truffles
El Salvador is much talk of the famous European truffles, this fungus found in the roots of huge trees such as oaks, chestnut and walnut trees that inhabit the rainforests of several countries old continent. This coveted product might sell for thousands of euros, being an ingredient that can not be cultivated and only grows wild, increase their price and rarity. Characteristic for its intense flavor, are used to haute cuisine dishes, gracing the banquet of the lucky ones who have the opportunity to savor this ingredient.
But, what does all this history, and especially why the title of this item? Well, I mention all this because we also are fortunate to have a similar product, perhaps without the fame and value the world gives the truffle, but with all the features to be denominated as "The Nose of El Salvador ": The Tenquique.
Before it was only known by people living in the forested highlands of the country who had the good fortune to meet these fungi grow on rotten tree trunk Guachipilín (Crotalaria longirostrata), typical of the Cordillera del Balsamo and other upland areas and wetlands. With the rise of gastronomy in El Salvador, some "naughty" was kind enough to invent the ingredient used in a different way, giving it a gourmet twist, and beginning, the birth of a product Tenquique coveted national gastronomy.
In my case, much had heard of the rare fungus, and since I heard about it, I made the idea of \u200b\u200bcalling it the way I call this article. But never had the fortune to know him physically, let alone eat it. My first encounter with the Tenquique was mere coincidence. We walked with my family and a group of friends through the streets of attack, when among the avocados, whistles, flower garden and leaves izote resting quietly in the basket of an old store clerk, I saw that hinted at a product unfamiliar to me. Its earthy roots, the characteristic form of "charro" and brown, I indicated that I could have found the product that I always wanted to know. After you confirm with the vendor lady, I made the obligatory question: How much? "Twelve fist" he replied. Impressed by the price, made me think of pop fame had Tenquiques had an effect on price, but for me it was worth. After several minutes of haggling on the one hand and arguments on the other, I asked her to sell "half fist" but he refused. At last we reached an agreement: "Go therefore, take to six the fist half." Overall, I was not interested in quantity, but have a bit of product to "experiment."
happily the next day I started to "act up" with my new toys, julienne, saute in the butter and garlic, and finished with a little cream and minced cilantro. Simply delicious! Rubbery, harder than a normal fungus, especially the stem. A predominantly earthy flavor, which changes to a note of wood, which recalls the origin of the product. A unique taste!
Yesterday I had a pleasant surprise to get to the bakery after school: Juan Carlos, one of the bakers who work in our business, took the trouble to go into the forests of San Jose Villanueva to bring me a good bit of Tenquiques, and in the same way that Andy, the hero of Toy Story used his imagination to play with Woody and his gang, I began to imagine the myriad of dishes that I can create with such a precious product, which I have the fortune to try and use, but above all be proud of having a product the likes of European truffles.
Until next time!
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