclude the Brentwood air fryer review without explaining whether this model does justice with French fries or not. Till now, the majority of us worry 3-4 times before ordering French fries because of its “heavy calories” nature. The president has changed, and so has the time (maybe pulled Mr. Joe Biden here without much of reason, lol).

When we pulled out fries and quickly transferred them to the bowl, the reason was that all 4 kids were extremely excited about the fries, because one of our testers explained to them the fake theory that Michael Jackson became Michael Jackson after grabbing Fries from this air fryer daily!

Oh Gosh!

Coming back to normal now, the kids wasted no time before putting the fries in the mouth, and then it was the time to gather their reviews!

The reviews, as per our expectations, were awesome, and we were requested to prepare one more batch of fries. Not forgetting to say – no matter, it’s a 3.4 qt model. Still, the number of fries it prepared was truly appreciable.

4.) Lemon Air-Baked Chicken Thighs

The best thing we prepared with this air fryer was an awesome dish recommended by our sir’s stupid neighbor – “Lemon Air-Baked Chicken Thighs.“

Well, everything can’t be explained in words, and that’s the reason, rather than explaining how well did this model prepared Lemon Air-Baked Chicken Thighs, we’d recommend you to try it by yourself once! Yes, we truly mean it.

We also recommend you not to share it with your neighbor. Otherwise, you’ll find him standing at your door every afternoon, with a bowl in his hand.

BIGGEST ATTRACTIONS FRY ALL YOUR FAVORITES Crispy, tender french fries, crisp zucchini, chips, crunchy onion rings, chicken tenders, roasted vegetables, juicy chicken wings, frozen foods, and much more – Make them fresh or utilize a considerable variety of your special pre-packaged meals. HEALTH CONSCIOUS There is a silver lining for those who love fried food, and it is our Brentwood Airfryer – Instead of utilizing oil, the device produces hot air from a strategically placed coil making beautifully fried meals without any extra calories ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE & TIMER Set a timer up to thirty minutes and then forget about it – You can adjust the temperature between 400 and 175 degrees, and there are a whole lot of dishes you can prepare using this much wide range of temperature. 1 YEAR WARRANTY Brentwood air fryer happily provides a full year warranty from the date of buy to replace or repair any potentially defective device manufactured by Brentwood Kitchen Appliances. You can find full information of warranty inside the instruction manual guide of your device. This instruction manual is easy to understand. EASY TO CLEAN When you are done utilizing your air fryer, wind the cord and usually wipe it down clean – No oil or messy grease to clean up! Cleaning this air fryer consumes just 5 minutes!

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON!

Better Than Any Restaurant Rosemary Lemon Air-Baked Chicken Thighs with Brentwood air fryer

A chicken stock, little butter, white wine, rosemary, and lemon combine to make the best air fryer baked chicken thighs you’re ever going to consume!

This is box title Cook Time: 30 minutes Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Cuisine: American Course: Entree Calories: 283 Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS Three tablespoons salted butter 6-8 chicken thighs skin on 1/2 cup healthy chicken broth 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1-inch lemon cut half 1/4 cup semi-dry white wine salt and pepper to taste 3-4 tablespoons fresh rosemary

INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1 => Preheat your fryer to 375 degrees F. In a large or medium air fryer safe skillet. <= STEP 2 STEP3 => Melt the butter over medium-high heat. Place your chicken thighs inside the skillet and fry until you see the golden brown and crispy. Turn it to cook on both sides of the chicken.<= STEP4STEP 5=>In a huge measuring cup, whisk together the garlic powder, white wine, broth, squeeze the juice out of one lemon half inside the mixture. Pour in the skillet and then mix inside the butter mixture. Cook for another five minutes <= STEP6 STEP 7 => Stirring the sauce occasionally. Take the half lemon and cut it into slices. Place on top of the chicken if you want. If you want your chicken to stay tender and crisp, then omit this step.<= STEP8STEP 9=> Sprinkle the rosemary over the fried chicken. Place inside the air fryer. <= STEP10 STEP11 => Bake for another 25-30 minutes until the chicken thighs get cooked. Remove and then serve <= STEP12

Recipe Notes

A little sea salt sprinkled on the top after serving is ideal!

NUTRITION INFORMATION Calories 283kcal Potassium 239mg Serving 4g Sodium 175mg Protein 17g Vitamin A 235IU Saturated Fat 7g Calcium 12mg Fat 22g Vitamin C 1.3mg Cholesterol 117mg Iron 0.8mg

All information and calories are based on a 3rd party calculator and are an estimate. Basic nutritional information would vary with brands utilized, your measuring ways, portion measurements, and more.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON!

Use Brentwood air fryer to prepare Air Fryer Fried Chicken like never before

Delicious “air-fried” chicken done using an Air Fryer! This fried chicken is the ideal recipe out there!

BASIC INFO Cook Time 25 minutes Prep Time 4 minutes Total Time 29 minutes Cuisine Chicken Course Main Course Calories 327 Servings 4

INGREDIENTS One egg beaten 1/2 cup all-purpose flour Four small chicken thighs skin on One teaspoon seasoning salt 1 1/2 tablespoons Old Bay Cajun Seasoning cooking spray if desired

INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1 => Preheat your Air Fryer to approximately 390 degrees. Whisk together the flour, the Old Bay, and salt. <= STEP 2 STEP3 => Dredge your chicken inside the flour mixture, then inside the egg, then back inside the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour nicely. If you wanna, you could spray the chicken with cooking spray at this point. However, we don’t bother. <= STEP4STEP 5=>Place the four chicken thighs inside the bottom of the AirFryer cooking compartment. Then Cook for a total of twenty-five minutes or until the chicken reaches 180 degrees. Remove and serve.

NUTRITION INFORMATION Carbohydrates 13g Potassium 321mg Calories 327kcal Sodium 686mg Protein 21g Fiber 1g Saturated Fat 5g Calcium 21mg Fat 20g Vitamin A 1405IU Cholesterol 151mg Iron 2.2mg

All information is based on a 3rd party calculator and is only an estimate. Basic nutritional information would vary with brands utilized, measuring methods, portion measurement, and much more.

Brentwood Select Air Fryer (3.4qt) Review: Finally, we conclude!

FINAL WORD So, after reading all that, what you’ve got to say about Brentwood select air fryer?Certainly, on the basis of performance, one can hardly criticize this 3.4 qt. air fryer. Also, the amount of food this little fryer prepares in a single batch is also appreciable.Now, talking about features, we’d say, everything one needs, is present, and even more importantly, no feature confuses you at all. After that, cleaning is also as easy as it is with some other much expensive models. Regarding durability also, we’d give it 9.6 score out of 10, and it actually passed our drop down test.But yes, we’d recommend you to be safe while using air fryers, as these appliances may easily get damaged if dropped down from the kitchen’s platform.

#Review #Blog #tumblrpost #tumblraesthetic #tumblrtextpost #tumblrposts #tumblrquotes #tumblrphoto #tumblrtextposts #tumblrstuff #kitchen #airfryer

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petespizzadiary · 4 years

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December 1st 2020

Pizza: 3 slices Corvino’s big beef pizza (American cheese, onion bulky roll, roast beef, bbq sauce drizzle)

Temperature: 2 reheated in air fryer (two left slices) 1 cold (slice on the right)

Thoughts: I never had this pizza fresh last time and that may have been the right call, as both reheated and cold was better than fresh. Well, cold may not have been overall better, but the creaminess issue that I had with it last night was much better in both versions tonight.

I ate the two reheated slices first and they were still creamy, but it wasn’t overpowering. It was a fine level. But the reheating process gave the beef a could crisp to it which was nice and the onion bulky roll too. The crust wasn’t as good as it was last night, but that is a price I am willing to pay to solve the issue I had with the pizza being too creamy.

The cold slice also solved the creamy issue, but almost everything else was not as good. The beef was like eating deli shavings of roast beef on top of a pizza, which isn’t necessarily bad, but it’s also not a texture or feeling one wants to experience biting into a slice of pizza. The onion bulky roll was a similar experience. The crust was a little too tough cold as well. But again, I would rather all of those negatives then the amount of creamy texture that this pizza has when fresh. I think if I get this pizza again I will get something else to eat fresh and have this pizza as leftovers or order it if I have something else to eat that meal (if my roommates are ordering from the place) but don’t have anything planned for the next day.

Rating: Reheated: 7.5 / 10 Cold: 7 / 10

#pizza #pizza review #pizza blog #pizza diary #pizza log #corvino's #air fryer #cold #big beef #american cheese #onion bulky roll #roast beef #bbq sauce

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plotleek8-blog · 5 years

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Air Fried Tofu Italian Style

I’ve had an air fryer for well over a year and even started a Facebook group, FatFree Vegan Air Fryers, to share cooking ideas. I’ve posted several air fryer recipes, but I’ve never taken the opportunity to write about the air fryer in depth, to review the different air fryers, describe how they work, give formulas for converting “regular” recipes for the air fryer, etc.

