One of my favourite dishes in Colombia was originated right here where I live in the plains (El Llano) of Villavicencio, Meta. This traditional dish is called “Envuelto de Arroz” meaning wrapped rice; there are other versions as well – Envuelto de Maiz (wrapped corn) and Envuelto de Yucca (wrapped cassava).

The Llaneros (people from the plain) relish this wrapped goodness and so it is eaten any time of day.

This tasty delight is well versatile because it can be elevated by accompanying meats and stews at sophisticated dinners; as well as, it can be eaten as comfort food at home – Envuelto with hot chocolate, coffee or cold oats (aveena). I especially like eating it with scrambled eggs.

Envuelto de Arroz -Colombian Street Food

By: Stacey Ann Smith

Envuelto de Arroz is similar to the Jamaican Blue Draws. This Colombian street food is sold all over the city, it can be found in shops, restaurants, and roadside stalls. However, you need not leave your house if you don’t feel like it; because the Envuelto comes you.

Almost in every neighborhood, there are bikers who ride and sell their homemade Envueltos while shouting at the top of their lungs.

You will hear them say

ENVUELTOOO! ENVUELTOOO!

The Envuelto de Arroz consists of cooked rice, cheese, sugar, salt and butter. Milk can be added as well – depending on the region. The process is quite simple for you to try at home, these are the steps.

Envuelto de Arroz Recipe

First: Mix the rice flour with hot water until you achieve a soft, pasty dough and let it rest.

Then:  Mix all the ingredients in a saucepan or container until a soft dough is obtained.

After that: Arrange the dough in pieces of banana or plantain leaves.

Finally: Cook in a pot of boiling water for thirty (30) minutes and that’s it.

How Does it Compare to Jamaican Blue Draws

Earlier I referred to the Envuelto as Jamaican Blue Draws because the process is similar although the ingredients are different.

As mentioned before, the Envuelto consists of cooked rice, corn or cassava. But the Jamaican Blue Draws consists of cornmeal or banana that is also wrapped in a banana leaf. These two delicious desserts can be eaten anywhere and can also be eaten any time of day.

The Envuelto is also very economical; it costs two thousand five hundred pesos (2500 COP) which is equivalent to one hundred and five Jamaican dollars (105 JMD).

Enjoy – Difrute!