When non-Hispanic Americans think of traditionally Hispanic food, tacos probably come to mind first. Maybe Guacamole. Mayyyybe Burritos. And sure, those foods are all delicious, but that's kind of like limiting yourself to French Fries and Belgian Waffles when it comes to European cuisine.
Hispanic countries are so diverse, so varied, and so colorful and wonderful, just like their respective cuisines. So I did a dive into some favorite HIspanic cuisines from some favorite HIspanic food bloggers to help get you (and me!) more inspired to spice things up in the kitchen and understand some of the differences.
While this doesn't comprise every Hispanic country, region, or style of cooking, I hope you find it's a great start. And maybe it even inspires you further to diversify some of the food bloggers you follow and support.
This post has been updated for 2022
Related: 15 magnificent children’s and YA books for Hispanic Heritage Month
Mexican Food
Carne Asada recipe | Mexico in My Kitchen
If you want a good understanding of Mexican cuisine, look no further than this list of our favorite Mexican food bloggers. (Actually, you should look further! But this is a great jumping-off point.) Considering Mexican food goes back 9000 years, it's got a lot of variations thanks the Mayan culture, the multi-ethnic Aztec Empire influences, the16th century Spanish conquest that introduced meat, dairy and rice, and even African and Asian influences. Eating in Chiapas, you'll find different food than you will in Oaxaca, Veracruz, or Michoacán -- where, on a visit to visit a friend in Morelia, I once had the most amazing Uchepos, or fresh corn tamales, ever. But you will find a fairly consistent use of local produce like corn, beans, squash, avocados, tomatoes, tomatillos, cacao, agave, sweet potato, cactus, and of course, chilli peppers -- lots of kinds of chili peppers. At Mexico in My Kitchen, incredibly prolific home cook and food blogger Mely Martinez shares traditional homestyle meals from the 27 different places she's lived in México. Wow. Rest assured you'll find everything from a simple Mexican Ground Beef recipe to a Veracruz-Style Menudo Tripe Soup (and I know that's not for everyone.) I think a great first dinner recipe is Mely's Authentic Carne Asada recipe (above) which describes variations on the marinade from all different regions of Mexico. Hers starts with a good cut of flank steak, and a sweet and savory marinade primarily made of citrus, plus soy sauce, onions, pepper -- and a little beer. Count me in.Related: 4 Mexican Food Influencers you should totally be following
Puerto Rican Food
Traditional Puerto Rican Sofrito recipe | Sazón Boricua
Cuban Food
Croquetas de Jamón | Hungry Sofia
As with Puerto Rican cuisine, Cuban Cuisine borrows from native Taino food, Spanish food, and Caribbean and African food, especially when it comes to flavor and spices. Of course lots of us can't say no to a good Cuban Sandwich; try this one from De Su Mama inspired by her Cuban immigrant grandfather's own recipe. But other popular dishes include Arroz con Leche, Arroz con Pollo, Camarones, Croqueta, Empanadas, Ropa Vieja (a shredded beef dish), Papa Rellena, Tamales, Fried Yuca -- oh man, it's all so good. From everyone I know who's been there, Cuba is definitely an eating country! There are lots of traditional Cuban recipes compiled over at Saveur that are worth checking out. I'm a bit obsessed with Ana Sofia Pelaez's gorgeous photography, great writing, and traditional recipes reflecting her own Cuban heritage, on her blog, Hungry Sofia. Her recipe for Croquetas de Jamón (Ham Croquettes, above) is basically made for picky kids. And uh, adults. But she's also got fantastic recipes for the basics, including the perfect Cuban rice, Frijoles Negros, and if you dare, homemade tamales.
