Dive into the delicious realm of Latin cooking brimming with tasty, nutritious, and delightful vegan goodies.
Latins (Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian dishes) are all about combining different flavors from around the world.
While some are spicy and hearty, others are sweet, nutty, and fruity.
If you’re looking to get in touch with your inner Latina, check out these recipes!
You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to incorporate Latin ingredients into your home cooking.
Ready?
Let’s dive in!
1. Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
Mexican rice is another fantastic side that’s a breeze to prepare.
It’s kind of like a simple, but healthy, version of fried rice.
The only difference is that it’s cooked in lard and doesn’t have any eggs or milk in the mix.
You can make this in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Simply reheat using some water and oil, then add your fresh toppings.
2. Empanadas De Pino
This recipe is a Spanish classic that you’ll definitely want to try!
Empanadas de pino are spicy meaty turnovers filled with ground beef and cheese.
They’re covered in a sweet and savory sauce that makes every bite even more delicious.
The best part?
You can make them ahead of time, so they are ready whenever you need them.
3. Galinhada
Galinhada is a typical Brazilian dessert, and it’s also known as kugel.
It basically consists of a sweet pastry shell filled with either fruit compote or jam.
The filling is usually made from sugar, condensed milk, water, and dried fruits.
Galinhada can be served warm or cold.
4. Ultimate Ropa Vieja
In Latin America, ropa vieja is a dish of shredded pork served in a tomato broth.
It’s made using two types of meat; skinless chicken thighs and fatty pork.
The broth comes from the addition of tomatoes, onions, garlic, black pepper, olive oil, bay leaves, paprika, dried oregano and thyme.
All this will cook to perfection in your slow cooker!
5. Arroz Chaufa (Peruvian Fried Rice)
Arroz chaufa is always a hit at our weekly Wednesday night dinners, and it’s not hard to see why.
The rice is pan-fried golden brown, which makes it extra delicious.
And the fried eggs are so crispy on the outside that you’ll want seconds.
If you want to make this dish extra filling, try pairing it with some veggies like carrot or green bean slices or leftover meat.
You can also add in some cheese for extra cheesy flavor.
6. Easy Tamales Recipe
Tamales are a Mexican tradition that’s been around since the Spanish colonized Mexico.
They’re basically deep-fried corn tortillas filled with shredded chicken and other ingredients.
This tamale is made from ground beef, chopped onions, and green chilies.
It’s then wrapped in a cornhusk dough pack to make it even more delicious.
The filling is already packed with flavor, but you can add whatever you like to make it even more flavorful!
7. Brazilian Cheese Puffs
Ah, the Portuguese pastries.
These are at the top of my list and could be your new favorite breakfast item.
The dough is super soft, so it’s perfect for a quick bite.
The filling is marinated in garlic and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
It’s not just the taste that makes these such hits, but their texture as well.
8. Carne Guisada (Latin Beef Stew)
Carne guisada is a thick and hearty stew that’s full of Latin flavors.
It’s savory, spicy, and packed with so much flavor you can enjoy it as a main or side dish.
The meat is topped with succulent potatoes and plenty of herbs and spices to add even more richness and flavor.
This recipe has such a phenomenal combination of textures, too.
It’s perfectly cooked in a rich broth while the meat is falling-off-the-bone tender.
Plus, most people don’t know that this stew takes less than an hour to make!
9. Cuban Stuffed Peppers
Cuban stuffed peppers are a delicious way to show off all that is Cuban.
They’re also a wonderful appetizer for any big game or special occasion.
The filling is composed of rice, chicken, and vegetables in an amazing sauce of tomato sauce and diced onions.
It’s served on a bed of lettuce leaves with the tails touching and filled with rice.
These stuffed peppers are bursting with flavor!
10. Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Grilled corn is a Mexican institution and this recipe makes it even more appealing.
Seasoned with lime, chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, there’s nothing bland about it.
But wait there’s more! Grated jalapeño and red pepper flakes add another spicy kick to the mix.
11. Crispy Salted Tostones
For a super sweet and salty treat, try salted tostones.
Salted tostadas are a quintessential Tex-Mex side dish that’s cool and crunchy.
And the best part?
They only require five ingredients!
Just combine corn tortillas with saltines, chopped jalapeños, sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice.
Pop them in the oven until golden brown and crunchy.
12. Paçoca (Brazilian Peanut Candy)
Paçoca is a traditional Brazilian candy that’s made from peanuts, sugar, and sometimes anise.
It’s a little crunchy, slightly sweet, and full of flavor.
This recipe calls for two types of peanut to make it more intense.
However, you can use any type you like.
Just be sure they’re not too soft!
I love this with some chopped nuts or caramel on the bottom.
13. Best Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Tres leches cake is a not-so-sweet, but super creamy dessert that’s perfect for the cooler months.
Its combination of sugar, condensed milk, and vanilla ensures it’s insanely sweet without being overly so.
It’s best served with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream on top.
