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    Home >> Article

    9 Key Items in Latin American Food

    Published: September 13, 2015 • Modified: January 27, 2021 • by Author: Analida • Word count:525 words. • About 3 minutes to read this article.

    234 shares
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    9 Essential ingredients in Latin American cooking, sofrito, recaito, paprika, cumin, beans, oranges, lemons, jalapeño, garlic, onions and olive oil. | ethnicspoon.com

    The Latin American pantry is bursting with fabulous flavors, but surprisingly, it is made up of fairly basic ingredients. Latin American food is flavorful, sometimes a bit spicy, and oh so diverse. Most dishes are easy to make, and require only a few basic seasonings and ingredients. I have compiled a list of my top 9 items to get you started.

    Essential ingredients in Latin American cooking: Sofrito | ethnicspoon.com

    1. Sofrito: No Latin American pantry is complete without sofrito, the tomato base concentrate most stews and bean dishes are seasoned with. It's made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, spices and cilantro. You can make it or buy it at the store in the Hispanic food section. If you make it at home, you can freeze it into ice cubes. This is what I do and if you are interested  you can checkout my homemade sofrito recipe.

    Essential ingredients in Latin American cooking: Recaito | ethnicspoon.com

    2. Recaito: Another necessary staple in the Latin American kitchen. This seasoning base is made with cilantro, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. Again, you can buy it, but it is so easy to make and tastes so much fresher. Recaito freezes well. I make mine and freeze it into ice cubes. Recaito will give your rice, beans and stews an authentic Latin flavor.  I have a homemade recaitio recipe you can make entirely in a food processor, no cooking required!

    Essential ingredients in Latin American cooking: Jalapeños | ethnicspoon.com
    3. Jalapeno peppers: Although a more common ingredient in Mexico, than in other Latin American countries, it is still used in dishes that need a little heat. They are not really considered "hot" by Mexican standards. Jalapenos are a must in pico de gallo. I also like to use them in my stews.

    Essential ingredients in Latin American cooking: Oranges and Lemons | ethnicspoon.com
    4. Oranges and Lemons: Originally these citrus fruits hail from Asia but are extremely popular in Latin American cooking. They are used to make delicious fruit drinks as well as marinades, and fabulous desserts.

    Essential ingredients in Latin American cooking: Garlic and Onion | ethnicspoon.com
    5. Garlic and onions: Ah, no Latin American pantry would be complete without garlic and onions. Believe me some Latin American dishes can have enough garlic to ward off evil spirits, but they taste so good! My recommendation is to always use fresh garlic. If you are not into peeling it, most well assorted grocery stores sell peeled garlic. Still too much work? Garlic is also sold minced.

    Essential ingredients for Latin American cooking: Black beans | ethnicspoon.com
    6. Beans: These are a must in every Latin American pantry. They are also a staple of the Caribbean diet. The most popular ones are black and kidney. Apart from being delicious, they are packed with protein. Whenever I make beans, my main seasonings are: sofrito and recaito.   My family loves my recipe for black beans and rice so much that I have to make it almost once a week!

    Essential ingredients in Latin American cooking: Cumin | ethnicspoon.com
    7. Cumin: Cumin is THE most important spice to have when starting a Latin American pantry. It's pungent, and flavorful; black beans wouldn't be the same without it.

    Essential ingredients in Latin American cooking: Paprika | ethnicspoon.com
    8. Paprika: Another must have spice to fill your Latin American pantry. I buy smoked, sweet, and hot. Mix them up for a great effect!

    Essential ingredients in Latin American cooking: Olive oil | ethnicspoon.com
    9. Olive oil: A good quality olive oil is a must in any Latin American kitchen. It's used in everything from a good sofrito, to dressings, stews and marinades.

    9 Essential ingredients in Latin American cooking, sofrito, recaito, paprika, cumin, beans, oranges, lemons, jalapeño, garlic, onions and olive oil. | ethnicspoon.com

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    234 shares
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Denise Wright

      September 16, 2015 at 5:52 am

      You have to most interesting posts! I lover learning about new flavors and cultures. Great post!

      Reply
      • Analida

        September 16, 2015 at 6:46 pm

        Thanks Denise!

        Reply
    2. Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life

      September 17, 2015 at 7:13 am

      This was a great read, very informative! And I have most of it in my house at all times! 🙂

      Reply
    3. Miam Miam & Yum

      October 19, 2015 at 7:01 am

      Hola Analida! Your blog is absolutely fantastic, exactly the kind of things I like where food meets culture and history. A great concept, well done!

      Reply
      • Analida

        October 19, 2015 at 7:52 pm

        Thanks so much!!!d I am glad you like it.

        Reply

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    Analida profile pictureI have been researching and creating ethnic recipes for over 20 years. I love to share "mostly healthy" easy and affordable ethnic recipes using fresh ingredients, with a bit of culture and food history sprinkled in.... Read more-->

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