And there’s a reason for that:

I don’t think air fryers are really necessary. And if you don’t have one, you can still make this air fried tofu because I’ve included oven directions at the end of the recipe.

Let me back up a bit and say that an air fryer is basically a small, super-charged convection oven; a fan circulates heat through the perforated basket that the food sits in, browning it in all sides. I have two appliances which have air frying features: A small Phillips Viva (a model that has been discontinued) and a large Breville Smart Oven Air, which is a toaster oven on steroids with an air frying setting and basket. Both of these fryers are considered top of the line among air fryers and have the price tags to prove it. (I bought them both myself, and have no affiliation with either company.)

Let me also qualify my statement that they aren’t necessary by confessing that I mostly use mine for only two foods: potatoes and tofu. Every now and then I make burgers and air fry them in the Breville, but I use my Phillips mostly to make “French fries” and tofu. So I’m hardly an expert on air frying, though that doesn’t stop me from having an opinion.

Italian Style Tofu in the Air Fryer Before Cooking

There are a few advantages to air frying instead of baking. Before I get to them, I want to say something controversial: I don’t consider the Breville Smart Oven Air (BSOA) a real air fryer. Now, I love the thing and use it daily for baking and reheating (it will hold a full-sized pan of lasagna, I kid you not), but as an air fryer it is huge but lackluster. I consider the air frying setting a gimmick, a very successful one by the number of people who have bought it. It works okay, but most of the following advantages of air fryers do not apply to it.

Air Fryers are Fast

I find that my Phillips air fryer cooks food in about half the time that it would take in the oven. The BSOA takes a little more time but normally less than an conventional oven (if you increase the heat.)

Air Fryers Cook at a Lower Temperature

Something about having hot air whipping around at hurricane speeds means that you don’t have to use as high a temperature as oven cooking. I reduce the temperature of a conventional recipe by as much as 70 degrees F when I make it in an air fryer.

Note: This does not apply to the BSOA. I find that everything needs to be cooked at much higher temperatures with the Breville’s air frying setting. For instance, I make thin French fries with the Phillips at 360F but have to turn the BSOA up to 425F.

Air Fried Food Does Not Need To Be Turned as Often

Because air is circulating through the mesh basket, food doesn’t have to be turned as often and is less likely to stick badly. But I find that I do need to loosen and rearrange the food at least once halfway through cooking so that it cooks evenly. I do this with a thin spatula; even though instructions will often say to “shake the basket,” often food is too stuck to really shake loose.

All in all, I think air fryers have some benefits, especially in terms of energy efficiency and time savings. But there are a few downsides:

They’re one-use appliances that take up space in the kitchen.

The better ones can be expensive.

The smallest ones are often too small, unless you are cooking for one. The Phillips I have, for instance, will hold only one burger unless I use the rack I purchased separately, for an extra $30. Then it holds two burgers. (Advice: Buy the biggest one you can afford.)

The cheaper ones often have non-stick coatings that flake off. Read the reviews on Amazon before you buy.

If you avoid non-stick coatings, it can be difficult to find a model without them (the Phillips’ basket is metal but the interior where the food drips is non-stick.)

Unless you’re used to fat-free food, you won’t find air-fried food much like fried food. A lot of buyers have felt disappointed that the results didn’t match the hype. And yes, you can cook without any oil in an air fryer, despite what the user manual states, though I’m sure that using a little oil would give the food a more realistic fried texture.

If you’d like to buy an air fryer, I’m not trying to dissuade you, but I think it’s important to know these things going in.

There is one thing that the air fryer does very well, and it alone is almost enough reason to buy one:

TOFU

The air fryer does something magical to tofu. It crisps the edges and makes it firmer and chewier, all without you having to freeze it or press it with fancy tofu presses. It’s absolutely addictive, and it’s oil-free.

I often make air fried tofu for stir-fries by marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce and sriracha, soy sauce and chili garlic sauce, soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil and garlic. The only essential is the soy sauce. I find tofu unappealingly bland if it’s not salted, and soy sauce adds the salt as well as the umami flavor.

What I do not add is starch. I tried just once adding starch to my tofu, and it was nowhere near as good as it is “naked.” It left a powdery residue in my mouth that I wish I could forget.

Last week I was trying to pull a last-minute lunch together from limited ingredients–not enough of anything to make a big salad but just enough salad vegetables to stuff a couple of wraps. I was tired of hummus and wanting something different, so I quickly marinated some tofu in Italian seasonings while the air fryer was preheating. Italian style air fried tofu was born.

I posted the photo of that lunch on Instagram, and so many people wanted the recipe that I knew I’d have to make it again and keep track of the amounts I used of each ingredient so that I could post it here. That was no hardship! I loved it so much that I’ve had it four times in the past week, and I hope you’ll love it, too.

Air Fried Tofu Italian Style

Using an air fryer makes this savory tofu crispy in record time, but if you don't have one, see the notes for baking in an oven or toaster oven. Also, the longer you marinate, the tastier the tofu will be, so start it soaking early for the best flavor.

Ingredients

8 ounces extra-firm tofu

1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari

1 tablespoon aquafaba or broth (see notes)

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic

1/4 teaspoon granulated onion

black pepper to taste

Instructions

Drain the tofu and cut it into three slices lengthwise. Put down a double layer of tea towels or paper towels, place the tofu slices on top, and cover with more towels. Place your hands over the tofu slices and press down, gently increasing pressure, to press enough water out that the towels are noticeably wet. (You can also use a tofu press for this, of course.)

Return the tofu to the cutting board and cut each piece into about 10 cubes (one cut down the length and then 5 across works well.) Place the tofu in a large ziplock bag or bowl.

Mix the remaining ingredients well. Pour over the tofu and gently turn the bag or stir the tofu until all sides are coated. Let it marinate at least 10 minutes--the longer you marinate it, the more flavorful it will be.

Preheat your air fryer at 390-400F for about 3 minutes. Place the tofu in a single layer in the basket (leaving any marinade behind) and immediately reduce the temperature to around 350F. Air fry for 6 minutes. Use a thin, flexible spatula to loosen the tofu and turn it. Return it to the air fryer and begin checking at 4 minutes to see if it is golden overall and slightly darker at the edges but not overcooked or it will be tough.

Use any way you like--my preference is in wraps with plenty of veggies and balsamic vinaigrette--but it's also good in pasta.

Recipe Notes

Aquafaba is the liquid from cooking chickpeas. In this recipe, its main purpose is to dilute the soy sauce and help spread the flavor around, so any liquid will do.

To bake in the oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner and bake at 400F for about 20 minutes, turning after 10 minutes.

Sodium listed in the nutritional info is for regular soy sauce; use low sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium. Or replace the soy sauce with a flavorful liquid such as wine to drastically reduce the sodium.

This tofu is zero points on Weight Watchers new Freestyle program. The recipe makes about 20 pieces, enough to fill 4 medium-sized tortilla wraps.

Nutrition Facts

Air Fried Tofu Italian Style

Amount Per Serving (4 ounces)

Calories 87 Calories from Fat 40

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 4.4g 7%

Saturated Fat 1g 5%

Sodium 452mg 19%

Potassium 221mg 6%

Total Carbohydrates 3.4g 1%

Dietary Fiber 1.3g 5%

Protein 10g 20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Please let me know in the comments if you have any questions that I didn’t answer about air frying.

Enjoy!

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Source: https://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2018/03/air-fried-tofu-italian-style.html

#read more #see more #check it out #interesting #learn more

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toretandtasse · 5 years

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The wonders of pork belly

Identify your chosen animal, cut and reasons for this selection.

I can say that meat is my favourite ingredient when it comes to cooking especially if its Chicken and Pork. For today's blog, I have chosen a Pig. In the Philippines, pork is one of the famous meat that is used in a lot of cuisines, every dishes either have pork or chicken and fish. Pork belly is one of the famous cut that almost everyone loves because it has a great amount of meat and fat at the same time. And Pork belly has a lot of interesting ways to cook. Either you boiled it, fry or pop it on the oven, it will taste magnificent!

Here is a picture of ginisang monggo with chicharon, every Filipino family’s favourite food. Chicharon is fat from the belly that is deep fried. This recipe is much more amazing with fish paste and kalamansi.

( Lalaine Manalo. August 3, 2018. Ginisang Munggo at Chicharon. Retrieve from https://www.kawalingpinoy.com/)

Provide a brief 250-word background on the animal, including a detailed description of the cut and which part/area of the animal it is from.

