Latin food is about celebrating the different cultures, customs, and cuisines shaping Latin America’s cuisine. From the fiery flavors of Mexico to the smoky flavors of Argentina, Latin dishes offer a unique blend of ingredients and cooking styles. These dishes are a reminder of Latin America’s rich history and love for food. Enjoy some of the best Latin dishes which you will love.
1.Beef Empanadas
These delectable ground beef empanadas are ideal for sharing with family and friends. The beef filling is rich and flavorful, with a thick, creamy gravy. It is seasoned with minced onion, diced jalapeños, minced garlic, and spices. The jalapeno adds a subtle kick to the empanada, while the cumin adds a pleasant, earthy flavor.
2.Pollo Asado
Pollo Asado, known as grilled chicken or roasted chicken, is a classic Mexican dish. This recipe is made by marinating chicken in a mix of citrus, garlic, and spices so it’s tender and juicy. Plus, you can add achiote (or annatto) to the chicken to give it a unique flavor. It’s a must-try!
3. Three-Milk Rice Pudding Cake
If you’re looking for the perfect Latin meal, you can’t go wrong with this yummy three-milk rice pudding. It’s also known as Arroz con tres leches, and it’s just cinnamon sticks, condensed milk, and some evaporated milk. Serve it warm with some ground cinnamon, and you’re good to go!
4.Galinhada
Chicken and rice is a classic Latin dish you won’t find anywhere else. It’s so comforting and hearty and packed with so many flavors that you won’t want to leave anything out. You only need chicken broth, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, white wine, calabrese sausages, white long-grain rice, and chicken thighs. Sprinkle some fresh parsley over the rice and chicken and serve it hot.
5.Baja Fish Tacos
Baja fish tacos are our new go-to grab-and-go dish. These tacos are soft tortillas lightly seasoned with beer-battered fish, pico de gallo, avocado, and chipotle mayo. These tacos are seriously yummy! If you’re looking for something easy to make for the weekend or a tasty taco bar to share with your guests, you’ve come to the right place!
6.Ropa Vieja
This Cuban dish is loaded with flavor! It’s called ropa vieja, Spanish for “old clothes,” since it looks like a bunch of colorful rags. It’s made with different ingredients, like shredded beef, carrot, onion, bell pepper, garlic, and tomatoes. Plus, it’s full of all spices and cloves.
7.Arroz Chufa
Arroz chufa is a Peruvian fried rice dish that’s full of flavor. It’s full of chicken, bell pepper, onion, and hot dogs – you can’t go wrong with that! You can make it an entree or a side dish, and you can use any meat and veggies in your fridge. It’s the perfect way to use up leftovers!
8.Carne Guisada
The Latin American meat stew, carne guisada, is derived from the Spanish word carne meaning “meat” and guisada meaning “stewed”. This stew is made by braising or simmering the meat in a flavorful sauce for an extended period until it melts in the mouth. This is the same as any other stew. However, the use of delicious ingredients sets this type of stew apart.
9.Churros
Churros are one of Latin America’s most beloved pastries. They’re the perfect combination of crunchy on the outside, sweet on the inside, and rich and chocolatey on the outside. One bite of a churro is enough to get you hooked. A churro is a deep-fried stick filled with sweet cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a chocolate sauce. It’s one of the most popular pastries in Latin America.
10.Pao De Queijo
These Pao de Queijo (or Brazilian cheese puffs) are like mini-cheeseburgers! They’re filled with a delicious blend of egg, milk, and cheese, so you know you’re in for a treat when you bite into them. They’re so rich and cheesy that you won’t want to take your eyes off them! Plus, they’re so cute!
11.Brazilian Chocolate Fudge Truffles (Brigadeiros)
Dessert is my favorite part of the meal. Brazilian Truffles, also known as Brigadeiros, are both sinful and divine. Seriously, no one can resist. Combining the sweetened condensed milk and the rich cocoa powder makes these Truffles so silky and decadent. The butter gives them a nice shine, and covered in chocolate sprinkles gives them a smooth and crunchy texture.
12.Mango Salsa
Mango salsa is a must-try in the summer when you can get fresh, juicy mangoes. It’s super easy to make – all you have to do is chop and mix a few ingredients, and you’re good to go! It’s great for gatherings and potlucks, and it goes great with tortilla chips. You can also use it as a topping for tacos or over-cooked chicken or fish, like our smoked salmon with mango salsa.
13.Chicken Pinchos
Pinchos, also known as pintxos or pintxo, is one of Puerto Rico’s most popular street foods. It’s also a popular dish to cook in your home for special occasions and gatherings. On the street, you’ll find pinchos on skewers in front of street carts and small vendor stands. The name “pincho” comes from the Spanish word for “poke,” which translates to “poke-shaped.”
14.Sopa De Fideo
Sopa De Fideo (Mexican noodle soup) is a delicious Latin dish for cold nights. This soup is made with a rich tomato base and Fideo pasta. At the same time seasoned it with garlic and chicken stock. The soup is then topped with onions and served hot.
15.Beef Casserole
This 5-star beef casserole is a must-try for any family dinner! It’s full of flavor and topped with shredded cheese. It’s finger-licking good, and you’ll add it to your cookbook quickly! Mexican food is so good, and this casserole is no exception. It’s loaded with ground beef, veggies, cheese, and homemade sauce, making it one of the favorite comfort foods to make ahead of a busy week.
16.Pastelón
If you’re looking for a cheesy and delicious meal, pastelón is the way to go! This dish is based on the traditional Puerto Rican lasagna, however, instead of traditional lasagna, it is enriched with sweet plantain, minced meat, and cheese. Then, it’s baked. It’s the perfect potluck dish or family recipe.
17.Sopes
Sopes are corn tortillas made from a dense dough known as masa harina. They are typically topped with various ingredients, including chicken, vegetables, and salsa. They’re called antojitos, which means “little cravings” in Spanish, and they’re a popular late-night snack or street food. You can find them in places like Chihuahua, El Salvador, and Mexico City. They’re almost the same as gorditas, but they’re stuffed on the inside instead of layered on top.
18.Habichuelas Guisadas
Habichuelas guisadas is a type of bean cooked with lots of Latin flavors. You can get them with meat, like ham, or vegetables/ like potatoes. The secret to these guisadas, and all their stews and rice dishes, is three ingredients – sofrito (green bell pepper), adobo (sweet peppers), onion (garlic), cilantro (culantro), and sazon (an herb that tastes and smells like cilantro).
19.Tostones
Tostones, also known as plantain tostones, are a crunchy, salty snack made from fried plantain. They are cut into small pieces and smashed flat, then fried until golden brown. They are similar to potato chips but more addictive. The combination of slightly sweet plantain and salty seasoning brings out the best in everyone.
20.Moqueca
Moqueca, also known as Capixaba, is a type of Brazilian seafood stew. It originates from the Portuguese and African parts of Brazil. It is traditionally cooked in special pots known as Capixaba, or black clay stoves, and is known for its rich and creamy broth enriched with coconut milk. Fish is the most popular seafood in this dish, but other seafood can also be added.
