Latin Recipes

Latinos can brag about many things, but gastronomy is a special case. From the Río Bravo to the Patagonia, we can find a wide delight of flavors, colors and smells. We can say that the main spice in Latin America is the chili. Its diversity expands from country to country, but due to the fact that we share so many ingredients, sometimes a country will claim the origin of a certain dish. But with food, there are no frontiers.
This is an approach to the diversity of the Latin cuisine. Don't be afraid to try these recipes. They're simple enough so you can enjoy an excellent dish.

Mediasnoches
Cuba

'Midnight' is a typical dish found in every corner. Some people say there's no tastier sandwich than the Cuban, and that the secret is the Cuban bread, which was made popular in the '30s.

Complete recipe

Arroz con coco
Colombia

'Rice with coconut': In Colombian meals is common to use cereals like rice, corn and wheat. These are combined with what their warm weather can offer, such as bananas and coconuts. This recipe was created on the Caribbean coast.

Complete recipe

'Cola de mono'
Chile

The 'cola de mono' (Monkey Tail) name is said to be derived from when Chilean President Pedro Montt lost the election and his competitors went to ask for the 'tail of Montt'. An ice cream shop owner added alcohol to his specialty, which was melted coffee ice cream with a touch of milk.

Complete recipe

Steven Mark Needham , FoodPix / jupiterimages

'Gallo Pinto'
Costa Rica

The 'spotted rooster' is a national Costa Rican dish although it's elaborated with universal ingredients, the difference is the way it is cooked in that country as well and the Costa Rican beans.

Complete recipe

Lomo salteado
Perú

Peruvian cuisine is impressive: their influences come from every continent. Their seafood and grains are varied and nutritious and their chilies give color to their extensive dishes. Some of them are not spicy and are used as an ornament on traditional meals.

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Margarita Corporan, AOL

Mangú
República Dominicana

The green plantain is representative of this Caribbean island. It's always present in cooked dishes, breakfast, any way, any time of the day. It's never eaten raw, it's always cooked. They also make a difference from the regular, yellow banana.

Complete recipe

EFE

Pabellón Criollo
Venezuela

The 'caraotas' or black beans are the base of the Venezuelan cuisine. They make soups, the traditional 'pabellon criollo' and even candy. They are served in the three meals, prepared in different styles.

Complete recipe

EFE

Pescado en Salsa Criolla
Puerto Rico

The island's cooking has undergone many influences. African slaves brought by the Europeans to Latin America introduced bananas, coconut, codfish and their fried food to their cuisine. A Puerto Rican meal must have rice, beans and peppers.

Complete recipe

Pizza Margherita
Argentina
Argentina is not just known for its classic roasts. Their pizzas are found in every corner. Their Italian influence improved this dish, due to the exquisite mozzarella cheese they use, coming from the excellent cattle of the Pampas.

Complete recipe