This is also a great recipe to make ahead of time so you can enjoy it all year long.
Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the freezer until ready to serve!
14. BEST Churros Recipe
Churros are crunchy and sweet, but they’re also perfect for a crowd.
They’re not too sweet and not too spicy, which is just what you need in the evening.
The best way to make these is to dip them in melted butter right before serving.
Not only will this ensure that they’re delicious and super crispy, but it will add a lovely golden color to them that you can’t get with deep-fried ones.
And if you want an extra special treat, try dipping your churros into chocolate sauce or salted caramel!
15. Romeo And Juliet
As far as adaptations go, Romeo and Juliet has some of the best ones.
This phenomenal adaptation is about a couple who get torn apart by their families.
Fortunately, they can forgive each other and move on.
It’s also about what love does for people: it brings out the best in them.
If you think Romeo and Juliet only applies to young lovers, think again! This one has both genders involved in the story.
There are several traditional versions of this tale.
Some have better literary qualities than others, but all are fantastic reads.
16. Arroz Con Tres Leches
Arroz con Tres Leches is a delicious rice pudding loaded with rich coconut milk.
It’s light and refreshing, but it doesn’t skimp on the flavor.
This recipe includes rice, lime juice, sugar, and coconut for extra sweetness.
Serve this warm dessert as an after-dinner treat or with a tasty meal.
It’ll be sure to make your mouth water!
17. Brazilian Chocolate Fudge Truffles (Brigadeiros)
Brigadeiro is a very popular fudge made with chocolate, condensed milk, and marshmallow.
It’s an extremely rich dessert that’s ideal for when you want something sweet and light.
The only problem is finding enough to make a whole batch!
Luckily, this recipe has you covered by using the same ingredients as in the original recipe.
The only difference is instead of making truffles from scratch, you’ll use ready-made chocolate chips.
I love having them in my freezer so I can make these whenever I need something quick and easy.
18. Mango ceviche
This festive dish is perfect for brunch or a spring party.
Slurp it up with a big smile!
It’s an elegant dish that uses fresh mangoes and fiery cayenne pepper.
It’s so good, you won’t believe it came together in one pan.
I like to serve this with a slaw on the side as a bright contrast to the richness of the fish.
19. Vegan Ajiaco Soup
Just because you’re vegan doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the magic of a traditional soup.
If you want to try one, this is the recipe to do it!
It’s got plenty of protein and nutrients, thanks in part to the tofu.
It also has smoky flavors from the chilis and Chipotle powder.
The best part?
You can make it all on your own.
The hardest thing is remembering to buy some noodles!
20. Cauliflower Ceviche
Cauliflower ceviche is another super simple dish that’s great for making ahead.
If you love the flavor profile of ceviche, but don’t have access to fresh fish, this recipe is an excellent alternative.
The key to getting a smooth texture out of the cauliflower chunks is to cook them right before serving.
That way, the florets won’t become mushy when they hit your tongue.
21. Easy Vegan Picadillo
Picadillo is a meatless Monday staple that’s actually quite tasty.
This vegan version features ground beef and vegetables simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce.
It’s loaded with peppers, onions, garlic, kale, and tomatoes.
All you need to do is chop it up.
If you don’t have any kale on hand, try using regular spinach instead.
You won’t miss the leaves at all!
22. Chipotle Tofu Chilaquiles
A little bit of everything in one dish?
You bet!
These chilaquiles are loaded with cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and a lot of other seasonings.
The tofu is browned and then pan-fried until crispy on the outside.
Then it’s tossed in a sauce made with chipotle and tomato paste.
It may not be “chipotles” but this recipe gives you the same flavor without the pricey ingredients.
23. Puerto Rican Habichuelas Guisadas
If you’re looking for a way to add some spice to your meal, try this recipe!
The Habichuelas Guisadas are flavorful, and they make the perfect side dish.
The roasted pork is seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg and served with rice, beans, plantains, and pickled onions.
It’s delicious, it’s colorful, it’s unforgettable!
24. Spanish Vegan Stew
This is a simple stew made with tomatoes, squash, onions, carrots, garlic, and spices.
It’s perfect for cold winter nights when you need something to warm your belly up.
The ingredients are combined in a slow cooker and simmered until everything has broken down and melded together into one delicious stew.
This dish is ready in just 30 minutes.
It tastes even better the next day.
24 Latin Food Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 lb. raw shrimp medium
- ¼ cup red onion
- ⅔ cup lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 mangos
- 1 vine ripe tomato
- 3 tablespoon jalapeño pepper
- ¼ cup cilantro
Instructions
- Make sure the shrimp is deveined, skinned, and frozen before chopping it into bite-sized pieces on a cutting board. Combine it with the onion, lime juice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a big bowl.
- The shrimp will turn from raw to cooked after spending 30 minutes in the lime juice.
- Next, add the remaining salt to the bowl and toss in the mango, tomato, jalapeo, cilantro, and mango.
- Enjoy your favorite tortilla or plantain chips with the ceviche!
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Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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