Capirotada

Capirotada (Spanish pronunciation: [kapiɾoˈtaða]), also known as Capirotada de vigilia, is a traditional Mexican food similar to a bread pudding that is usually eaten during the Lenten period. It is one of the dishes served on Good Friday.

Capirotada
TypeBread pudding
Place of originSpain, Mexico
Inventedcirca 15th century
Serving temperatureWarm or chilled
Main ingredientsbolillo, syrup, piloncillo, cinnamon, cheese (if wanted)

History

Capirotada originated from a 15th century Spanish dish that was heavily influenced by Moorish cuisine. Capirotada, like bread pudding, was seen as a way to make use of otherwise ruined, stale bread.[1] Legend holds that the dish, formally known as capirotada de vigilia, was created in order to use leftovers before Lent began.[2][3] The word "capirotada" comes from the Spanish word "capirote", which refers to the tall, conical hat in a religious context.[3]

The dish traveled to the New World along with Spanish conquistadores, who spread both the Catholic religion and Spanish culture to the indigenous peoples. In post-conquest Mexico, indigenous peoples like the Aztecs used anise tea to soften stale bread and moisten dry meat, both of which were common problems on Spanish ships making the voyage across the Atlantic.[4] Previously a more savory dish, capirotada progressively became sweeter after New World ingredients and indigenous traditions were combined with the existing Spanish version, leading to a large increase in the varieties of capirotada.[5]

Despite originally being consumed before Lent, capirotada is now consumed during Lent, especially during Holy Week and on Good Friday.[6]

Religious importance

The ingredients are largely the same as those used during the 1640s to make breads and cakes. These ingredients and recipes have been recorded by the Holy Office of the Inquisition and saved to this day in the archives.[7] The basic ingredients carry a rich symbolism to the Passion of Christ, and the dish is considered by many Mexican and Mexican-American families as a reminder of the suffering of Christ on Good Friday. The bread represents the Body of Christ, the syrup is his blood, the cloves are the nails of the cross, and the whole cinnamon sticks are the wood of the cross.[7] The melted cheese stands for the Holy Shroud.[1]

Ingredients
Capirotada

Common ingredients

There are various preparations of the dish. It is generally composed of toasted bolillo (which is like the French baguette) and soaked in a mulled syrup made of the following: whole cane sugar, which is known as piloncillo; clove; and cinnamon sticks. Some of the typical ingredients include nuts, seeds, and dried (and sometimes fresh) fruits, among these are: apples, dates, raisins, apricots, peanuts, pecans, almonds, pine nuts and walnuts. In addition, aged cheese is added, which might explain why some people's recipes call for milk.[2]

Uncommon ingredients

Many capirotada recipes do not include any meat due to the dish's traditional association with Lent, though some do include meat as a layer.[2] Some versions of capirotada include tomato and onion for the syrup. Other iterations make use of cilantro, bay leaves, banana, or sprinkles.[7]

See also

Notes
  1. Mather, Robin. "Mexican Easter bread pudding with a long culinary lineage". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2020-09-04.
  2. Jose Luis Juarez Lopez La capirotada Mexico desconocido 25 May 2013
  3. "Authentic Mexican Capirotada Recipe". www.experience-san-miguel-de-allende.com. Retrieved 2020-09-04.
  4. Reyna, Nubia (2020-04-10). "Chef shares history of capirotada during Lent Season". Valley Morning Star. Retrieved 2020-09-04.
  5. Grodinsky, Peggy; Chronicle, Copyright 2008 Houston (2008-02-05). "Capirotada: the sweet smell of home". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 2020-09-04.
  6. Capirotada The Zenchilada page 102 Winter 2011]
  7. "Eatymology: Capirotada". The Local Palate. 2018-03-26. Retrieved 2020-09-04.

References
  • "Capirotada recipes". The Houston Chronicle. Feb 4, 2008.
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