Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with recipes from around the world 🌎🪅

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with recipes from around the world 🌎🪅

Established by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, the 15th of September to the 15th of October marks a month long tribute to Hispanic and Latin Americans, celebrating their influence on American history and culture.

Here at Cookpad, we want to celebrate the rich and diverse selection of Hispanic foods cooked in American households across the country!

What’s the difference between Latino and Hispanic?

Often used interchangeably, these two terms actually mean very different things! Hispanic relates to language, and refers to people and culture descended from Spanish-speaking countries, such as Mexico and Spain, as well as Spanish-speaking Latin American countries and Caribbean territories.

On the other hand, Latino, Latina or Latinx are terms that relate to geography rather than language, and refer to the people and culture related to Latin American countries, including Mexico, Cuba and Brazil, but not Spain.

But enough with semantics… let’s get cooking with some traditional dishes from Hispanic countries around the world! 🌎

Spain 🇪🇸

It was early explorers and colonisers from Spain that began the spread of Spanish language, culture and food to the Americas, mixing with native flavors and ingredients. Nowadays, traditional Spanish dishes can be found across the United States, including the popular paella or deep-fried churros.

Spanish paella
Spanish paella⏱ 45min · 📸 1Bomba rice (a short grained rice), cut bell peppers, onion finely chopped, peeled and devined shrimp, roma tomatoes
Golden and Crisp: Spanish Churros
Golden and Crisp: Spanish Churrosall-purpose flour, water, unsalted butter (if unavailable, used regular butter and omit salt), salt, eggs

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Spanish

dishes here

Where did Churros originate? Read to find out!

Where Did Churros Originate? Uncover the Delicious History of This Crispy Treat

Mexico 🇲🇽

It is estimated that two thirds of Hispanic Americans are from Mexican origin, and it’s easy to see how much Mexican culture has influenced American cuisine! From sizzling street food to well-known favorites like tacos, enchiladas, burritos and quesadillas… what’s your favorite Mexican dish?

Elotes (Mexican Street Corn)
Elotes (Mexican Street Corn)📸 1Corn on the Cob with Husks Removed, Lite Mayo, Lite Sour Cream, Finely Crumbled Cotija Cheese, Chili Powder
Baja Fish Tacos
Baja Fish Tacos⏱ 40 minutes · 📸 1Tilapia, Shredded Red Cabbage, Smoky Red Pepper Crema, Cilantro, Lime
Chicken Poblano Enchiladas with Green Sauce
Chicken Poblano Enchiladas with Green Sauce⏱ 1 hr · 📸 1chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (about 1.5 lbs.), Seasoning for chicken. I like to use a combination Cajun and hatch pepper seasoning, poblano peppers, large onion diced, garlic cloves minced

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Mexican

recipes


🇲🇽 Love Mexican food? Read these next:

How to Make Pozole: Cooking Tips and Recipe Inspiration

Tamales Made Easy: Classic Fillings and Cookings Tips


Caribbean 🏝️

Spanish-speaking countries in the Caribbean including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico have strong historical connections to the United States. Their flavorful dishes - using nutritious ingredients such as plantains, rice, beans, pork and chicken - are cooked in American homes nation-wide.

Elisa's Mofongo
Elisa's Mofongo📸 2Plantain, Garlic, minced, Pork Skins or Bacon (crushed), Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Oil (enough to fry the plantain)
Dominican rice with pork and sausage
Dominican rice with pork and sausage⏱ 1 hourpork chops, sausage of your preference, Red onion, cubanella pepper, mashed garlic, celery and cilantro, Oregano, ground black pepper, culantro y achiote, Olive 🫒

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Caribbean

recipes

Central and South America 🌎

From Colombian arepas to Peruvian ceviche, Spanish-speaking countries in Central and South America offer a huge variety of culinary delights!

Dad’s Arepa
Dad’s Arepa⏱ 10 minsWater, Butter, Masarepa, Cotija cheese, salt
Shrimp Ceviche
Shrimp Ceviche⏱ 1 HourRaw Shrimp Deveined, Juicy Limes, Red Onion, Cucumbers, Cilantro

It’s debated that empanadas first emerged in Spain or Portugal in the Middle Ages… but nowadays these baked or fried stuffed pastries are loved across the Americas, especially Argentina.

Beef empanadas
Beef empanadas⏱ 20-30 minuteslean ground beef, medium onion, small dice, medium green bell pepper, small dice, each garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, oregano, black pepper

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¡Feliz cocina! We hope you enjoy these recipes! 🧡

If you tried any of these recipes, share the love and post a Cooksnap for a chance to get featured in our weekly Newsletter or on our Instagram page! 📸

What are your favorite Hispanic dishes? Share your recipe with us on Cookpad!


📌 Up Next:

[Quesadilla Recipes & How to Make Them Authentic Mexican Flavor](/us/quesadillas-authentic-mexican-flavor-one-fold-at-a-time/) [Enchiladas Recipes Traditional Enchilada Sauce & Variations](/us/enchiladas-authentic-mexican-recipes-sauces-youll-love/)

Authentic Taco Recipes – From Street Tacos to Birria and More