Garnache

Garnaches are similar to salbutes, but the tortillas are fried till crispy before being topped with a smorgasbord of items like beans, cheese, and onions. A Belizean Garnache is a flat, fried corn tortilla topped with refried beans, chopped cabbage, tomato mix (or pickled onion), and cheese.

It is not to be mistaken with a Guatemalan Garnacha. They may appear simple, but when these components are combined, they become amazing. For some, it can be a culture shock, but it can also be a welcome break from the concrete jungle and rat race that visitors to our shores are fleeing.

Due to the lack of large franchise fast-food companies, fast food outlets are popular across Belize. Some are well-publicized, with bright and even garish signs, or simply ask a passing pedestrian or taxi driver. Small mom-and-pop establishments or simply a small table mounted on a sidewalk – often with a small gas stove to keep the food hot – make up Belize's fast food outlets.

Ingredients

• round fried corn tortillas, 1 medium tomato, finely diced, green cabbage, kidney beans, 1/4 cup of yellow onion, finely chopped, vegetable oil, Hot pepper sauce (optional)
  

Instructions

• Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan, then add the onions and stir until they are completely caramelized. After that, add the refried beans to the pan and stir well.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Turn off the stove and remove the beans from the fire. Allow time for the beans to cool before using them in your garnaches.
• To make the green cabbage topping for the garnaches, combine the cabbage and tomato in a bowl, then season to taste with salt and black pepper.
• Pickled onions can be substituted with this topping if desired.
• After the refried beans have cooled, spread a thin layer on top of the fried corn tortilla. Add a thin layer of finely chopped cabbage and tomato mix or pickled onion after that.
• Finally, grate some cheese over the top. Toss in a dash of your favorite hot sauce (optional).