Garnaches: The Divisive Belizean Delicacy

by Khaila Gentle
caribbean

Savory refried beans and shredded cheese atop a crisp corn shell – a dish that’s delightfully simple. Garnaches are a Belizean staple that can be found countrywide. Depending on where you go, however, opinions may vary on how to best prepare this cheap eat. Here’s why this local delicacy might just give the pineapple on pizza debate a run for its money. And, keep reading for a Flavors of Belize garnaches recipe.

The Garnaches Debate: What Do You Top It With?

Garnaches in Belize at Briana’s Food Place. Image via Quirky Globetrotter

Apart from the cheese, refried beans, and a simple onion or cabbage sauce, the consensus on what else one can sprinkle on top of Belizean garnaches varies with each region in the country. But perhaps most controversial of all is tomato sauce, and even more so, ketchup.

While it is unclear how the tradition started, there are quite a few Belizeans across the country that enjoy topping their garnaches off with a tomato-based sauce or ketchup. This, however, has constantly sparked intense debates across social media. While we can all agree that Marie Sharps in the unofficial national hot sauce, it’s quite likely that garnaches will forever be the ultimate divisive food for Belizeans.

So, if you’re ever looking for a fun conversation starter while you’re in Belize, save the “do you eat your pizza with pineapples” and ask “do you eat your garnaches with or without ketchup?” Though, a fair warning – you may receive some very spirited answers.

Fun Fact: Many believe that garnaches originated in Oaxaca, Mexico. Countries like Belize and Guatemala, however, have adapted the dish and made it their own. 

A Flavors of Belize Recipe

No matter your tastes, learn how to make your own garnaches with this Flavors of Belize recipe. All you need are corn tortilla shells (which you can try to make on your own if you’re feeling extra bold), refried beans, freshly-grated Edam ‘Dutch’ cheese, and some onion sauce. Read the full recipe below:

Similar: The Flavors of Belize Cookbook Goes Digital with Amazon Kindle
Belizean Garnaches

Ingredients

  • 12 corn tortillas, fried
  • 1 cup refried black or red beans
  • ¾ cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons salsa
  • ¾ cup Edam or Dutch cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup hot pepper onion sauce

Directions

Starting with tortilla shells (store-bought or homemade), spread refried beans onto the tortillas. Then, sprinkle with shredded cheese and top it off with your Belizean onion sauce. Enjoy your garnaches with ketchup or a fresh tomato-based salsa, depending on the district.

caribbean

Belizean Garnaches

Savory refried beans and shredded cheese atop a crisp corn shell – a dish…
Culture Garnaches: The Divisive Belizean Delicacy European Print This
Serves: 3 to 4
Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

Ingredients

  • 12 corn tortillas, fried
  • 1 cup refried black or red beans
  • ¾ cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons salsa
  • ¾ cup Edam or Dutch cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup hot pepper onion sauce

Instructions

Pile on your refried beans thick atop a crisp, fried corn tortilla for Garnaches! This popular Belizean fast food is delicious as a quick bite and can be commonly found at Belizean street food vendors, like most corn-based fried food.

Starting with tortilla shells (store-bought or homemade), spread 1 spoonful of refried beans* onto the tortilla. Then, spoon tomato sauce onto beans and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Top it off with your Belizean onion sauce. Enjoy your garnaches with ketchup or a fresh tomato-based salsa, depending on the district.

*Northern districts of Belize utilize refried black beans and Happy Cow cheese for this Mestizo delicacy.

Featured Photo by Flavors of Belize

Related Articles