Cuisine : Rondón (Panamanian Seafood Stew)- How to prepare

 


Rondón (Panamanian Seafood Stew)

Introduction

Rondón is a traditional Afro-Caribbean seafood stew from Panama, especially popular along the Caribbean coast and in Bocas del Toro. The name comes from the English phrase “run down”, referring to the slow simmering of seafood in coconut milk until all the flavors come together. Rich, aromatic, and comforting, Rondón reflects the region’s African, Caribbean, and Indigenous culinary influences. It is typically prepared with fresh seafood, root vegetables, coconut milk, and local spices.

Ingredients Needed

Seafood (can be mixed as available):

  • Fish pieces (snapper, grouper, or any firm white fish)
  • Shrimp (cleaned and deveined)
  • Crab pieces or lobster (optional but traditional)

Vegetables & Roots:

  • Green plantains (peeled and sliced)
  • Yuca (cassava), peeled and cut into chunks
  • Yam or taro (optional)
  • Onion (sliced)
  • Bell pepper (sliced)
  • Garlic cloves (crushed)
  • Scotch bonnet or hot chili (whole or sliced, to taste)

Liquids & Seasoning:

  • Fresh coconut milk (preferred) or canned coconut milk
  • Water or light fish stock
  • Fresh thyme
  • Culantro (or cilantro as a substitute)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper
  • A squeeze of lime (optional, at the end)

How to Prepare

  1. Prepare the Base
    In a large pot, add coconut milk and a little water or fish stock. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

  2. Add Root Vegetables
    Add yuca, plantains, yam, or taro first, as they take longer to cook. Let them simmer until they begin to soften.

  3. Build the Flavor
    Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, thyme, culantro, and the whole or sliced Scotch bonnet. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer gently so the coconut milk does not split.

  4. Add Seafood
    Add fish pieces, followed by crab or lobster if using. Let them cook slowly for a few minutes, then add shrimp near the end to avoid overcooking.

  5. Simmer Slowly
    Cook on low heat until the seafood is just done and the broth has thickened slightly, absorbing all the flavors.

  6. Final Touch
    Taste and adjust seasoning. Add a light squeeze of lime if desired. Remove the chili if you prefer less heat.

  7. Serve Hot
    Rondón is traditionally served hot, often on its own as a complete meal, with the rich coconut broth and tender seafood as the highlight.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Desserts: Ssiat Hotteok - How to prepare this Korean pancake

Image
Ssiat Hotteok  is a variation of Hotteok , a popular Korean stuffed pancake. While traditional Hotteok is filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and peanuts, Ssiat Hotteok is unique to Busan , where it includes a crunchy filling of various seeds (most commonly sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and more) in addition to the sweet syrup. Hot, chewy on the outside and oozing with a nutty, sugary crunch on the inside, Ssiat Hotteok is especially popular in colder months and a must-try for food lovers visiting Korea. Ingredients For the Dough: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup glutinous rice flour (for chewiness) 1 tbsp sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp instant dry yeast 3/4 cup warm water (more as needed) 2 tbsp milk (optional, for richer dough) 1 tbsp vegetable oil (plus more for frying) For the Filling: 1/3 cup brown sugar 1 tsp cinnamon powder 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or walnuts (optional) For the Seed Mix: 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (hulled) 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds ...
Read more

Indian astronomer created stunning video capturing earth's rotation from Ladakh

Image
Indian astronomer Dorje Angchuk has created a mesmerizing time-lapse video capturing Earth's rotation from the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh. As the engineer-in-charge at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Angchuk aspired to produce a complete 24-hour time-lapse showcasing the seamless transition between day and night. Although we do not perceive the Earth's movement in our daily lives, our planet is in constant motion—both spinning on its axis and orbiting the Sun. In his video, Earth’s rotation becomes evident while the Milky Way appears motionless in the background. Reflecting on the project, Angchuk remarked, “The stars remain still, but Earth never stops spinning,” underscoring the technical challenges he faced while bringing his vision to life. His initial goal was to capture the Orion constellation; however, its high placement in the sky, given Ladakh’s latitude, presented difficulties. The region’s extreme cold also posed significant obstacles, rapidl...
Read more

Travel : Bocas Del Toro - Popular destination in Panama - Highlights

Image
  Bocas del Toro is a Caribbean archipelago and provincial capital located on Panama’s northwestern coast, close to the Costa Rica border. It is known for its laid-back island lifestyle, turquoise waters, coral reefs, rainforests, and Afro-Caribbean cultural influence. The main town, Bocas Town , is situated on Isla Colón and acts as the economic, cultural, and transport hub of the archipelago. Bocas del Toro is popular with beach lovers, backpackers, divers, surfers, and eco-tourists, offering a mix of natural beauty, nightlife, marine biodiversity, and indigenous heritage. Best Spots to Visit (In and Around the City) Bocas Town (Isla Colón) The main town is compact and walkable, lined with colorful wooden buildings on stilts. It features cafés, bars, hostels, dive shops, and small boutiques. The waterfront boardwalk is a focal point for sunsets, dining, and nightlife. Bocas Town also hosts local markets, cultural events, and boat docks for island hopping. Playa El Istmito ...
Read more