Pork is the culinary name for meat from a domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus). Pork, the flesh of hogs, usually slaughtered between the ages of six months and one year. The most desirable pork is grayish-pink in colour, firm and fine-grained, well-marbled, and covered with an outer layer of firm white fat. About 30 percent of the meat is consumed as cooked fresh meat; the remainder is cured or smoked for bacon and ham, used in sausage, and rendered to produce lard. Because pigs may be infected by the parasitic disease trichinosis, pork must be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 °F (71 °C) in order to destroy the disease-causing organism.

Pork is one of the most versatile of meats and is consumed around the world. Because it is proscribed by the dietary laws of Judaism and Islām, however, pork is virtually unknown in the cuisines of the Middle East and those of some local populations in Asia and Africa. The chief pork-consuming countries (on a per capita basis) are Germany, Denmark, Poland, and Austria.

(Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. October 25, 2016. Pork. Retrieve from https://www.britannica.com/)

(Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Pork – Diagram of Meat Cuts. Retrieve from http://www.inspection.gc.ca/eng/1297964599443/1297965645317)

Pork belly comes from a hog’s ‘belly’ or underside after the loin and spareribs have been removed. This boneless cut may be served fresh, which means it is not cured or smoked.

Fresh pork belly is succulent and richly flavorful and is often served in small portions. Pork belly is at its best and is most tender when prepared using a slow cooking method, such as braising. Pork belly also is a popular menu item among restaurant chefs who appreciate its versatility, flavour, and texture.

(Pork Belly. Retrieve from https://www.pork.org/about/)

(Pork Belly Strips. Retrieve from https://www.abelandcole.co.uk/)

Include the price of the purchased cut and consider the best possible way to utilize this cut for optimum return on your investment.

We regularly buy meats once or twice in a week depends on mine and my mom's schedule and pork are one of our favourite meat because its much cheaper compare to other meats such as beef and veal. Pork belly’s price usually ranges around $10.00 to $14.00 depending on its size.

(Central Fresh Market. Retrieve from http://www.flyermall.com/companies/177/112/CENTRAL-FRESH-MARKET)

I think in order to utilize the price, it is logical to use the whole pork belly without cutting any fat and throwing it out. Also, using minimal and cheap ingredients but still compliments the taste of the pork belly is one of the things you can do.

Discuss cooking methods that can be applied to this cut and the reasons why these methods are suitable.

Deep frying

Deep-frying is a dry-heat cooking method, utilizing fat or oil to cook pieces of food. The process works by completely submerging food in hot liquid. Depending on the type of oil chosen and food being fried, a high temperature of up to 400°F (204°C) is maintained to create golden-brown surface textures in a short amount of time. The moisture from the surface of the food rapidly turns into steam, allowing the process of crust formation to begin.

There are many benefits of deep frying but some of the examples are, it consumes a minimal amount of time to cook, and deep frying allows the meat to produce 2 kinds of flavour such as Maillard reaction and caramelization. Deep-frying also achieves a c crisp texture. Therefore cooking pork belly on a deep fryer is one of the best ways to cook it.

(Jessica Gavin. February 2, 2018. Deep Frying. Retrieve from https://www.jessicagavin.com/)

(Kirbie’s Cravings. August 26, 2014. Crispy golden pork belly. Retrieve from https://kirbiecravings.com/crispy-golden-pork-belly/)

Grill

Grilling involves cooking food on a rack over a heat source, usually a charcoal fire or ceramic briquettes heated by gas flames. Direct heat quickly sears the outside of food, producing distinctive robust, roasted―and sometimes pleasantly charred―flavors and a nice crust. If food is cooked over moderate heat, it gains a crust as well as a smokier taste. Pork belly have a lot of fat therefore it is tender and juicy when you cooked it.

(Elizabeth Karmel. June 26, 2014. Cooking Class: Grilling. Retrive from https://www.cookinglight.com/)

(Carina Guevera-Galang. December 17, 2015. Grilled Chili-Garlic Pork Belly. retrieve from https://www.yummy.ph/

Boiling

To cook in water or other liquid that is bubbling rapidly, about 212°F (100°C) at sea level and at normal pressure.

Boiling pork belly is one of my favourite way to cook it. Letting the meat cooked with water, onion, garlic and salt and pepper, while some fat slowly melts and adds flavour for the broth of the pork. It is one of the easiest way to get more flavour out of the meat.

(Jina Lyu. Korean Food Basics: Jokbal and Bossam (Yasik food). Retrieve from http://yum-korea.com/)

Illustrate your selected cooking method with a recipe. Make sure this recipe includes a detailed methodology, using accurate culinary terminology.

Pork belly Soup with Shrimps

(Ces Dela Cruz. Sinigang na Hipon sa Sampaloc. Retrieve from https://thisdeliciousside.com/)

Ingredients

2 lbs pork belly, cut 2 inches chunks 2 large tomato; quartered 1 onion; quartered 4 pieces taro; quartered 1 medium size radish; peeled and sliced to ½-inch thick half-rounds 3 string beans (sitaw), ends trimmed and cut into 3-inch lengths 1 bunch of bokchoy or 1 head green cabbage. 5 to 6 pieces okra ends trimmed. 1/4 kilo shirmps (Optional) Salt and pepper Water

Recipe

Boil water in a large pot and the pork belly (Remove the bubbles or the scums that float). Add tomato, onion, salt and whole black peppers. Cover the pot and boil until the meat is tender (The longer the meat is boil, the better). Add the taro. Cooked until tender Add string beans. Cover the pot and continue boiling until the vegetables are cooked (Periodically check water). Add the bokchoy or cabbage and simmer until the dish is done. Adjust seasoning Serve while hot!

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healthbolt-blog · 6 years

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New Post has been published on Health bolt

New Post has been published on https://www.healthbolt.net/cooking/how-to-cook-healthy-bacon/

How To Cook Healthy Bacon

Contents

Blue apron delivers pre-measured ingredients

3 pounds mixed greens

Staff. dinner recipes. 34 dinner ideas

Creating healthier recipes

Cook grouper [10

Amazing grouper recipes

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"Cooking it in the oven with no added oil and over a roasting rack will also help to remove some of the fat during the cooking process." Limit your serving size You don’t need a lot of bacon for the taste to permeate and to get a dose of protein — in fact, one or two thin slices is plenty.

Loaded baked potatoes are one of those rare dinners that are just as exciting as an adult as they were when you were a kid. T…

Healthy Substitute For Cream Cheese In Cooking Most Healthy Oil For Indian Cooking The Best Cooking Oils For Your Health. The Best Cooking Oils for Your Health. Seema … It’s a good all-purpose oil for cooking and I think it works particularly well for Asian foods that are prepared in … It has the lowest saturated fat content of any oil. It’s seen as a healthy alternative as its rich in monounsaturated fats and is high in … Healthy Cooking Gift Ideas Whether your Mama is into cooking … we’ve got great gift ideas for every budget. Even the best cooks need a little help every once in a while. Blue Apron delivers pre-measured ingredients and instru… Healthy Recipes Easy To Cook We love Dr Pepper, so we put it in these recipes for waffles (and syrup), ribs, pecans and more Blending tips Blended soups i… 50 Healthy Chicken Recipes That Are Anything But Boring. This is the kind of healthy eating we can get down with. healthy cooking pot material How to Choose Safe and healthy cooking pots by Wendy Priesnitz. What kind of pots and pans live in your kitchen cupboards? Ideally, your cooking utensils should be made of an inert substance that does not peel, chip, crack, craze, vaporize, dissolve or harbor bacteria. Cooking Mixed Greens Healthy Ingredients 3 pounds mixed greens, such as mustard, turnip, collard and kale. 2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) chicken broth. 1 cup water. 1 cup chopped onions. 1 smoked turkey … Healthy Country Cooking Recipes Healthy Recipes. Food & Drinks Dec 19, 2018 … By Country Living staff. dinner recipes. 34 dinner Ideas for Two for Romantic Date Nights. … Great ideas for cooking with avocados, including guacamole recipes, sandwich ideas, cold soups, and more. Food & Drinks Apr 28, 2017 Healthy Country Cooking (GRANDMA’S SECRET RECIPES) paperback – 2005. by SHARON BROER (Author) 3.1 out of 5 stars 2 customer reviews. See all 2 formats and editions Hide other formats and editions. Price New from Used from Paperback "Please retry" $5.90 . $5.90 … Greg addresses the complex challenges of our modern world and will take his vision and methods and share his recipe for improving … from across the country. Health care and education institutions of… 7 times kanga was a banger Healthy, sustainable and easy to cook, here’s how to up your kangaroo ante. How to swap out your s… Healthy Cooking For Toddlers Recipes I had to get healthy for myself, my wife and my kids." This decision … focusing on creating healthier recipes that are stil… … and healthy-ish (a good balance between healthy meals and celebratory treats). We also wanted to choose recipes that took … Simple, delicious food that makes healthy taste great! with more than 100 mood-boosting food recipes for kids and teens, out February 5 ($24.99, Penguin). Your kids will love it if … It doesn’t get more versatile than meatballs, and these pork & veg balls are healthy and toddler-friendly. With tomato sauce and pasta, these make

Sep 04, 2018 · But back to cooking bacon in the air fryer! How to Cook Bacon in the Air Fryer. I was able to do a twelve ounce package from Trader Joe’s in two batches. It is a twelve ounce package, and it had eleven slices, FYI. Just arrange them in the basket. …

Use turkey bacon to reduce the saturated fat content of your sandwich. Add a piece of fresh lettuce to make the classic BLT sandwich. Replace the low-carb bread with a low-carb tortilla to make a baco…

Place strips of bacon on a baking rack and roast at 400-degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through. It will be the perfect combination of crispy, tender and chewy. Serve with eggs, pancakes or French toast. Fry chopped pieces of bacon until the little morsels are crisp and caramelized.

