The Best Hispanic Dishes You’ve Never Heard Of
Tired of the same old recipe and looking to spice things up a bit in your kitchen? Here are just some of the best hispanic dishes you need to try! Try branching out from the basic hispanic dishes such as tacos and nachos and try these dishes that come from all around the world. Who knows one of these may just be your favorite meal and you just haven’t tried it yet! So what are you waiting for go ahead and take a look at these delectable hispanic dishes!
Tamales
I’m sure most of you have heard of a Tamale before, but do you know where it came from? Tamales first originated in Mesoamerica, there’s actually evidence that tamale cooking dates all the way back to 8000 BC. Tamales are now known as a favorite comfort food in Mexico, eaten as breakfast, lunch or dinner. If this Hispanic Dish has been around for thousands of years, it has to be worth trying!
This dish is made of masa, a dough that is made from nixtamalized corn or more commonly known as corn husk or banana leafs. Most Mexican Tamales contain a savory filling of meat and vegetables. But similar to a taco or burrito, they’re totally customizable. You can choose what you fill it with, whether it be meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, herbs, anything you desire!
Empanadas
Believe it or not the first evidence of an empanada was found in Persia in 100 BC. This recipe was shared from the Moores to Spain where they created their own term for it, thus the empanada. Each region of Mexico has their own version of an empanada, some use masa dough, others use wheat flower, and certain regions even deep fry!
This hispanic dish is similar to that of a hand held pie, originally stuffed with sweeter fillings, such as pumpkin, sweet potato, or apple. Almost identical to pie! However, they are now usually filled with a variety of meats, vegetables and cheeses. Some even choose to fill them with more of a breakfast mixture, such as salsa sausage and eggs. However if you somehow don’t want this traditional flaky savory an flavor filled goodness, you can just go heat up a hot pocket.
Tlayudas
Okay, I’m going to be honest with you all. I just found out about this dish last week, but I found it so interesting that I just had to share it! The Tlayuda is harder to track down than most dishes, however we do know through references of women making tortillas and folding them go back to the 16th century. This Hispanic dish first originated from the Oaxacan region in Mexico.
Why this dish stood out to be is because it is often referred to as ‘the Mexican Pizza’ by both Mexicans and people all over the world. The best part is that it’s healthier than an actual pizza, with a crispy tortilla as the ‘dough’, creamy or refried black beans are used as the ‘sauce’, and just like pizza, topped with a variety of cheeses. Most people who try Tlayadas are pleased, thus why the dish has been around for years and is going no where!
Chilaquiles
I’m sure we were all taught about the Aztecs, but did you know they were the first to make Chilaquiles hundreds of years ago? Something I found interesting about this hispanic dish is that the name derives from an ancient word in the Aztec Nahuatl language, meaning ‘chilis and greens.’ Even though this dish was so popular, it didn’t hit the United States until 1898 when it was featured in a cook book by Encarnación Pinedo. So, to my readers in the U.S, we have him to thank!
At first glance you may think this dish is just a platter of nachos, but look a little closer. Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican breakfast dish. Unlike nachos, Chilaquiles consist of softened tortilla chips, simmered in a brothy sauce. This dish is usually served or topped with a fried egg and whatever toppings your stomach desires!
Pupusas
Okay, this next dish is one of my favorite dishes of all time, no literally they’re addicting. But it’s come to my attention that it’s not a very well known dish, but not to worry I’m here to inform! Papusas were originally created by the Indigenous Pipil tribe from what is now known as El Salvador. The way the dish got to the U.S is actually really interesting. You see, when Salvadorians fled their country due to the civil war in the 80’s, they brought their Papusas with them, which introduced it to not only the U.S but as well as Canada and Australia.
Today you can find pupuserias all across the U.S, I actually pass one everyday on my way to work! There’s only one reason a dish stays popular for so long…because it tastes amazing! Papusas are a thick griddle cake made with cornmeal or rice flour stuffed with a savory filling, typical fillings include: beef, beans, pork, and cheese. This traditional hispanic dish is one you definitely need to try!
Tostones
Looking for a not so intimidating Hispanic Dish? I’d recommend tostones. Tostones are again one of my favorite hispanic dishes….hey I’m hispanic! It would just be wrong for me to have one favorite! Plantains might be something you have probably heard of but what about tostones? This Hispanic Dish first originated from the Dominican Republic. The name derives from the Spanish verb ‘tostar’ meaning to toast.
This dish from afar may trick you into looking like potato chips. Tostones, simply put, are twice fried plantain slices. Tostones are slices of unripe, green plantains that have been fried, smashed, and fried again. While you may assume that they must have a sweet or banana like taste, once you pop a tostone in your mouth you will quickly be proven otherwise. This chip like dish is definitely more savory and incredibly addictive!
These are just a couple Hispanic Dishes that are just waiting for you to try! Comment below and tell us your favorite hispanic dish to make or eat!
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