Traditional Latin American Recipes to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (2024)

There are many great ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15. In addition to reflecting on our unique Hispanic history and culture, the month is also a fun time to celebrate through food. I am sharing a great variety of easy traditional Latin American Recipes that are ideal for celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

Traditional Latin American Recipes

You’ll love these ten delicious recipes from different Latina-American countries. Perfect for celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, these easy recipes are a fantastic way to start conversations about Latino culture and learn more about each of these countries.

Plantain and Cheese Empanadas from Honduras – Global Table Adventure

Sweet and crispy, these plantain turnovers are sure to become your new favorite Latina American recipe. Filled with ooey-gooey melted cheese these empanadas are the stuff of dreams.

You will not believe how amazing the combination of the sweet plantain and melted cheese is! I assure you that you will not be able to have just one, you’ll want more and more of these so make sure to make a large batch!

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Costa Rican Easy Arroz con Pollo Recipe – PuraVidaMoms

Arroz con pollo is a popular dish in many Latin American countries. However, this version from Costa Rica is easy to make and sure to be a hit with everyone in the family.

This arroz con pollo combines traditional Costa Rican white rice, shredded chicken, and traditional Costa Rican spices to make one of Costa Rica’s most popular dishes. And the best part is that it makes for a great and easy weekday dinner recipe that is sure to become a favorite!

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Jocón Chicken Stew from Guatemala | Growing Up Bilingual

This healthy cilantro and tomatillo chicken stew is a traditional Mayan Guatemalan dish. Try this mouthwatering recipe for Pollo en Jocón on a cold fall or winter night.

I love this recipe because, besides its fresh and tangy flavor, it’s very healthy and easy to make. I have no doubt that it will become one of your go-to cold-weather comfort foods!

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Pressure Cooker Pork Carnitas from Mexico | This Old Gal

I love Mexican carnitas! This pressure cooker (or instant pot) version of Mexican carnitas is so easy to make.

Crispy yet deliciously moist and full of deep and complex flavors, carnitas are one of my favorite Mexican foods. You can use carnitas to make tacos or enchiladas or even eat them on their own.

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Puerto Rican Arroz con Gandules – ModernMami

This easy one-pot dish is made with a combination of rice and pigeon peas. Arroz con gandules is the quintessential Puerto Rican comfort food.

Traditionally served on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve), Arroz con gandules is also a big hit for a family get-together or just for your everyday weeknight dinner. This is another recipe that is sure to become a family favorite.

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Choco Flan | Living Sweet Moments

Flan originated in Europe and was brought to America by the Spanish. It has become one of the most widespread desserts in Latin America.

Moist and delicious, this easy Latin cake is a heavenly combination of flan and chocolate cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce. It is the perfect Latin American dessert for any Hispanic Heritage month celebration.

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Colombian Pandebono Cheese Bread Recipe | CoolMomsCoolTips

Pandebonos are an everyday staple at breakfast or snack times in Colombia. Is a traditional Colombian cheese bread made with corn flour and cassava starch.

Undoubtedly, this cheese bread is a crowd-pleaser as well as the highlight of many festivities and holidays alike. This delicious dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also gluten-free.

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Instant Pot Refried Beans | Allergy Free Alaska

Refried beans are one of the most well-known Mexican dishes. However, you might not know thatrefried beans are also popular in other Latin American countries, especially Central America.

This easy instant pot recipe is ready in minutes, so enjoy these flavorful pinto beans over rice, in tortillas, or however, you desire.

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Venezuelan Gluten Free Crispy Plantain Arepas | LivingSweetMoments

Arepas are usually made from white corn and are extremely popular in Venezuela and Colombia, where they eat them every day. Yet, this recipe for plantain arepas takes this delicious dish to a whole new level.

Personally, I think that these plantain arepas are even better than the corn arepas.

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a touch of little sweetness, you can eat them on their own or split them to make a sandwich.

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Chilean Baked Lamb Empanadas | Growing Up Bilingual

This delicious empanadas recipe will soon turn into one of your favorite foods. Many Latin American countries have a savory or sweet pastry-filled version of this dish.

Here is a recipe for the most traditional Chilean empanadas filled with ground meat, olives, and raisins, topped with a slice of hard-boiled egg. The combination of the sweet and savory flavors in these empanadas is so delicious and unique!

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Try these popular Latin foods and I am sure you will not be disappointed! Each country has its unique specialties, and every dish is filled with incredible flavors. These traditional Latin American recipes are ideal to commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month. Cook them as a family and enjoy learning about the culture of these countries through their food and flavors.

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Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

Paula moved from her native Guatemala to SW Florida with her husband and two children and together they are discovering what it means to live life between two languages.

Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .

When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.

