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 Recipe by shreyaas_world
One pot meal rice cooked with sea-food of choice to make your day look a bit more brighter. #paella #rice #shrimp #lunch #dinner #saffron
Cookpadshreyaas_world
Golden and Crisp: Spanish Churros Recipe by Karan Tripathi (Food Fanatic)
Golden and crisp on the outside, pillowy and soft on the inside, churros are strings of deep-fried dough pastry. Traditional in Spain and Portugal, churros are dusted with sugar and are often served with hot chocolate or dulce de leche, but are good to be had by themselves, as well. A dessert that I…
CookpadKaran Tripathi (Food Fanatic)
Find more Spanish dishes here

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) Recipe by ryandvy
It was the Pixar movie “Coco” of all things that made me want to try my hand at this popular street food from Mexico. Called “Elotes” this is grilled corn on the cob shoved onto a stick and covered with delicious goodies for a salty, tangy snack! Research on traditional Elotes recipes seemed to indi…
Cookpadryandvy
Baja Fish Tacos Recipe by The Cast Iron Soulé
With Slaw, Chipotle Mayo & Pickled Veggies
CookpadThe Cast Iron Soulé
Chicken Poblano Enchiladas with Green Sauce Recipe by fenway
This was one of the best enchiladas I have ever had. Very cheesy with a little spice from the roasted poblanos. I used a canned green sauce but homemade would have taken to the next level.
Cookpadfenway
Search for more Mexican recipes

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 Recipe by Elisa
Traditional Puerto Rican recipe... A huge hit!! This is one of the most eaten recipes in our country, it’s just delicious!!
CookpadElisa
Dominican rice with pork and sausage Recipe by Digna Tejeda
This is one the most favorite rices mix with meat of my country.
CookpadDigna Tejeda
Search for more 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 Recipe by Kari
They’re a staple at home.
CookpadKari
Shrimp Ceviche Recipe by Jani
Shrimp cooked in lemon with a cocktail kinda mix. Southern American dish. This is my father’s recipe.
CookpadJani

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 Recipe by icancervive10
Great recipe for Beef empanadas.
Cookpadicancervive10
Search for more Latin American dishes

¡Feliz cocina! We hope you enjoy these recipes!

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

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