He shows us how to make cheese-stuffed chicken parmesan and Brussels sprouts with turkey bacon. He also reveals his three top …

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Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a thick cookie sheet with foil. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out most of the inside, leaving about 1/4-inch of potato attached to the skin. Brush the inside and the skin side of each potato half lightly with canola oil, and set it on the prepared pan, skin-side down.

Microwave. Some chefs recommend simply microwaving bacon on a dish lined with paper towels to absorb the grease. The thickness of the bacon slices and the number of strips you are cooking can affect microwave results. Try microwaving bacon on high for 2 minutes, then in 1-minute intervals, checking after each minute.

Is Popcorn Cooked In Coconut Oil Healthy Coconut oil is sold as a cooking oil, but has also become popular for … “I put it in smoothies because it has healthy fatty acids and use it on popcorn instead of butter sometimes. It mixes well wit… Healthy Substitute For Cream Cheese In Cooking Most Healthy Oil For Indian Cooking The Best Cooking Oils For Your Health. The Best Cooking Oils for Your Health. Seema … It’s a good all-purpose oil for cooking and I think it works particularly well for Asian foods that are prepared in … It has the lowest saturated fat content of any oil. It’s seen as a healthy alternative as its rich in monounsaturated fats and is high in … Healthy Cooking Gift Ideas Whether your Mama is into cooking … we’ve got great gift ideas for every budget. Even the best cooks need a little help every once in a while. Blue Apron delivers pre-measured ingredients and instru… Healthy Recipes Easy To Cook We love Dr Pepper, so we put it in these recipes for waffles (and syrup), ribs, pecans and more Blending tips Blended soups i… 50 Healthy Chicken Recipes That Are Anything But Boring. This is the kind of healthy eating we can get down with. healthy cooking pot material How to Choose Safe and healthy cooking pots by Wendy Priesnitz. What kind of pots and pans live in your kitchen cupboards? Ideally, your cooking utensils should be made of an inert substance that does not peel, chip, crack, craze, vaporize, dissolve or harbor bacteria. Cooking Mixed Greens Healthy Ingredients 3 pounds mixed greens, such as mustard, turnip, collard and kale. 2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) chicken broth. 1 cup water. 1 cup chopped onions. 1 smoked turkey … Healthy Country Cooking Recipes Healthy Recipes. Food & Drinks Dec 19, 2018 … By Country Living staff. dinner recipes. 34 dinner Ideas for Two for Romantic Date Nights. … Great ideas for cooking with avocados, including guacamole recipes, sandwich ideas, cold soups, and more. Food & Drinks Apr 28, 2017 Healthy Country Cooking (GRANDMA’S SECRET RECIPES) paperback – 2005. by sharon broer (author) 3.1 out of 5 stars 2 customer reviews. See all 2 formats and editions Hide other formats and editions. Price New from Used from Paperback "Please retry" $5.90 . $5.90 … Greg addresses the complex challenges of our modern world and will take his vision and methods and share his recipe for improving … from across the country. Health care and education institutions of… 7 times kanga was a banger Healthy, sustainable and easy to cook, here’s how to up your kangaroo ante. How to swap out your s… Healthy Cooking For Toddlers Recipes I had to get healthy for myself, my wife and my kids." This decision … focusing on creating healthier recipes that are stil… … and healthy-ish (a good balance between healthy meals and celebratory treats). We also wanted to choose recipes that took … Simple, delicious food that makes healthy taste great! with

Scientists have figured out a way to make healthier bacon that somehow tastes even better than regular bacon. And just in tim…

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floraexplorer · 5 years

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Backpacking Ecuador – Everything I Know After Five Months of Travel

Ecuador was the first place I went backpacking in South America.

As I flew into Quito airport with no return ticket, I felt nervously excited about what the country held in store for me – but luckily, Ecuador more than fulfilled my expectations.

Over the course of six months I lived and worked in the springtime city of Cuenca, partied in Montañita, boarded boats in the Galapagos and ventured deep into the Amazon jungle. I slept in palm-thatch huts on the beach, bathed in sacred volcanic water, and caught my breath in a mountain village high up in the Andes.

Ecuador was the perfect country to begin my eighteen months of backpacking adventures around South America, and I’d recommend it without hesitation to anyone else. So here’s a rundown of the best places to visit in Ecuador – a collection of all my experiences during five months of travelling this underrated country.

Pin me for later!

Quick links:

– Things to know about backpacking Ecuador – Weather in Ecuador / Best time of year to visit Ecuador / Food in Ecuador / Safety in Ecuador / Travel insurance in Ecuador / Water sanitation in Ecuador / Speaking Spanish in Ecuador

– Travelling around Ecuador – Transport in Ecuador / Bus routes in Ecuador / Hostels in Ecuador / Entering & leaving Ecuador / Visas for Ecuador

– Where to go in Ecuador? – Quito / Otavalo / Cuenca / Vilcabamba / Montañita / Guayaquil / Galapagos Islands / Baños / Tena / Misahualli / Salinas de Guaranda

Things to know about backpacking Ecuador

What’s the weather in Ecuador like?

As Ecuador is on the equator the temperature is similar all year round, but Ecuador is still somewhat seasonal: there’s a dry season from June to November, before moving into a rainy and humid season from December through to May.

Because part of the country is in the northern hemisphere and part is in the southern, this also means a pretty strong variation in climate. Ecuador is said to have four micro-climates:

– La Costa: the coastline is hot, humid and tropical, so expect sunbathing opportunities aplenty in Montañita, Salinas and Canoa.

– La Sierra: in the centre of the country is the cooler, high-altitude area of the Andes mountains. Expect warm days and chilly nights in cities like Quito, Loja, Cuenca and Baños.

– El Oriente: the Amazon rainforest and the low-lying land surrounding it has hot humid temperatures and regular (if light) rainfall in places like Tena, Misahualli and Puno.

– Galapagos Islands: You’d expect humidity, but the vast stretches of Pacific Ocean make the Galapagos Islands pleasantly cool! There’s very little rainfall and almost constant temperatures of 65-90’F/18-32’C.

When’s the best time of year to go backpacking in Ecuador?

Surprisingly enough, you might prefer to visit Ecuador’s beaches and coastline during the rainy season! Outside of this Dec-May period the weather can be muggy and overcast – but the rainy season actually means a short rainfall each afternoon, allowing for plenty of sunbathing.

Peak season for the Galapagos Islands is tied to school holidays: June through to September, and December/January will be heaving with crowds. Calmer seas and warmer temperatures are from December to May.

What’s traditional food in Ecuador like?

An introduction to Ecuadorian cuisine often starts with a scare tactic, as this is the country famed for serving up roasted guinea pig (known here as cuy). But there’s actually plenty of delicious food in Ecuador, with a particular focus on carb-rich dishes with potatoes, lentils and pasta, meat dishes like pork and chicken, and lots of fish on the coast – you just need to know what to ask for!

Cuy – fried or roasted guinea pig is considered a delicacy in Ecuador, and you’ll often see the creatures skewered over barbeques at markets. A whole cuy costs about $20 but you’re better off trying a quarter first, as it’s an acquired taste…! From my experience, there’s not much meat on a guinea pig, it tastes quite greasy and there’s a lot of little bones. Not my favourite Ecuadorian food, for sure.

Llapingachos – these small patties of grated potato, cheese and seasoning are mashed up and lightly fried. They’re an extremely popular street food snack.

Patacones – like most South American countries, Ecuador has a variant of sliced and fried green plantain. Learn to make patacones yourself if possible, as they taste the best when hot from the fryer.

Encebollado – this fish stew is most popular on the coast but is often regarded as Ecuador’s national dish. It’s usually made with tuna, and includes chunks of red cassava (a root veg) and pickled red onion rings, giving it a tangy flavour.

