Sonia’s Favorite Puerto Rican Dish

I was delighted and touched when I read over at La Vida de Daisy Martinez that one of Sonia Sotomayor’s favorite Boricua dishes is Patitas (Trotters) with Garbanzos. It’s funny because in my home, pork and red meat are both barred forever but I dally into my roots once in a while. Very often, it’s for this dish, which I have been begging Mami to make for me for quite a while now. Some of you may find the idea of eating Pig’s feet a bit gross but ‘gross’ things have rarely had any effect on me (or my stomach).

Interestingly enough, I often get random cravings for weird things – out of nowhere, like a pregnant woman, except not pregnant. Today, it was the saltiness of a piece of fried salchichon and crackers, which of course, I just ignored because I don’t know where I would be able to find that in downtown Manhattan. Very often it’s seafood, like Blue Crabs or Mussels, sometimes it’s just a piece of bacon or fresh baked bread other times it’s pasteles or vianda.

Anyhow, my mom hasn’t made Trotters and Garbanzos recently because she likes to buy the pig’s feet straight from the butcher shop and those along with the bakeries have sadly diminished in El Barrio.

If you want to learn how to make this dish and see what Daisy has to say about Sonia, check out Daisy’s blog.

Viva Daisy! Viva Sonia! Y Que Viva Puerto Rico!

*** (My apologies in advance to my Vegan readers – I love animals too! I just can’t help being a carnivore sometimes)

Spread the love

More Articles for You

On Growing up in East Harlem: Italian (Barese) and Puerto Rican Heritage

I was thrilled to chat with podcaster, and fellow author and family historian Bob Sorrentino earlier this month. During our …

Spread the love

Food Culture: The Best Podcast for “Top Chef” Fans

The food we eat, how we eat and prepare it is so intricately tied to our culture, our heritage and …

Spread the love

The “Frida In Her Own Words” Documentary Is Phenomenal

This lyrical animation inspired by her unforgettable artwork, drawn from her diary, revealing letters, essays, and print interviews for the …

Spread the love

Reading Haiti: 5 Books to Explore Its History and Culture

Edwidge Danticat is one of Haiti’s most celebrated authors. Her notable works include “Breath, Eyes, Memory,” “Krik? Krak!,” and “The …

Spread the love

Finding Relief: 5 Books to Help Manage Chronic Pain

Living with chronic pain can be challenging, but there are resources available to help navigate this journey. Whether you’re looking …

Spread the love

Frida Kahlo As An Iconic Disability Advocate

PBS is once again featuring Frida Kahlo in a new three part documentary series, airing now that seeks to to …

Spread the love