50 essential Latin American recipes

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October 1, 2021
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50 essential Latin American recipes

More than 20 countries or territories comprise Latin America over an area that is 95% larger than the United States. Culinary styles over such a huge swath of land, which includes Puerto Rico, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, is inevitably varied. 

Latin American cuisine has been heavily influenced by Native American populations (notably the use of corn and beans as staples) as well as African, European, and Asian cooking styles. The food is as varied and rich as Latin American culture, with something to suit every taste.

Stacker compiled a list of Latin American recipes from Allrecipes. From classics like tacos and fried plantains to more advanced recipes to impress guests with at your next dinner party, keep reading to find a great recipe to try out for your next meal

Arroz Tapado (Rice-On-Top)

- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 55 mins
- Additional: 15 mins
- Total: 90 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 21
- Read more about the recipe here

Colombian Aji

- Prep: 10 mins
- Total: 10 mins
- Servings: 16
- Yield: 2 cup
- Number of ingredients: 7
- Read more about the recipe here

Cubanos Frijoles

- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 40 mins
- Total: 55 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
- Read more about the recipe here

Cochinita Pibil

- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 2 hrs
- Total: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 12
- Read more about the recipe here

Feijoada de Domingo (Sunday Bean Stew)

- Prep: 45 mins
- Cook: 3 hrs 7 mins
- Total: 3 hrs 52 mins
- Servings: 10
- Yield: 10 servings
- Number of ingredients: 18
- Read more about the recipe here

Chef John's Cuban Sandwich

- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 6 mins
- Total: 21 mins
- Servings: 2
- Yield: 2 large sandwiches
- Number of ingredients: 9
- Read more about the recipe here

Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding)

- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Additional: 30 mins
- Total: 80 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 6
- Read more about the recipe here

Tostones (Fried Plantains)

- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Total: 35 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 2 dozen
- Number of ingredients: 4
- Read more about the recipe here

Puerto Rican Tostones (Fried Plantains)

- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 10 mins
- Total: 20 mins
- Servings: 2
- Yield: 2 servings
- Number of ingredients: 4
- Read more about the recipe here

The Real Mojito

- Prep: 10 mins
- Total: 10 mins
- Servings: 1
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Number of ingredients: 6
- Read more about the recipe here

Tres Leches (Milk Cake)

- Servings: 24
- Yield: 1 -9x13 inch cake
- Number of ingredients: 12
- Read more about the recipe here

Abuela's Picadillo

- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 1 hr 7 mins
- Total: 1 hr 22 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 19
- Read more about the recipe here

Alfajores Argentinean Style

- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 10 mins
- Additional: 40 mins
- Total: 80 mins
- Servings: 36
- Yield: 3 dozen cookies
- Number of ingredients: 13
- Read more about the recipe here

Lomo Saltado (Peruvian Steak Stir-Fry)

- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Additional: 1 hr
- Total: 1 hr 50 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 15
- Read more about the recipe here

The Real Mojito

- Prep: 10 mins
- Total: 10 mins
- Servings: 1
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Number of ingredients: 6
- Read more about the recipe here

White Chicken Enchilada Slow-Cooker Casserole

- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 4 hrs
- Total: 4 hrs 30 mins
- Servings: 10
- Yield: 10 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
- Read more about the recipe here

Easy Tamale Casserole

- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 35 mins
- Total: 55 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
- Read more about the recipe here

Fajita Seasoning

- Prep: 5 mins
- Total: 5 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 3 tablespoons
- Number of ingredients: 9
- Read more about the recipe here

Easy Mexican Casserole

- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Total: 50 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 9
- Read more about the recipe here

Mexican Rice II

- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Total: 30 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 7
- Read more about the recipe here

Homemade Flour Tortillas

- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Total: 60 mins
- Servings: 24
- Yield: 2 dozen
- Number of ingredients: 5
- Read more about the recipe here

Quick and Easy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole

- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 1 hr 30 mins
- Total: 1 hr 60 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 6
- Read more about the recipe here