Hornado – slow roasted pork is a big thing in Ecuador, and there’s usually an entire upper floor dedicated to this dish in the market. For a few dollars you get a plate filled with the following: a hunk of pork, a helping of mote (corn kernels which have been boiled and peeled), as well as two or three llapingachos. Delicious!

Read more: Eating all the traditional food in Ecuador

Is backpacking Ecuador safe for solo travellers?

As long as you keep your wits around you, backpacking Ecuador isn’t particularly dangerous. However there’s a chance you’ll hear occasional reports of armed robbery: when I travelled across the border to Peru at night, we had to park the bus for hours to avoid a rumoured gang which was roaming on the Peruvian side. Quito also has a problem with mugging, particularly in the touristic centre, and during my months of living in Cuenca I had two friends who were robbed at the riverside by a man with a knife, and another guy had his bag stolen while he was asleep on the bus.

My advice? Keep your possessions close, practice common sense, and trust your gut. It’s also worth reconsidering your typical backpacker clothing, as those bright and baggy hippy trousers might mark you out as a gringo with foreign possessions worth mugging.

Read more: Forced to walk 100kms along the Ecuador-Peru border

Do I need travel insurance in Ecuador?

Yes, absolutely! You should have comprehensive travel insurance when backpacking Ecuador – or anywhere, for that matter. I usually use World Nomads as it’s designed for adventurous travellers.

Can I drink the water in Ecuador?

It’s not a good idea to drink the tap water anywhere in Ecuador – stick to bottled water instead, or make sure you sterilise it first by boiling or using a Steri-Pen.

Do I need to speak Spanish in Ecuador?

When I arrived in Ecuador I had beginner’s level Spanish, and I managed to get around fine – but I was living with a host family who spoke fantastic English and had a group of English friends who were better at Spanish than me, so I didn’t practice nearly enough!

I’d still recommend having some basic Spanish before backpacking Ecuador – it’s just common sense. Moreover, there are plenty of Spanish schools throughout the country for you to brush up your skills.

I spent 18 months learning Spanish in South America. Read my ‘Spanish Challenge’ series here!

Travelling around Ecuador

What kind of transport can I take in Ecuador?

Air travel

Ecuador has two international airports in Quito and Guayaquil, and it’s a popular country to begin your South American travels from. It’s pretty common for tourists to book internal flights in Ecuador, as the only way to reach the Galapagos Islands is via plane. Flights to the islands will depart from both Quito and Guayaquil but the latter coastal city is closer (and most flights from Quito will stop over in Guayaquil anyway!).

Bus travel

As one of the smallest countries in South America, backpacking Ecuador via bus is easy and you won’t spend full 24 hour stretches on board. There are bus stations in every major city and plenty of smaller towns: usually called ‘Terminal Terrestre’, this is where the long-distance buses will stop.

The general rule for bus fare in Ecuador is $1 per hour, but it’s always worth checking prices at a few different vendors before you buy a ticket.

Bus routes and ticket prices in Ecuador:

Quito to Otavalo: $2.50 for a 2 hour journey. Buses leave from Quito’s ‘Terminal Carcelen’ bus station.

Quito to Guayaquil: $8 for 8 hours.

Quito to Cuenca: $10 for 9.5 hours.

Cuenca to Vilcabamba: 6 hour bus to Loja then switch to a second local bus for 45 mins.

Cuenca to Guayaquil: $8 for 4 hours. Buses depart every hour and the route goes through Cajas National Park so you’ll have some good views.

Cuenca to Montañita: No direct bus route, but it’s possible via Guayaquil and takes about 9 hours.

Cuenca to Baños: $8 for an 8 hour journey. Buses leave three times daily.

Baños to Tena: $7 for 7 hours. Buses depart every few hours from the small bus terminal in the centre of town.

Tena to Misahualli: $1 for a 1 hour journey on a local bus.

Riobamba to Salinas de Guaranda: $1 for a 1.5 hour journey, then catch a local bus for the 45 min ride to Salinas de Guaranda (or hitchhike with the local farmers!)

Read more: A guide to dealing with bus travel in South America

Tips for bus travel in Ecuador:

– Buy your bus tickets at bus stations. Trying to decipher the online booking systems is nearly impossible and besides, you might get turned away with a blank stare unless you do it in person. Also this is the prime time to haggle and question the various company operators.

– Aim for daytime journeys. Although it’s possible to take buses at night to maximise your days of exploring, there are enough cautionary tales about accidents caused by drunk and overtired drivers to warrant a daytime journey – not to mention stories of nighttime muggings and bus hijackings. Plus on a long travel day it’s worth having the scenery to stare out at (unless, like me, you have a strong fear of heights when driving the winding mountain roads!)

– Watch out for pickpockets! Most South America mugging stories I heard seem to all happen in Ecuador, and I also had my own pickpocketing/mugging experience on a bus from Ecuador to Colombia. Put the bulk of your luggage in the hold under the bus but make sure it’s securely closed and don’t include any valuables in there. Keep these in a little pack which you keep on you at all times: don’t put it in the rack above your seat or on the floor beside your feet either.

Read more: The time I was mugged for my snacks on an Ecuador bus

Where should I stay in Ecuador?

Hostels in Ecuador are plentiful and their prices are reasonable – so it’s a popular choice for a backpacker. Googling for Ecuador hostels will undoubtedly provide a ton of results, so I’ve included a list of my favourites below.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket, the Ecuador hotel scene is booming too. There’s also much to be said for Airbnb – sign up here and get £25 off your first booking!

Check Prices of Ecuador Hostels Here!

Hostels in Ecuador

Location Hostel Why stay here? Quito Hostal Revolucion Small, cosy hostel in the historical centre of Quito. Perks include a big kitchen, lots of showers and real pillows! Otavalo Market El Andariego A block away from Otavalo market, this hostel has an onsite restaurant, sun-soaked roof terrace, and lovely colourful furnishings. Cuenca AlterNative Hostel Bright, modern and relaxed hostel, close to Cuenca’s bars and restaurants and with great facilities. Vilcabamba Le Rendez-Vous Hostal Set in a beautiful garden yet only a few blocks from Vilcabamba’s central plaza, this serene hostel serves the best included breakfast I’ve ever had! Montañita My Little House Surf & Backpacker Hostel A small hostel close to the beach with the perfect combination of party vibes in a chilled out environment – plus a really friendly owner! Guayaquil Dreamkapture Hostel Great for an overnight stay before a Galapagos flight, as it’s close to the public bus station & the airport. There’s a kitchen, hot showers & lots of little hangout spots. Galapagos Islands Hostal Puerto Ayora Close to the water, this no-frills hostel is clean with hot water, relatively good wifi and a guest kitchen. Baños Erupcion Art Hotel & Hostel Dorms are decorated with local art, they host family dinners every week, and are really helpful with organising tours in the local area. Tena Hostal Pakay A lovely eco-friendly hostel set in two hectares of jungle gardens on the outskirts of Tena. Hammocks, dry toilets, and a delicious breakfast served up by the couple built the hostel. They’ll happily organise Amazon jungle tours here, too. Misahualli Albergue Español & Ceibo Lodge This jungle lodge is close to the Napo river with a delicious breakfast and friendly staff. Salinas de Guaranda La Minga Hostal A friendly little family-run place with a pizza oven downstairs and a balcony overlooking the main square. There’s no heating in the building so all the blankets on our bed were gratefully received!

How do I get in and out of Ecuador?

– Flights: As mentioned above, you can fly into Ecuador at the international airports in either Quito or Guayaquil. I arrived into Ecuador at Quito’s ‘Mariscal Sucre International Airport’ (UIO), one of the continent’s busiest airports, and also used Guayaquil’s ‘José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport’ (GYE) when I flew to the Galapagos – and if you’re planning to sleep at the latter before your own trip to the Galapagos, you should check out this article. Both airports are easy to navigate and open 24 hours with lots of cafes, restaurants, lounges, good wifi and amenities.

– Border crossings: Ecuador shares overland borders with Colombia to the north and Peru to the east and the south. I crossed these borders a number of times, and can say without a doubt that my overnight crossings were more dramatic and difficult than the daytime ones!

There are two crossings with each country, so four in total:

To/from Colombia: the most common crossing is from Tulcan in Ecuador to Ipiales in Colombia. Take a bus from Quito (approx 5 hours) to the actual crossing at Rumichaca bridge, then travel onwards from Ipiales to Pasto (2 hours) or Popayan (7 hours) in Colombia.

To/from Peru: the recommended crossing is from Huaquillas in Ecuador to Aguas Verdes in Peru – this takes you onwards to Mancora on the Peruvian coast. This article has more in-depth info.

What visa do I need for Ecuador?

Ecuador’s visa policy is extremely lenient, and most nationalities can obtain a 90 day visa on arrival in the country (check the countries exempt from this rule here).

