Ecuadorian food: Mote Sucio
You can learn a lot about Ecuador through its food.
Mote has a pre-hispanic origin and has been part of the indigenous diet since 1590. From Pre-Hispanic origin.
This article aims to discuss a tasty Ecuadorian dish, mote sucio.
About mote sucio
The main ingredient for this dish, mote, comes from kichwa and means “wrapped corn.”
Mote, translated often as hominy, is an Andean variety of corn that is somewhat savory compared to the corn found in the U.S., and it has larger kernels.
Mote sucio is a staple from Cuenca, Ecuador, and translates to dirty mote it is due to the fact that the mote is mixed with mapahuira (pork lard that is left after preparing dishes with pork)
Another popular and equally delicious dish you must try is mote pillo. (pic below)

I would love to see your pictures if you are in South America.
What it tastes like
Considering that Ecuadorian corn is somewhat savory and drier than the corn found in the U.S and that mote sucio includes mapahuira or pork lard, this is a flavorful, tasty dish.
How and where to eat mote sucio
Mote Sucio is commonly served with a side of ají or hot sauce. For some, it is a great starter. For others it is a meal.
There is one place where you will find for sure mote sucio, and that is the province of Azuay. This dish is the specialty of Cuenca and its surroundings.
You can often find this dish served in restaurants offering traditional food from the highlands of Ecuador.
If you want to make your own mote sucio, check out this recipe.
Below is a picture of mote pillo , another one of the most traditional dishes of Cuenca.
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Have you tried mote sucio?
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