Latin Food 101: The Basic Ingredients
Latin Food 101: The Basic Ingredients
Latin food is a culinary adventure that constantly surprises us. It combines a range of ingredients and flavors from South and Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. This type of cuisine is characterized by its vibrant colors, bold spices, and complex textures.
In this article, we'll explore the basics of Latin food ingredients, flavors, and the story behind the cuisine. We hope to get you as excited for it as we are to make it every day
A Bit of Story Behind Latin Food
Latin food is steeped in history and tradition. Many dishes have been passed down from generation to generation and have deep cultural significance. Latin food is known for combining ancient processes, and unique flavor mixes that create timeless dishes. As the culture evolves, the dishes preserve their origins while adapting to meet new needs.
The way in which traditional flavors have been created hints at the time when people made use of every single thing at hand. Every plant, every grain, and every flower was tested. The ancient combinations of sour and salty, or spice and sweet continue to be present in these dishes today.
One great example of this is Tamales. This is a traditional Mesoamerican dish that has been enjoyed for thousands of years. Tamales are made by wrapping masa (a dough made from corn) around a filling and then steaming the bundle. The filling can be savory and sweet, which makes for a versatile food that changes throughout the region.
Tamales were originally prepared as portable food for warriors and travelers and were a way to sustain themselves during long journeys. As time has passed, tamales serve the same function in a modern context. They're the preferred food for construction and manual workers with long hours in countries like Mexico.
The Core Ingredients of Latin Food
Latin cuisine is rooted in the use of fresh, natural ingredients that have been staples of the region for centuries. These ingredients form the backbone of many Latin dishes and create a cuisine that is rich and complex.
Core ingredients of Latin Food include
Rice is a staple ingredient in Latin cuisine. From the side dish to the base for the main course, rice offers density to food.
For example, in Cuba, Arroz con Pollo (Rice with Chicken) combines chicken and rice together with a variety of seasonings and spices. In Puerto Rico, Arroz con Gandules is a popular dish made with pigeon peas, rice, and pork.
Beans are used constantly to add texture and flavor to dishes. Black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans are among the most commonly used types of beans in Latin cuisine.
In Mexico, Frijoles Refritos (Refried Beans) are made by mashing cooked beans with lard and seasonings. They are usually served as a side for the main meal or used as the base for other traditional dishes like Sopes or Molletes.
In Cuba, black beans are often served with rice as a side dish or as a filling for a popular dish called Moros y Cristianos.
Plantains are starchy fruit that is used in a variety of dishes both savory and sweet. The versatility to be prepared in many ways, including frying, boiling, or roasting makes for an easy ingredient to add to savor.
In the Caribbean, Tostones are a popular snack made from twice-fried green plantains. In Puerto Rico, Mofongo is a popular dish made by mashing fried plantains with garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings.
Peppers add the spice Latin food is commonly known for. They come in a range of varieties, from sweet to tolerable spice to extra spicy, such as Jalapeño, Habanero, and Poblano peppers.
In Mexico, Jalapeño peppers are a popular ingredient in salsas, and Poblano peppers are often used in the traditional dish Chiles Rellenos. In the Caribbean, Habanero peppers are a popular ingredient in hot sauces.
Corn is a staple as an ingredient for dough, and to add by itself to dishes. Roasted, steamed, or fried, yellow but mostly white corn is used in the region.
In Colombia, Arepas are a popular snack made by cooking ground cornmeal patties on a griddle and filled with meat or cheese. Tamales as mentioned before are made with corn dough throughout the region.
Meat is an important ingredient in Latin cuisine and is often present in most main dishes. Beef, chicken, pork, and fish are among the most commonly used meats in Latin cuisine. In Argentina, Asado is a popular dish made by grilling beef over an open flame.
In the Caribbean, Jerk Chicken is a popular dish made by marinating chicken in a mixture of spices and then grilling it over an open flame.
While there are many other ingredients that go into Latin Food cuisine, it is possible to find all of these in most any dish you try. With a rich history and cultural significance, Latin food is more than just food; it's a story that unfolds on your plate.
If you're looking for some Latin food in Florida, we have what you're looking for. At Santiago's, we bring the flavor to your table, or to your event! Get in touch with us