Because I was volunteering in Ecuador through an organisation, I had to visit the Ecuadorian embassy in London to get an extended six month visa. When I arrived at Quito’s airport I was successfully stamped in, but later I had to head to the passport office in Guayaquil because they spelt my middle name wrong on the form…!

I’d recommend checking your country’s individual visa policy for Ecuador – it’s usually on their embassy website. .

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Where to go on your Ecuador backpacking adventure!

Get to grips with Ecuador’s capital of Quito

At an altitude of over 2,800 metres, Quito is one of the highest capital cities in the world – but that’s not the only special thing about this city. Quito is home to ‘El Mitad del Mundo’, the equator line marking the middle of the world and dividing the north and south hemispheres (hence where Ecuador gets its name).

Quito’s altitude makes exploring this city a somewhat breathless experience. It’s a busy and bustling place with plenty to keep you occupied, from stunning colonial architecture and dozens of museums to an energetic nightlife in the La Mariscal neighbourhood.

What to do in Quito, Ecuador

Visit the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo. The first stop in Quito for many tourists is the monument and various activities at the equator line. It’s actually an hour away from the city centre but there’s lots to do here: experiment with balancing an egg on a nail (harder than it sounds!), watch water drain in two directions and take the obligatory photo of your feet on either side of the famous line. The Mitad del Mundo is definitely a tourist-focused destination but it’s fun nonetheless.

Explore Quito’s historic Old Town. The historical centre is filled with well-preserved colonial architecture dating back to the 16th century, making it a lovely area to wander through. You’ll also come across theatres, museums, galleries, cultural centers and many, many churches. Make sure to stop in Plaza Grande, the city’s main square, too: on Monday mornings there’s a 30 minute ‘changing of the guard’ ceremony complete with music and an appearance from the President!

Ride the Teleferico. Quito has the world’s second highest cable car (the highest is in La Paz, Bolivia) and it’s definitely worth the $8 ticket fee. You’ll rise almost 14,000 feet above sea level and have an uninterrupted view across the entire city towards the volcanos in the distance.

Visit La Virgen del Panecillo, the angel on the hill. This stone monument of the Madonna was built in 1973 by a Spanish artist and stands at 45 metres tall – although the wings make her look bigger. The angel is visible throughout Quito and is another good spot to look out across the city. There’s a staircase leading up to El Panecillo but numerous reports of muggings (not to mention the altitude!) indicate a taxi is a safer option.

Hang out in Plaza Foch. If you’re in Quito to party, spend some time in Plaza Foche: it’s right in the heart of La Mariscal district and is full of restaurants, bars, clubs and impromptu street parties. This part of Quito is as touristy as you’d expect but can still be a lot of fun!

Book Your Quito Hostel Here!

Read more: a Quito homestay with our adopted Ecuadorian grandparents

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Go shopping in Otavalo Market

The little town of Otavalo hosts the largest indigenous market in South America. Each weekend, the streets explode with stalls featuring clothes, artwork, jewellery, musical instruments and patterned blankets made by artisans from all over the country.

Otavalo market is only a few hours away from Quito so it’s easy to visit as a day trip, but there are also enough activities in the surrounding area to warrant spending a few days there too.

What to do in Otavalo, Ecuador

Get lost in the market. There’s a certain joy in losing your sense of direction amongst labyrinthine street stalls – and Otavalo is the perfect place to do it. You’ll befriend someone selling embroidered blankets, haggle furiously over a leather bag you suddenly need to have, and kit yourself out in the standard South America backpacker outfit of colourful pants and alpaca jumper. Remember to take cash, as this is an informal market and it’s unlikely that card payments will be accepted.

Ship your purchases home. If you end up with too many souvenirs, there’s a correo office on a side street close to the market where you can send packages back home. Just be aware that international shipping costs might exceed the amount you spent in the first place!

People-watch. Otavalo market is an excellent place to start appreciating the nuances of Ecuadorian culture. Although it’s a popular tourist haunt, hundreds of Quechua people also shop at the market, so you’ll see plenty of families, children and elderly couples in traditional outfits with long plaited hair. Listen out for the differences in Quechua dialect to Spanish too.

Living Otavalo Museum. Housed in what used to be a textile factory where people worked in conditions akin to slave labour, this museum has a series of exhibits explaining daily life in the region over the years as well as live weaving demonstrations. A visit here provides much-needed context for the history of this area for generations of local Ecuadorians.

Walk to the Peguche waterfall. Located in an indigenous reserve, this stunning waterfall is a 45 minute walk from the town – either along the railway track or via taxi if you’re short on time.

Visit the Otavalo Condor Park. Here you’ll find a number of predatory birds of different species including hawks, eagles and Andean condors. The birds have either been rescued or are recovering from injury, and the park is both a rehabilitation centre and an informative space for visitors to learn more about these birds – which culminates in a raptor display twice a day. The Condor Park closed on Monday and Tuesday, so plan ahead!

Find Your Otavalo Hostel Here!

Read more: Meet traditional witches at South America’s largest market

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Slow down in sunny Cuenca

With constant spring temperatures, bright sunshine (although you’ve got to carry an umbrella) and gorgeous colonial architecture, the White City of Cuenca is one of my favourite places to visit in South America. Then again, I’m biased – I lived with a host family here for five months while volunteering as an English teacher.

But don’t just take my word for it! Cuenca has repeatedly hit the top ten places to retire to (according to Forbes), so it’s become popular with American expats, volunteers and travellers alike. It’s a relaxed city with plenty to keep you occupied, and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site makes it a beautiful place to wander aimlessly in too.

Read more: Coping with Cuenca’s curious weather

What to do in Cuenca, Ecuador

Visit Cuenca’s famous cathedral. Cuenca’s crowning glory is ‘La Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Cuenca’, a stunning cathedral which dates back to 1885 and features stained glass windows, an intricate altar and a famous crowned image of Virgin Mary. You can see the cathedral’s bright blue domes from all around the city – or climb up the steep spiral staircase for views across the rooftops.

People-watch in Parque Calderon. This central plaza is a perfect place to chill out: there’s street performers, children playing, elderly Ecuadorian men chatting on benches, and a generally wholesome and happy vibe. Another good spot for watching the world go by is at the flower market on Calle Sucre, just outside the cathedral.

Walk along the Rio Tomebamba. This river runs through the centre of Cuenca and has plenty of bridges and paved trails on each side. At one point the trail is flanked by the Barranco, a collection of beautiful buildings which appear to hang above the river.

Visit the Panama Hat Factory. It’s a little-known fact that Panama hats were actually invented in Ecuador – and the town of Chordeleg, close to Cuenca, is one of the main sources of Panama hat production. In Cuenca itself you can visit a factory which has made these hats since 1942, see life-size display models hard at work, and look at the tools used in hat-making.

See the view from Mirador de Turi. On a hill just outside the city sits a church with stunning views across Cuenca, and there’s a few touristy stalls and street food on offer up here too. Reach the mirador via a taxi or bus ride (the double-decker tour bus makes a stop here), or take the more challenging option of climbing a long flight of stairs.

Explore ancient ruins at Ingapirca. These Inca ruins are some of the largest in Ecuador (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, too), but because they’re not too well known they aren’t overrun with tourists like in Peru’s Machu Picchu. Ingapirca is an easy day trip from Cuenca.

Spend the day in Cajas National Park. An hour away from Cuenca is a rich and varied landscape of forests, mountains, dozens of trails and over 700 lakes known as the Cajas National Park. It’s recommended to visit this huge park with a guide, as many of the trails aren’t well-marked and the cloud cover which descends each afternoon can make it hard to see.

Choose Your Cuenca Hostel Here!

Read more: Spending a hungover day with cowboys at the Cuenca rodeo

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Live the simple life in Vilcabamba

The beautiful little town of Vilcabamba wasn’t on the backpacking radar until the 1970s when the world heard that residents had extremely long lifespans (up to the age of 130!). People started flocking to ‘The Valley of Longevity’ and now it’s a popular place for expats and travellers alike.

We took a weekend trip from Cuenca down to Vilcabamba and spent our time riding horses, chilling in the main square and inadvertently trekking through the dark to crash an Ecuadorian wedding party in a marquee. As you do.

What to do in Vilcabamba, Ecuador

Go horse riding through the valley. Vilcabamba gives off the impression of a cowboy town: there are horses everywhere, either trotting through the streets or waiting patiently for their riders. We spent an afternoon ambling through the valley on horseback, and despite not being a confident rider I still really enjoyed myself!

Explore the scenery on foot. Vilcabamba is close to Podocarpus National Park, a unique area which serves as a meeting point for Ecuador’s four different micro-climates. There are plenty of hiking trails in the park (including one to Cascada El Palto waterfalls which has stunning views of the valley), but you can just as easily start walking on any dirt tracks leading out of Vilcabamba itself. For those keen on something more challenging, there’s a more difficult hike up Cerro Mandango, a nearby mountain.

