Lila Ylarraza, an immigrant from Venezuela, shares her family recipe for making arepas in Denver. Along with other immigrants from various countries, she is featured in the cookbook Cocina Libre: Immigrant Resistance Recipes. The cookbook not only shares recipes but also the personal stories behind them, aiming to humanize immigrants and showcase their resilience. Created by therapist Julia Roncoroni and music teacher Delio Figueroa, who are immigrants themselves, the cookbook celebrates the diverse cultural backgrounds and identities of immigrants in Colorado.
The recipes in the cookbook come from countries like Peru, Ukraine, Mexico, Afghanistan, El Salvador, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Guatemala, each accompanied by a unique story. By sharing these recipes, Roncoroni and Figueroa hope to build connections and community, while also supporting the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition with all profits from book sales. Through food, they aim to bring people together and foster understanding of immigrant experiences.
Ylarraza’s fried plantain sandwich recipe is one of the featured dishes in the book, showcasing the delicious flavors of her home country. Despite the challenges faced on their journey to the United States, the immigrants featured in the book demonstrate strength and determination. Through their stories and recipes, Cocina Libre seeks to shed light on the richness of immigrant cultures and the contributions they make to society.
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Photo credit www.denver7.com