Latin food is described as a great variety of flavours, colours and textures. Not only does Latin food taste delicious, it also represents a huge part of Latin America culture. It’s not all tacos and burritos though. Here are some common misconceptions about Latin food straight from our kitchen on the Beech Road in Chorlton.
Latin food is the same as Mexican food. Latin America is a hugely diverse region, which ranges from small, coastal American countries to the mountain ranges of South America. Latin food provides a variety of tropical flavours to excite the taste buds.
Latin food is spicy and fried. Chilli peppers are commonly used in a lot of Latin food; however, not all peppers are hot. Bell peppers are actually more sweet than spicy, whilst Guernica peppers have a mild and nutty taste. Lots of Latin dishes also don’t contain any peppers at all.
There are no meat-free options. Not true. Mexico, Peru, Chile and Ecuador in particular all put emphasis on fish and seafood dishes in their cuisine.
It’s all covered in cheese and not healthy. Whilst some dishes contain lots of melted cheese, many dishes only use fresh, local ingredients that are dairy-free. In fact, lots of dishes are vegetable-based and use staples such as rice, quinoa and beans that are all high in fibre and protein. A traditional snack called Chapulines consists of grasshoppers that are cooked in chilli, garlic and lime. Whilst this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Chapulines is packed full of nutrients and proteins.
Seasoning comes from packets. This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Latin cuisine is all about fresh seasonings and ingredients. Cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, Adobo seasoning, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and chopped cilantro are all widely used to season food and make delicious accompaniments. Packet mixes don’t taste anywhere near as fresh or authentic as traditionally made Latin seasoning.
Churros are the only kind of Latin dessert. There’s no doubt that churros are one of the most well-known Latin cuisines, however, there are plenty more alternatives to finish your meal with. Baked custard with caramel sauce, Polvorones (pecan shortbread cookies) and Mexican bread pudding are all delicious desserts that use flavours from Latin American countries to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Every foodie should try the popular Latin dishes described below. Warning: your tummy may start rumbling.
Tacos
There’s so much more to tacos than just great taste. Experts believe that the first taco was created between 1,000 and 500 B.C. When they were first introduced in Mexico, they were served in the silver mines on thin sheets of paper that were wrapped in gunpowder.
Nowadays, tacos are served in a variety of ways, typically with some kind of tortilla, filling and garnishes. Americans ate over 4.5 billion tacos last year, proving their popularity as a dish. But over in the UK, our Latin food Chorlton tacos or Tapas Chorlton dishes are popular brunch options on our menu.
Feijoda
Beans are a staple food in Latin America and can be prepared in different ways depending on what country you are in. Feijoda is one of the most popular bean dishes, consisting of a stew of meat and beans. An authentic tasting Feijoda will include rice, collard greens and corned beef (carne seca).
Anticuchos
A popular addition to barbecue parties, anticuchos are pieces of beef heart that have been marinated in a simple seasoning of salt, vinegar, and lemon juice, cut into small cubes and cooked over a grill. Alternative options are chicken, fish, prawns or lamb. An anticucho sauce is provided that combines dried chillies, garlic, vinegar, cumin and oregano to add more flavour to the meat. This dish is typically served with boiled potatoes and vegetables.
Panuchos
Panuchos are basically fried tortillas that have been cut open and filled with refried beans. Punuchos can be made with ground beef, vegetables such as chopped cabbage, eggs or chicken. This cuisine is a popular crowd pleaser at parties with families and friends.
Tamales
How does a corn-based dough wrapped around a delicious filling such as chicken, pork, beef, cheese and beans, which is then steamed sound? The good thing about Tamales is that they can be filled with literally anything you fancy. Vegetables make a great option as they can be cooked ahead of time and then added to the dough and steamed. Homemade salsa is often accompanied with Tamales to add a freshness.
Arepa
A fluffy, white dough shaped in a circle that is made mainly from corn flour. This dish is enjoyed daily by locals and is a versatile dish that can be served with meat, cheese, avocado or beans.
Patacones
These green fried plantains are a popular snack or appetiser choice. The plantain is fried twice and sprinkled with sea salt for an extra crunch. Typically served with guacamole or salsa, or sometimes topped with shredded beer or port.
Alfajores
Looking for something sweet? Alfajores are made from two soft and crumbly cookies that are sandwiched together between thick layers of caramel and rolled in coconut or covered in white or dark chocolate. This tempting treat is often enjoyed with a tea or coffee in the morning or afternoon as an indulgent snack.
Buñuelos
Similar to doughnuts, these sweet fried balls are light and crispy and can be topped with a variety of ingredients from sugar to chocolate or even cheese. Buñuelos are commonly enjoyed during the Christmas season but can be eaten as a dessert or snack any time of the year.
Pastelitos de guayaba
Sweet, flaky pastry is stuffed with guava, coconut or pineapple to create a mouth-watering treat or mid-morning snack. Sometimes sweetened cream cheese is added to the filling to balance the sharpness from the fruit.
Latin food Chorlton
Did you know that Barrio Chorlton, your local Chorlton venue on Beech Road, serves a selection of delicious Latin inspired dishes? Why not sample this popular and super tasty cuisine with family or friends in our lovely front terrace or outdoor eating areas?
For more information or to make a booking for Latin food Chorlton, get in touch with our team on 0161 8604415 or email barriochorlton@gmail.com.