One thing about Latino food is that once you try it, you can never go back. Life would simply be too sad and flavorless. Fortunately, making Latino dishes a part of your weekly rotation of go-to meals is not at all difficult. Especially not with these 7 traditional Latino dishes with a modern twist that you can make at home in a jiffy:
Avocado toast with some Latino flair
Photo by Fernanda Martinez on UnsplashYou know how you always top your avocado toast with all but the bagel seasoning? Well, it could be time to get more creative, the Latino way. Think mashed avocado seasoned with lime juice, sea salt, and cilantro, topped with grilled corn, crumbled queso fresco, and a drizzle of spicy chipotle aioli. If you’re feeling fancy and want to make it extra delicious, make sure your bread is artisanal and toast it for a nice crunch.
Chipotle chicken tacos with mango salsa
Photo by Jeremy Jenum on Flickr
Ugh, mango salsa is top-tier! It’s also a super easy way to upgrade your tacos and make them a bit more complex with the flavor of the mango. Mango salsa goes particularly well with chipotle chicken. Chicken thighs are recommended because they’re juicier and a classic chipotle marinade will do the trick. For the mango salsa, you just need some diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. It’s really that simple!
Quinoa-stuffed bell peppers
Photo by Mark Bonica on Wikimedia Commons
Stuffed bell peppers are a Mexican staple and they’re usually stuffed with rice and ground beef. Using quinoa instead is the modern twist, you just need to make sure it has that Latino flavor. Spice your quinoa with cumin, paprika, and oregano, then mix it with black beans and corn. Stuff the bell peppers with the delicious mixture, sprinkle them with cheese and bake until tender for a nutritious and delicious meal. Also, add a little cilantro before serving!
Plantain nachos
Photo by labodeguitademima on Instagram
If you’ve ever had plantain chips, you already know how well they can work for nachos. Switching things up from time to time keeps things fresh, so replace your regular tortilla chips with plantain chips when you make your next batch of nachos. Layer the plantain chips with seasoned black beans, melted cheese, diced avocado, jalapeños, and a drizzle of tangy salsa verde. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a good amount of sour cream!
Ceviche tostadas with tropical fruit salsa
Photo by Los viajes del Cangrejo on Flickr
Making crispy tostadas with ceviche is a great way to enjoy this staple. Usually, ceviche is enjoyed with chips, crackers, or plantain chips for that Caribbean twist. However, tostadas are a great way to go. You can make this simple yet flavorful dish even better by adding a tropical fruit salsa made with diced pineapple, mango, jalapeño, and lime juice. Garnish with avocado slices to elevate your tostadas even more!
Chimichurri grilled steak salad
Photo by Leonardo Luz on Pexels
Argentinian chimichurri should be your go-to for grilled steak and barbecued food in general cause it goes well with chicken, chorizo, pork, and even fish. Instead of having your steak as usual, why not make a salad with it? You just have to slice the beef and put it over a bed of mixed greens. Add cherry tomatoes, red onion, and roasted bell peppers to take it up a notch. Don’t forget to add an extra chimichurri drizzle on top for extra zest and flavor.
Coconut-lime flan
Photo by Max Griss on UnsplashNo meal is complete without dessert, right? Now, you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to Latino desserts. Tres leches cake, alfajores, and churros are only a few options. If you’re feeling something smooth and creamy, a coconut-lime flan will blow your socks off. The custard mixture only requires coconut milk, condensed milk, eggs, and lime zest. Bake until set, then chill and serve the flan topped with toasted coconut flakes. Every bite will be heaven!
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