What culinary discoveries does the cuisine of Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile offer us? What products are in demand in these countries and what spices are commonly used – in our material. Latin American foods
Perhaps the most popular product, which is present in one form or another in almost any dish of this cuisine – corn. Burritos, nachos, fajitas, enchiladas, chimichanga – all of these popular dishes have corn in them. Almost all of them are made with tortillas, the tortillas that are made from it.
Also popular in Brazil, Peru, Mexico are red beans, potatoes, meat, seafood, tomatoes and beans, and rice.
An interesting feature of Latin American cuisine is that here it is customary to use at least 5 spices in order to make the dish flavorful. This is the rule. Usually their list includes basil, thyme, mint, sage, and pepper. The most popular peppers in Latin America are jalapeño and chili peppers. There are about 70 varieties of the latter alone.
Do not forget that Latin American cuisine is a mixture of traditions and characteristics of many countries, which, although different in some ways, but in the preparation of traditional dishes are similar. Cultures of the countries, their nationalities, and the states themselves are absolute opposites to each other. National cuisines of Cuba and Brazil, Mexico are most similar. It is worth noting that they have much in common due to the union of the traditions of national dishes of the indigenous peoples who inhabited the territory of their countries. These are the representatives of Indian tribes, joined by European colonists – the Spaniards and the Portuguese.
Cubans and Mexicans have the most popular cooking of meat, especially pork and beef. The method is very simple and steeped in tradition – on an open fire. Thanks to this meat is the most delicious, and with the addition of a special sauce made of tomatoes and spices becomes an absolute favorite of the traditional cuisine.
In Brazil, the national cuisine has combined the main features of the cultures of the peoples of South America. But to be different, Brazilians make more variety in their dishes than other peoples of the continent. For example, thanks to this distinction, they became the most popular cuisine in the world. And not without reason, because the traditional Brazilian cuisine is a colorful mosaic of indigenous cultures of Brazil. European traditions brought to the country by colonists, African slaves, as well as Asian settlers have made a subtle contribution.
In the traditional Latin American cuisine beverages are especially revered, with coffee at the top of the list. Exactly Brazilian and Colombian coffee is famous all over the world for its aroma and taste. Alcoholic beverages are a separate niche in the national cuisine. Wine is often used to prepare dishes, marinate meat in it, add it to sauces or confectionery.
Many South American countries use fish and seafood in their diet. Fruits are also worth mentioning; they form the basis for many desserts, drinks, and juices. Vegetables in Latin America are used to prepare salads, which are dressed exclusively with olive oil. It is believed that only it will not spoil the prepared dish.
Latin American cuisine itself is referred to as “fiery” because of the huge amount of spices and spices, seasonings, which are generously added to all dishes cooked according to traditional recipes.
The variety of desserts in Latin American cuisine is notable for its particularly sweet taste. The use of boiled condensed milk, which locals call “dulce de leche,” is popular. There is a belief that condensed milk was invented by local Argentine shepherds.
Latin Americans respect a variety of pastries, such as cookies with chocolate and condensed milk filling, or nut and honey gingerbread with almonds. Also offers Latin American cuisine recipes with photos of rice porridge made with sweet coconut milk. Desserts such as empanada, a puff pastry with filling, flan, a dish of sugar, milk, and whipped eggs, churro, a pretzel fried in butter, as well as various mousses, jellies, ice cream, waffles, chocolate, and cakes are also prepared. Of course, healthy fresh fruit may be served for dessert.
Latin American desserts can create a holiday atmosphere. Spanish Christmas dishes like pineapple cake and lemon mousse are made here. Also Latin Americans will serve punch, milkshake, protein cream, a variety of cakes and cocktails for dessert.
Latin American culture has distinguished itself in beverages as well. Some of them have their origins in the times of the Indians. Among the common drinks of this region is the Paraguayan mate tea. The drink is traditionally served in small emptied and dried pumpkins. There are also such local drinks as chicha – corn vodka, pisco – grape vodka, atole – drink made of maize, orshad – light drink with almonds, natural juices and cocoa. The inhabitants of Latin America most often consume coffee. A tart hot drink in the morning diluted with milk, and in the afternoon they prefer a more bitter black coffee.
Various refreshments of fruits and vegetables are prepared as dessert. Often Hispanics mix juices with ice, milk, and water, using a mixer. Also popular is a mixture of sweet mango juice and coconut milk or papaya and pineapple fresh. There is also such a typical drink of these places as resbaladera – a refreshing mix of rice or barley, or chicheme – a light refreshing drink made from milk with cornmeal and sugar. The exotic taste of Latin American drinks allows you to experiment by combining different local fruits.
A restaurant menu is amongst the primary columns of your customer’s experience. Whether online, published, or on a food selection board nonprescription, a properly designed food selection increases your revenues and improves the visitor experience.
By Antonio
