Fanesca

By Paula Newton

Fanesca is a traditional, thick, rich soup that is served almost everywhere during the Easter period in Ecuador. A large bowl of the milk-based broth serves as a full meal as it is very heavy. Fanesca is made from many different types of beans and grain, including green beans, lima beans, kidney beans and “chochos”, or corn. The soup can be served with or without salt cod, which is used instead of meat because it is believed that meat should not be eaten during this time. The soup also contains chunks of banana, boiled egg, fried bread, cheese and peanuts. It is thought that the twelve grains in the soup symbolize the twelve disciples and the twelve tribes of Israel, while the fish symbolizes Christ. Countrywide, but especially in the Andes, you will see signs outside restaurants advertising the fact that they are serving Fanesca. A bowl of the soup will set you back anywhere between $3 and $8, depending on the restaurant and the region.