Latest posts by Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz (see all)

  • Guatemalan Dulce de Chilacayote Recipe (Crystalized Chilacayote Candy) - February 26, 2024
  • Guatemalan Naranjas en Miel Recipe (Candied Oranges Recipe) - February 25, 2024
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Traditional Latin American Recipes to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (2024)

FAQs

What are some traditional foods for Hispanic Heritage Month? ›

What are some of the most popular dishes served during Hispanic Heritage Month? Some of the most popular dishes served during Hispanic Heritage Month are traditional favorites like tacos, enchiladas, tamales, arroz con pollo and flan.

What are some traditions for Hispanic Heritage Month? ›

During Hispanic Heritage Month, many cities will host concerts, parades, runs, festivals, art exhibits, and more in celebration. You can also celebrate by watching awards shows that honor the many accomplishments of Latinas and Latinos and their contributions to our nation's history.

What is traditional Hispanic food? ›

The ingredients in traditional Hispanic foods are fresh and vibrant. Ingredients such as beans, cheese, onion, tomatoes, limes, and garlic are layered together to create deeply flavorful dishes including empanadas, arepas, tacos, maduros, ceviche, and paella.

How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month respectfully? ›

A few of our favorite Hispanic Heritage Month activities for work:
  1. Host a virtual potluck.
  2. Learn Spanish with your team.
  3. Start a Hispanic Heritage Month book club.
  4. Explore Latinx food and drinks.
  5. Learn a Salsa dance together.
  6. Test your team's knowledge with “Find the Flag”

What are 5 things about Hispanic Heritage Month? ›

Hispanic Heritage Month Facts
  • National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15.
  • The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson.
  • It was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period.
  • It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.

Why is family and food important for Hispanic Heritage Month? ›

The bond between family and food in Latin and Spanish cultures is undeniable. These two elements intersect in myriad ways, reinforcing the importance of both. For many, preparing traditional dishes is an act of love and devotion to family. The effort and care put into cooking are tangible expressions of affection.

What is the difference between Latino and Hispanic? ›

Hispanic refers to a person with ancestry from a country whose primary language is Spanish. Latino and its variations refer to a person with origins from anywhere in Latin America (Mexico, South and Central America) and the Caribbean.

What is the most famous Hispanic dish? ›

The tortilla shells are usually filled with a variety of vegetables, meats, chicken, cheese, and even seafood if you are feeling fancy. You can pretty much put anything in it and call it a taco. It is perhaps the most popular Hispanic food that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world.

What are traditional Latin America foods? ›

The 7 Best Latin American Dishes – Rich, Diverse, and Authentic
  • Tacos – Mexico.
  • Empanadas – Argentina.
  • Ceviche – Peru.
  • Feijoada – Brazil.
  • Arepas – Venezuela & Colombia.
  • Pupusas – El Salvador.
  • Gallo Pinto – Costa Rica & Nicaragua.
  • Embracing Latin America's Culinary Richness.
Jun 29, 2023

What food best represents Hispanic culture? ›

However, some dishes have undergone some changes due to the variety of Hispanic culture, so a brief comparison with the authentic recipes will also be discussed.
  • Empanadas: Spain, Portugal and Mesoamerica. ...
  • Paella: Spain. ...
  • Tortilla Soup: Mexican. ...
  • Gallo Pinto: Costa Rica. ...
  • Taco: Mexico. ...
  • Spanish Omelet: Spain. ...
  • Tamales: Mesoamerica.
Jan 4, 2024

What foods are eaten during the Hispanic Heritage Month? ›

National Hispanic Heritage Month: 5 countries, 5 dishes, 1...
  • Enchiladas de Pollo (Mexico)
  • Ropa Vieja (Cuba)
  • Baleadas (Honduras)
  • Ceviche de Camarones (Ecuador)
  • Lomo Saltado (Peru)

What are 4 key foods that are important to the Latin American cuisine? ›

Some of the most foundational ingredients across Latin America are beans, corn, rice, squash, tomatoes, and peppers.

What is a stereotypical Hispanic food? ›

Hispanic cuisine has become increasingly popular among Americans, capturing their hearts and appearing on menus across the nation. Dishes like tacos, quesadillas, tres leches cake, and margaritas are classic crowd favorites.

What Hispanic food is a holiday tradition? ›

Mexican Christmas food spans enchiladas, pozole, tamales, and plenty of desserts. These are our favorite recipes for flavorful versions of those dishes from Mexican chefs, along with a few festive drinks. Start a tamale making tradition, warm up with pozole this winter, and enjoy enchiladas everyone will love.

What is traditional Spanish food? ›

Spanish chefs often draw inspiration from the rich culinary heritage of the country. Traditional dishes like paella, gazpacho, and jamón ibérico continue to be celebrated, but with a contemporary twist.

What are popular Mexican dishes? ›

Top 20 Mexican foods to try
  • Tacos al pastor. These tacos are made with marinated pork that is cooked on a spit and then sliced thin. ...
  • Enchiladas. These rolled tortillas are filled with meat or cheese and topped with a flavourful sauce. ...
  • Tamales. ...
  • Chiles rellenos. ...
  • Pozole. ...
  • Guacamole. ...
  • Sopaipillas. ...
  • Tortas.
Jan 29, 2023

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