Arroz Tapado (Rice-On-Top)
A fun Peruvian dish that looks cool and is always a hit with the kids! Seasoned meat is the surprise center to the rice on top. Makes great leftovers!
Colombian Aji
For any Colombian food you serve, always have some aji on the table. Hot, spicy, fresh, and flavorful.
Cubanos Frijoles
Originally this came from a Cuban friend, but I've since doctored it quite a bit. This dish is hearty and a meal in itself. By adding more meat, beans, and rice, you can feed a large group of people. You might want to add more spice as well.
Cochinita Pibil
This is my favorite Mexican pork dish that is always a hit. Can be toned down with less or no peppers and still tastes awesome. If you can find Seville orange juice, use it in place of the lemon and regular orange juice for authentic Mexican flavor. Quite easy to prepare too! Your whole family will love this famous Mexican dish!
Feijoada de Domingo (Sunday Bean Stew)
A very traditional Brazilian stew made with black beans, sausage, and all the tasty bits of pork. For a traditional Brazilian spread, serve hot with white rice and collard greens. You can look for the greens in Caribbean markets, but if unavailable try kale instead.
Chef John's Cuban Sandwich
Here's how I build a Cuban, or Cubano, sandwich. I like to use pulled pork. Carnitas would work too. These ingredients and amounts are open to your own personal preferences, but here's the general idea.
Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding)
Guatemalan version of rice pudding. Serve hot or cold.
Tostones (Fried Plantains)
A Puerto Rican side, usually served with rice and beans in our family.
Puerto Rican Tostones (Fried Plantains)
Crispy fried plantains. A plantain is a very firm banana. Serve as side dish with your meal or as appetizers.
Callaloo Soup
A taste of the Caribbean. The main ingredients are callaloo leaves, or spinach, and okra. Both were originally brought from Africa in the seventeenth century. Serve piping hot with slices of avocado pear and hot bread.
Taco Seasoning I
Depending on how spicy you and your family like your dishes, use as little or as much as you want.
The Real Mojito
This is an authentic recipe for mojito. I sized the recipe for one serving, but you can adjust it accordingly and make a pitcher full. It's a very refreshing drink for hot summer days. Be careful when drinking it, however. If you make a pitcher you might be tempted to drink the whole thing yourself, and you just might find yourself talking Spanish in no time! Tonic water can be substituted instead of the soda water but the taste is different and somewhat bitter.