Relax at a chilled-out hostel. Lie back in a hammock, soak up the Andean sun, and enjoy the peace and quiet at one of Vilcabamba’s best places to stay. I loved Le Rendez-Vous Hostal: the twisting paths through gorgeous walled gardens makes it feel like your own personal sanctuary, and they served up the best hostel breakfast I’ve ever had! Pancakes, anyone?

Hang out in town. One of the best aspects of Vilcabamba is that despite its popularity it still doesn’t feel overcrowded, and the locals (both foreign and Ecuadorian) are friendly and eager to chat. There are lots of cafes and bars, and you’ll spot the same faces congregating at the outdoor tables – an easy way to make friends!

Find Your Vilcabamba Hostel Here!

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Catch some waves in Montañita

Once a destination mainly favoured by budget backpackers, this stretch of Ecuador’s coastline has grown increasingly popular thanks to its beaches and surf opportunities.

Local Ecuadorians flock to Montañita each weekend so there are lots of parties and a definite increase in crowds, but this little town still maintains a chill vibe during the week: yoga classes, little shacks selling smoothies, and massages advertised just steps away from the beach. We visited Montañita during Semana Santa (Easter), so it was more raucous than usual!

Read more: How to celebrate Easter in Montañita

What to do in Montañita, Ecuador

Learn to surf. The beaches in and around Montañita are well known for their good surf – either take classes at one of the surf schools, or rent a board for $4 an hour.

Take Spanish lessons. Wherever backpackers congregate, there’s bound to be a language school, and Montañita has a good selection of places to study Spanish.

Treat yourself! There are lots of health and wellness activities on offer in Montanita: choose from massages, yoga classes, dance studios, and reiki courses, and properly relax into the beachside life.

Take a boat to Isla de la Plata. This small island is just off the coast is part of Parque Nacional Machalilla and takes an hour to reach. Sometimes called ‘The Poor Man’s Galapagos’, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to the famous islands. On Isla de la Plata you’ll see marine birds like blue-footed boobies and albatrosses, go hiking across the island and snorkel amongst the rich marine life. You can also head here from Puerto Lopez.

Walk along Cocktail Alley. If you’re in Montañita for the party scene, this central strip is the place to spend your evening. There are stands cooking up street food, little pop-up cocktail stalls, and plenty of hawkers selling hair braids, handmade jewellery and crafts made from tagua, a type of ‘vegetable ivory’ carved from palm tree seeds.

Choose Your Montañita Hostel Here!

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Catch a sea breeze in Guayaquil

Guayaquil is Ecuador’s most well known port town. Founded in 1500s to ward off pirates, it isn’t actually beside the sea – instead, it sits on the west bank of the Guaya River – but the city’s location provides a protected route to the Pacific Ocean 40 miles away.

Nowadays many visitors use Guayaquil primarily as a jumping off point for the Galapagos – but there’s a lot to see and do here. It’s a big city with beautiful parks and architecture, archeological and anthropological museums, shops and restaurants, and plenty of expats and students who call Guayaquil home.

[Image: VV Nincic]

What to do in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Walk along the Malecon Simon Bolivar. This boardwalk beside the river stretches for over a mile. Along the way you’ll pass shops, museums, galleries, manicured gardens, playgrounds, a planetarium and even a ferris wheel! Each evening, the Malecon becomes the place to be as the city’s inhabitants stroll, chat and generally hang out.

Climb the stairs to the Guayaquil lighthouse. At the summit of 440 steps, you’ll reach a 360′ viewpoint above Guayaquil with a blue and white striped lighthouse and a little chapel. There are vendors selling water, snacks and ice cream along the route, and it’s altogether a lovely spot to see the city from.

Explore the historic barrio of Las Penas. This is the original neighbourhood of Guayaquil, but the historical buildings have been rebuilt and painted in bright colours. Walking up to the lighthouse takes you through Las Penas but it’s worth spending some time here too!

Visit the Botanical Gardens. Ecuador has a huge variety of orchids, and there are plenty on display here (although they bloom at specific times throughout the year). This is a beautifully tranquil place to relax and soak up some nature.

Head to Parque Historico. This fascinating park explains Guayaquil’s history in three distinct areas: traditional, wildlife, and urban architecture. There are lots of examples of how Guayaquil used to look in the early 20th century, along with live theatrical performances and ten acres of natural habitat for fifty species of wildlife.

Find Your Guayaquil Hostel Here!

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Discover another world in the Galapagos Islands

When Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands in 1835, his studies of the variations in bird species from island to island eventually led him to develop his infamous Theory of Evolution. People assume visiting the Galapagos all about seeing the wildlife – but the diverse scenery is fascinating too; dark volcanic rocks, white sand beaches, bright red lakes, tangled jungle, muggy swampland… the list goes on.

You might not think it’s possible to add the Galapagos to your backpacking Ecuador itinerary, but I beg to differ! I visited the Galapagos twice – once on a extreme budgeting trip (spending just $900 in six days), and a second time for a last-minute cruise. There’s so much to say about the Galapagos that writing a brief summary is difficult: luckily I’ve also written a budget guide to exploring the islands and a few articles about the day trips and three day cruise I took there.

Read more: How to travel the Galapagos Islands on a budget

What to do in the Galapagos, Ecuador

This volcanic archipelago has thirteen major islands and over a hundred smaller ones. The major islands have their own entry/exit points and limitations on the number of visitors – as over 220,000 people come to the Galapagos each year!

Some of the islands you might want to explore are as follows:

– Santa Cruz Island. This is where most budgeting backpackers base themselves, as the town of Puerto Ayora is the main touristic hub for the Galapagos. Here you can organise day trips and last minute cruises with dozens of tour operators, but the island itself has a lot to offer too: the Charles Darwin Research Station has a breeding program for giant tortoises, Tortuga Bay is a gorgeous spot for swimming, and the lava tunnels are a fascinating place to explore.

– San Cristobal Island. The easternmost island in the archipelago is famous for Leon Dormido, or ‘Kicker Rock’. This dramatic sheer-walled rock, rising 500 feet from the sea, is where hundreds of frigate birds and blue-footed boobies congregate – and where, beneath the water, schools of fish, sea turtles, manta rays and hammerhead sharks swim, making it a popular spot for snorkelling and diving. On the island itself there’s a hike to Cerro Tijeretas or ‘Frigate bird hill’ for spectacular views, and a white coral beach called Cerro Brujo where you can swim with sealions.

– Floreana Island. This is one of the few islands where locals make a living from farming. The sunken volcanic crater known as Devil��s Crown has great snorkelling, although currents can be rough here, and Cormorant Bay has the best flamingo lagoon in the archipelago. Floreana Island is also home to Post Office Bay, where 18th century sailors used to leave their letters in a barrel with the hope that a passing ship would be heading in the address’s direction.

– Española Island. The southernmost island has the highest rate of endemic species in the Galapagos; its home to thousands of waved albatross from April to December, and also the Galapagos hawk, tons of Blue footed boobies and the famous finches.

– Santiago Island. The fourth largest Galapagos island has sunbathing sea lions at the Puerto Egas beach, and marine iguanas feeding on green algae at low tide. Just off the coast is Sombrero Chino, a volcanic cone made from lava formations, which is home to a colony of sea lions.

Read more: What it’s like to take a last minute Galapagos cruise

How to see the Galapagos islands – day trips or a cruise?

I think most travellers assume that visiting the Galapagos means you have to take an expensive cruise, but you can actually see a fair amount of the archipelago via day tours alone. Bear in mind that cruises allow you to venture farther afield, letting you visit islands which day tours can’t reach.

If you’re hoping to see something specific (be it landscape or species) then a cruise is probably your best option. However, if you’re just after a general Galapagos experience then definitely consider single-day boat trips instead.

Meet the local wildlife. There are hundreds of different species that call the Galapagos home. Some of the favourites inculde marine iguanas, SallyLightfoot crabs, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins (endemic to the islands) playful sea lions and schools of sharks.

Go snorkelling and scuba diving. The underwater world of the Galapagos is so plentiful that simply donning a snorkel and swimming in the shallows can be enough to see manta rays, huge turtles, sealions, sharks and a diverse array of fish. There are also specific places renowned for particular marine life: for instance, if you take a day trip past Leon Dormido (also known as Kicker Rock) you could encounter a school of sharks! If you go scuba diving you’re upping your chances of great viewing, although most of the Galapagos is suited to experienced divers.

Try hiking and biking. If you choose to stay on Santa Cruz then there’s plenty of opportunities for soft adventure sports: kayaking, biking, SUP, and hiking to name just a few.

Read more: Snorkelling with sharks and sealions in the Galapagos

How do I fly in and out of the Galapagos?

