It is no secret that Hispanic dishes are now very popular in the United States of America. A very good example is Tacos. This food has become so popular that many American families have taco Tuesdays.
Interestingly, although Hispanic meals are being consumed by Americans, very few know about the history of this people group. Click here to learn more about Hispanic history. Furthermore, there are other popular dishes apart from tacos that have become integrated into American cuisines.
Therefore, in this article, we will look at the popular dishes that have their origins in Hispanic countries. Let’s get started…
1. Tacos
Of course what else would we have started this list with? Tacos are a traditional Mexican cuisine that is loved by many. It is regarded as comfort food that is best enjoyed by other persons. Hence, many have integrated it as the go-to meal during family bonding times.
The soft shells of corn tortillas were used to make the original Mexican tacos. After the meal is prepared, it is expected to be eaten immediately. The hard shells we have come to know these days came into existence around the 1940s. The reason behind this invention was to make tacos more portable and longer preserved.
You can integrate this food into different cuisines. Hence, it is not strange to find different varieties such as vegan jackfruit tacos, kimchi tacos, and grilled tuna tacos. You could choose to go for the traditional varieties which include tacos de barbacoa (shredded lamb, goat, or beef), or tacos al pastor (marinated sliced pork). The tacos you get from fast-food restaurants are usually packed with sour cream and cheese. Although they can be very delicious, many still prefer the original version that is made using fresh and simple ingredients.
2. Tortilla Espanola
The translation of the name of this food simply means “Spanish Tortilla”. It is also called a Spanish omelet. A few people even refer to it as a potato omelet. Whatever, the name you choose to call it, this food is well-loved across the country of Spain and is equally receiving love in North America.
The Tortilla Espanola is made from a combination of potatoes, eggs, and onions. If you want to make it, you will have to make a filling of potatoes that are thinly sliced and sautéed onions that are then wrapped with beaten eggs. This Spanish omelet could be thin or thick depending on your preference.
You can serve this dish at any time and it can be eaten either when it is hot or when it is cold. The Tortilla Espanola can serve as a snack, tapa, or main entrée.
3. Tostones
Tostones also called Patacones are very famous in Caribbean and Latin America cuisines. This food is usually eaten as a side dish during dinner. They can also serve as a late-night snack as they are usually sold by street vendors at night.
Tostones are made from unripe plantains that you have to fry twice. Before frying it, you will have to slice it, fry it, and then press it using a tostonera press or any flat surface such as a plate’s bottom. You can check online to get more information about the tostonera press and what its uses are. After pressing the plantains, you will then place them in a water mixture of lime and garlic. After this, you will then fry the plantains again before sprinkling them with salt.
This food can be served with any other meal as they are very versatile. The limitation to the various combinations you can integrate this food into is just your creativity and imagination.
4. Empanadas
This delicious meal is made from pastry shells that have been stuffed with different filling savory ingredients that you either fry or bake until it is golden. They are usually crescent-shaped.
In Argentina, this food is made using flour-based dough which is then filled with a mixture of meats and onions, peppers, or olives. However, in Belize, they are made using corn-based dough known as masa which is filled with chicken, fish, or beans. The preparation of empanadas is unique to each region or country; hence, the reason for the varieties that you might come across.
If you want to make this dish, you need to flatten the round dough, and then put a spoonful filling on the edge of the dough. You will then fold it with the stuffing inside. The edges will have to be crimped to give it that crescent shape. After that, you will fry the pastry until it is slightly crispy with a soft interior but flaky exterior.
5. Arepas
These unleavened cornmeal cakes can be made by grilling, baking, or frying. You can either serve them whole or top them with salsa fresco and melted cheese. Another preparation method you can use is to simply stuff them like you would sandwiches. Hence, you can fill them with all sorts of ingredients. Original arepas come in different varieties that have toppings such as milk curds (cujada), cheese, meat, beans, or avocado.
The origin of arepas can be traced back to the South American pre-Colombian northern region. This region includes present-day Columbia and Venezuela. Learn more about arepas. These cornmeal cakes have become a family tradition in most Columbian households and can be eaten at any time of the day.
6. Tajadas
While tostones are made from unripe plantains, tajadas are made from ripe plantains. This is one of the easiest foods on this list to prepare. All you need is a ripe plantain that the skin has turned black. You then diagonally cut the plantain to get long slices. After this, you then fry it until it is golden.
This food is eaten by many Caribbean and Latin American countries such as Honduras, Columbia, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. It is also eaten in Cuba where it is called maduros. Tajadas can be eaten as a dessert, or alongside entries such as fried chicken or port. You can also eat it as a side dish.
Conclusion
Hispanic foods are gaining popularity across the globe and this article has listed and discussed some of the most popular ones.