Latin America offers a variety of delicious holiday dishes that reflect a strong Spanish influence. Below are some traditional foods from different countries, along with recipes:
Tamales (Mexico)
Tamales are corn dough stuffed with meat, cheese or chiles, wrapped in corn husks and steamed.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of lard or vegetable shortening
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Corn husks (soaked in lukewarm water)
- Filling: shredded chicken, pork or vegetables in a sauce (e.g., salsa verde or mole).
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder and salt.
- Beat in the lard until fluffy. Gradually add masa mixture and chicken broth, mixing until dough has a smooth consistency.
- Spread the masa over the soaked corn husks. Add a spoonful of filling in the center, fold over and tie the ends of the husks.
- Steam for about an hour until the dough is firm.
Hallacas (Venezuela)
Similar to tamales, hallacas are filled with meat, olives and vegetables and wrapped in banana leaves.
Ingredients:
- Dough (same as tamales, with beef broth)
- Meat filling: pork, beef or chicken
- Banana leaves
- Olives, raisins, capers, onions, bell peppers, peppers, etc.
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough with beef broth and spread it on banana leaves.
- In a pot, cook the meat with onions, peppers, olives and raisins.
- Place a spoonful of the filling on the dough, fold the leaf and tie with string.
- Boil or steam for 2-3 hours.
Roast pork (Cuba/Puerto Rico)
Roast pork is a centerpiece for many Latin American holiday celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 5 pounds pork shoulder
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Marinate pork shoulder with a mixture of orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Let it rest overnight.
- Roast in a 325°F oven for 4-5 hours until tender.
Turrón (Spain/Latin America)
Turron, a nougat made with almonds and honey, is a popular dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups whole almonds (toasted).
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg white (beaten stiff).
Instructions:
- Calienta la miel en una cacerola hasta que espese, luego agrega el azúcar.
- Incorpora la clara de huevo batida y luego las almendras.
- Vierte la mezcla en un molde engrasado y deja enfriar.
Buñuelos (Colombia/Mexico)
Fried dumplings, usually served with syrup or sugar.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, eggs and milk to form dough.
- Form dough into balls and fry in hot oil until golden brown.
- Serve with syrup or sprinkle with sugar.
These dishes combine Spanish heritage and local Latin American flavors, perfect for a holiday celebration!