There are three airlines flying to the Galápagos Islands: Tame, Avianca and LAN. They all operate two two morning flights each day, departing from Quito via Guayaquil and landing at Isla Baltra Airport. From there, it’s an hour to the island’s main town of Puerto Ayora via public transport.

Choose Your Galapagos Islands Hostel Here!

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Go adventuring in Baños de Agua Santa

Baños is most well-known for the famous natural hot springs it’s named after – but this little town is also Ecuador’s adventure capital. Over the course of a few days, you can set your heart racing with outdoor sports like abseiling, zip-lining, kayaking, bungee jumping, paragliding, cycling, hiking and more.

What to do in Baños, Ecuador

Soak at the public open-air thermal baths. Many Ecuadorians believe that the thermal waters of Baños have healing properties – but even if you don’t share that belief, there’s no denying how pleasant it is to soak in a pool heated by a volcano five miles away. The thermal baths are a popular place for people to hang out, chat and let their muscles unwind, and there are a few different thermal baths around the town with differing temperatures, rules, prices and states of cleanliness – check out this guide to find one you like.

Take a hike. There are lots of hiking routes ranging in difficulty in the valleys surrounding Baños. Ask in the tourist office in the centre of town for maps and directions.

Go abseiling down waterfalls. You’ll be fitted with a wetsuit, helmet, shoes and harness, then drive a little way out of town to various cliffs and waterfalls. Your guide will help coach you through the descent – and there might be some ziplining involved too!

Swing at La Casa de Arbol. Commonly known as ‘The Swing At The End Of The World’, this Instagram-famous spot will probably require a queue – but eventually you can swing out above the treetops for a truly unique view of the surrounding landscape. The treehouse this swing is attached to actually operates as a seismic monitoring station, so I’m guessing a bored scientist decided to build themselves a swing?! Just don’t forget to fasten the seatbelt (seriously!) first.

Buy some hand-stretched melcocha candy. The traditional sweet known as melcocha is sold all over Ecuador, but the one made in Baños is particularly famous. This thick, taffy-like sweet made from sugarcane is stretched out over a wooden hook by melcocheros, who hand-pull the melcocha until it hardens. It requires a fair amount of muscle which makes the process itself pretty cool to watch – head for the sweet shops opposite the bus station in the main square to see the melcocheros at work and to buy some for yourself!

Find Your Baños Hostel Here!

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Explore the Amazon jungle in Tena

The Amazon jungle stretches across nine countries in South America and most people head for Brazil or Peru to explore it. However, Ecuador’s little slice of the rainforest is just as adventurous – and there aren’t so many tourists clamouring for a taste.

The city of Tena is Ecuador’s new up-and-coming adventure spot: either for heading into the jungle or kayaking and rafting on the nearby rivers.

What to do in Tena, Ecuador

Explore the Amazon jungle on foot. Wandering through the Amazon jungle with a local guide is an experience like no other. You’ll see the medicinal plants people have been using for centuries, learn about traditions and customs and gaze up at ancient trees, all the while pushing your way through dense vines – so don’t be surprised if your guide has a machete on hand to hack out a path.

Harvest jungle fruits. A great part of an Amazon jungle tour is meeting the people who farm and harvest foodstuffs like pineapples, yuca, and bananas. Try your hand at picking pineapples,make chocolate from freshly roasted cacao seeds, and learn how to carry a basket on your head while collecting yuca.

Go whitewater rafting, kayaking and tubing. Tena is world-famous for its whitewater rafting opportunities (The World Rafting Championships were even held here in 2005) and there’s lots of opportunities to go kayaking too. All these trips can be organised via tour operators in Tena city centre. If you don’t fancy a multi-day trip then there are afternoon trips – or just grab an inflated inner tube and go tubing!

Head deep into the Jumandi caves. This network of caves is where local Ecuadorians hid to escape the Spanish invaders in the 16th century. You’ll need a knowledgeable guide to explore the stalactites, underground streams and even an underground waterfall which are hidden inside.

Go for a night walk in the Amazon. The sights and sounds of the Amazon jungle change drastically at night. If you can, take a tour which offers a night walk: you’ll see spiders, frogs, moths and bats, hear the mating calls of cicadas and iguanas, and look up through the pitch black to a sky glittering with stars.

Stay at an eco-friendly hostel. One of my favourite hostels in the whole of Ecuador was Hostal Pakay — an eco-conscious place just outside Tena with expansive gardens, composting toilets, and really friendly owners (who helped us rid our dorm room of a tarantula by chasing it with a machete!)

Choose Your Tena Hostel Here!

Read more: Modern day life for the locals of the Amazon jungle

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Bargain with monkeys in Misahualli

This sleepy little town is the gateway to Ecuador’s Amazon jungle, and the perfect place to get an idea of what local life in the jungle is really like.

What to do in Misahualli, Ecuador

Meet the monkeys. The main plaza in Misahualli (also the town’s bus station) is filled with a troop of capuchin monkeys who swing from overhanging trees and steal phones, food and water bottles from unsuspecting passersby. Keep an eye out!

Visit the butterfly house. Run by a local man named Pepe, the Misahualli butterfly house is where dozens of local species develop from eggs to caterpillars and finally to full-grown butterflies. Pepe is really proud of his creation and conducts tours for a few dollars, explaining how he collects specimens and showing you his favourite butterflies.

Ride a canoe to the AmazoOnico Animal Rescue Centre. Along the Napo River is a volunteer-run animal centre which rehabilitates injured and rescued animals. I wasn’t particularly keen on some of the cages, but it’s clear that the volunteers care deeply about the animals here.

Go swimming in the river. Misahualli sits between two major rivers, the Rio Napo and the Rio Misahualli, and the riverbank looks suspiciously like a beach. It’s easy to spend an afternoon paddling in the shallows and diving from the rocks at the river’s widest point – the water can get pretty deep!

Choose Your Misahualli Hostel Here!

Read more: A guide to Misahualli, Ecuador’s gateway to the Amazon

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Learn about local enterprise in Salinas de Guaranda

Last on the list is the tiny village of Salinas de Guaranda in the Andes mountains – originally known for its salt mines but famous today for running hundreds of locally-run small businesses in a dozen different industries. In the 1970s an Italian missionary helped the locals to establish the first co-operative, and the idea quickly grew: now the village produces cured meats, cheese, chocolate, clothing, dried mushrooms, marmalade, footballs and much more.

I spent a few days in Salinas de Guaranda and adored this chilly, community-focused place. It’s all the more fascinating because of how few tourists there are – but despite their lack of tourism, locals are friendly, welcoming, and more than happy to show you around their intriguing home.

What to do in Salinas de Guaranda, Ecuador

Apart from touring the unique co-operatives, Salinas de Guaranda is a place you’d visit for a taste of the simple village life in Ecuador. It’s pretty isolated and the mountain climate means low clouds, afternoon rains and damp, chilly nights: spend your time walking the hills around the village, chatting to locals and not much else!

There are dozens of co-operatives in Salinas de Guaranda, but these are some of the ones I visited:

El Salinerito cheese factory – almost 90% of the population work at this factory on the hill just outside Salinas de Guaranda and the ‘El Salinerito’ cheese is now sold all over Ecuador.

Dolomiti, the sausage making cooperative – what looks like a typical delicatessen also has a downstairs room filled with rows of dried sausages hanging from the ceiling rafters.

The football-making factory – a one-room factory filled with rows of tables and cardboard boxes, where a group of workers make hundreds of footballs a week.

The essential oils factory – where natural oils are extracted from local plants like chamomile, mint and pine, then worked into products like soap, shampoo and massage oils.

The wool factory – one of the most toured places in Salinas, this is where factory workers spend the day sorting huge bales of wool before taking them to be spun and dyed.

Confites El Salinerito chocolate factory – here we drank hot chocolate, tried yoghurt made from soy beans, and tasted Swiss-inspired chocolate flavoured with the famous salt from the local mines.

Artesalinas knitting co-operative – this all-female knitting cooperative sell their alpaca jumpers and other woolen products both online and in a little storefront, piled high on tables. They’re a lovely group!

How to get to Salinas de Guaranda:

It’s a bit tricky to reach Salinas de Guaranda (not to be confused with the bigger city of Salinas, on the coast), which may explain why there are so few tourists. I started the journey from Riobamba and took a 1.5 hour bus to the nearby town of Guaranda, then hitchhiked in a local farmer’s truck for another hour to the village. I then discovered there’s actually a local bus making the latter route too!

Choose Your Salinas de Guaranda Hostel Here!

Read more: A community of co-operatives in the Ecuadorian mountains

I hope this backpacking Ecuador guide has been useful!

Let me know in the comments if you have any more ideas that I’ve missed, and pin the article to help others plan their Ecuador travels too!

The post Backpacking Ecuador – Everything I Know After Five Months of Travel appeared first on Flora The Explorer.

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