Yahoo Lifestyle 23 Vibrant Latin American Recipes to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Every year we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month (from September 15th to October 15th), by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of Spanish, Mexican, and Central and South American people who've immigrated to the US, bringing their rich culture with them. September 15th is significant because it's the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Latin America is home to so many culinary treasures—and delicious gifts—we've been the recipients. The population of Latin America also comprises a variety of ancestries, ethnic groups and races, making the region one of the most diverse in the world. With over 20 countries or territories, the recipes vary significantly from one country to the next, but are always packed with amazing flavors.
Related: 22 Mexican Street Food Recipes to Celebrate Heritage
What is Latin American Food?
Latin American food is creative, bold, made with love and yes, sometimes spicy. It draws influences from Native American, Spanish, Asian and even African cuisines. These cuisines widely use spices like allspice, cumin, achiote etc. The chili peppers vary from region to region, and you'd want to adjust the amounts based on your spice tolerance. These cuisines also use fresh herbs like cilantro, thyme and oregano. The main components of recipes include rice, bread, beans, meat and more. And while most Hispanic recipes use meat as an ingredient, they're easily adaptable and can be made vegetarian by swapping meat for beans.
Related: 25 Latinx Books You Should Read During Hispanic Heritage Month
Best Hispanic Heritage Month Recipes
The 23 best Hispanic Heritage Month recipes we've curated in this list are from various regions of Latin America, and just offer a look into the world of amazing food and experiences. Try Dominican-style Mangú Mashed Plantains, Aji Verde (Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce), Argentinian Medialunas, Black Bean Tapas, Vegan Tortas with BBW Seitan Ribs and so much more!
Parade
This spicy black bean and pepper soup is flavorful, easy to make and tasty proof that comfort food can be good for you.
Get the recipe here: Spicy Black Bean and Pepper Soup
Parade
What’s a better way to celebrate fall and Hispanic Heritage Month, then with a delicious Pumpkin Spiced Horchata?
Get the recipe here: Pumpkin Sp-Iced Tea Horchata
Parade
Easy and healthy lentil soup with added greens
Get the recipe here: Easy Lentil Soup
Half Baked Harvest
Homemade Horchata, a sweet cinnamon drink popular throughout Latin America, is topped off with coffee and a splash of dark rum (or Kahlúa).
Get the recipe here: Dirty Horchata
Cookie and Kate
Aji verde is a bold and bright Peruvian green sauce. It’s spicy and tangy, and packed with fresh flavor.
Get the recipe here: Aji Verde (Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce)
Foodomania
Thick and creamy protein-rich soup.
Get the recipe here: Vegetarian Red Lentil Soup
Foodomania
Green rice with veggies. Enough said.
Get the recipe here: Arroz Verde
Chilean Food and Garden
Melt in your mouth cornstarch cookies.
Get the recipe here: Peruvian Cornstarch Alfajores
Chilean Food and Garden
A traditional recipe for Argentinian Medialunas or sweet croissants.
Get the recipe here: Argentinian Medialunas
Mexican Made Meatless
Ceviche (or cebiche) is believed to have originated in the country of Peru, but it’s a common dish throughout many Latin American countries. This is a no-fish, vegetarian recipe
Get the recipe here: Cauliflower Ceviche
Muy Bueno Cookbook
A hearty combination of homemade refried beans, savory ham, and fried eggs topped with salsa and cheese are cooked together in a casserole for the perfect baked breakfast.
Get the recipe here: Cazuela de Huevos Rancheros
One Happy Housewife
Honduran Red Beans and Rice or Casamiento is a delicious Honduran dish served in most homes in Honduras. It's a flavorful food that can be enjoyed as a side dish or main meal. It's a perfect way to use red beans after making a pot of them.
Get the recipe here: Honduran Red Beans and Rice
Peru Delights
Pureeing legumes this way, and adding cheese to them, letting it completely melt and dissolve into the purée, is a great way to get kids to eat this healthy food.
Get the recipe here: Puré de Pallares – Silky Lima Beans Purée
Pinch of Yum
This is homemade Chipotle sofritas at its finest.
Get the recipe here: Spicy Sofritas Tofu
Simple Veganista
Black Bean Tortas with avocado, cabbage, red bell pepper and delicious creamy sriracha sauce is healthy, quick and easy!
Get the recipe here: Avocado and Black Bean Tortas
The Noshery
A classic plantain recipe filled with a bunch of spices and fillings.
Get the recipe here: Sweet Plantain Canoes
Foodomania
Vegetarian Bean Chili is just the kind of healthy, comfort-food that you can imagine yourself having every night! Made with legumes, corn, and a whole bunch of seasonal vegetables, this one-pot dish is a crowd-pleaser!
Get the recipe here: Vegetarian Bean Chili
Chilean Food and Garden
The “Chancho en Piedra” is a classic Chilean salsa recipe, always prepared in a mortar or molcajete to achieve the right texture.
Get the recipe here: Chancho en Piedra
Vegan Huggs
Vegan Ajiaco is a satisfying, one-pot meal that is made with 3 types of potatoes and served with sliced avocado, capers, and tangy cream.
Get the recipe here: Vegan Ajiaco Soup
cocinadefillo.kitchen
Toast with garbanzos, shaved shallots and radishes, and some micro greens or herbs
Get the recipe here: Black Bean Tapas
Yum Vegan Lunch Ideas
This is the perfect cross between a taco and sandwich and it’s basically the best thing ever.
Get the recipe here: Vegan Tortas with BBW Seitan Ribs
Minimalist Baker
“Chilaquiles” is an ancient Aztec word meaning “chilis and greens”. And it is believed that the dish dates back to Central Mexico and early Aztec times.
Get the recipe here: Chipotle Tofu Chilaquiles
Half Baked Harvest
Instead of the traditional three milks (heavy cream, evaporated, and sweetened condensed milk), this recipe calls for cinnamon, rice milk, coconut milk, and sweetened condensed milk for a Horchata-style tres leches cake that’s delicious.
Get the recipe here: Dirty Horchata Tres Leches Cake
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