Authentic Mexican Chili Rellenos

- Prep: 25 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Additional: 15 mins
- Total: 60 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 6
- Read more about the recipe here

Easy Enchilada Casserole

- Servings: 9
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- Number of ingredients: 8
- Read more about the recipe here

Chili Rellenos Casserole

- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Total: 60 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 8
- Read more about the recipe here

Best Beef Enchiladas

- Prep: 25 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Total: 45 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 16
- Read more about the recipe here

Chicken Quesadillas

- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Total: 55 mins
- Servings: 20
- Yield: 20 servings
- Number of ingredients: 10
- Read more about the recipe here

Ground Turkey Taco Meat

- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 16 mins
- Total: 26 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 2 cups
- Number of ingredients: 12
- Read more about the recipe here

Authentic Mole Sauce

- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Additional: 10 mins
- Total: 60 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 1 quart mole sauce
- Number of ingredients: 22
- Read more about the recipe here

Ten Minute Enchilada Sauce

- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Total: 25 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 9
- Read more about the recipe here

Churros

- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 10 mins
- Total: 20 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 8
- Read more about the recipe here

Lisa's Favorite Carne Asada Marinade

- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 10 mins
- Additional: 1 day
- Total: 1 day
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups marinade
- Number of ingredients: 14
- Read more about the recipe here

Hot Tamale Pie

- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 1 hr 10 mins
- Total: 1 hr 30 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 1 9x13 casserole
- Number of ingredients: 13
- Read more about the recipe here

Chicken Enchiladas I

- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Additional: 30 mins
- Total: 90 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 16
- Read more about the recipe here

Sarah's Easy Shredded Chicken Taco Filling

- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Additional: 10 mins
- Total: 40 mins
- Servings: 3
- Yield: 3 servings
- Number of ingredients: 6
- Read more about the recipe here

3 Cheese Enchiladas

- Prep: 40 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Total: 60 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 6
- Read more about the recipe here

Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones estilo Mexicano)

- Prep: 45 mins
- Additional: 1 hr
- Total: 1 hr 45 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 14
- Read more about the recipe here

Caldo de Res (Mexican Beef Soup)

- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 2 hrs
- Total: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 19
- Read more about the recipe here

Best Black Beans

- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 5 mins
- Total: 15 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 6
- Read more about the recipe here

5-Ingredient Mexican Casserole

- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Total: 30 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 5
- Read more about the recipe here

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Total: 50 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 6
- Read more about the recipe here

Quick and Easy 4-Ingredient Enchiladas

- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Additional: 15 mins
- Total: 70 mins
- Servings: 9
- Yield: 1 9x13-inch baking dish
- Number of ingredients: 4
- Read more about the recipe here

One Skillet Mexican Quinoa

- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Total: 40 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 15
- Read more about the recipe here

Pico De Gallo

- Prep: 20 mins
- Additional: 30 mins
- Total: 50 mins
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 servings
- Number of ingredients: 8
- Read more about the recipe here

Tomatillo Salsa Verde

- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Total: 25 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 9
- Read more about the recipe here

Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pao de Queijo)

- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Additional: 10 mins
- Total: 40 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 breads
- Number of ingredients: 8
- Read more about the recipe here

Enchiladas Verdes

- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Total: 60 mins
- Servings: 9
- Yield: 9 enchiladas
- Number of ingredients: 12
- Read more about the recipe here

Pantry Raid Chicken Enchilada Casserole

- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Total: 60 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
- Number of ingredients: 12
- Read more about the recipe here

Beef Birria

- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 3 hrs 40 mins
- Additional: 6 hrs
- Total: 9 hrs 70 mins
- Servings: 10
- Yield: 10 servings
- Number of ingredients: 22
- Read more about the recipe here

Mexican Quesadilla Casserole

- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Additional: 5 mins
- Total: 45 mins
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
- Number of ingredients: 15
- Read more about the recipe here

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