Hispanic Heritage Month is a special time of year when we reflect on the contributions that people of Hispanic origin have made to the US. From the arts to industry to public service, our country simply wouldn’t be the same without the influence of Hispanic culture throughout history. What’s more, Latin American cuisine has long been a fixture of our nation’s culinary identity. This can be seen with the emergence of South Western and Tex-Mex cooking traditions among others. That’s why Mahatma® Rice is here to help you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in style with a host of delicious recipes from the diverse world of Latin American Cuisine.
What is Hispanic Heritage Month?
National Hispanic Heritage Week was first celebrated in 1968 in recognition of the outstanding legacy of Hispanic culture within America. In 1988, the week was extended into a month and fixed to fall between September 15th and October 15th in order to coincide with established celebrations throughout Latin America. Events are organized around the country featuring the best of Hispanic art, music, culture, and cuisine.
What is Latin American Cuisine?
Latin American, or Hispanic Cuisine, refers to the culinary traditions of all the nations in and round the continent of America where Spanish is spoken. Many recipes and ingredients originating in these countries have also become staples of American cuisine. You may already be familiar with plenty of these, but here’s a quick run-down of some of the most popular Latin American cuisine popularly consumed in the US today.
- Tacos
- Burritos
- Enchiladas
- Nachos
- Fajitas
- Chili con Carne
- Ceviche
- Rice and Beans
- Guacamole
- Salsa Chimichurri
- Churrasco
- Tamales
- Arroz con Pollo
- Horchata
- Arepas
Finding it hard to imagine life without some of these gems of Hispanic cuisine? So are we!
Rice and Beans Recipes from the Caribbean
You’ve probably enjoyed your fair share of rice and beans dishes over the years, but have you ever tried rice and beans dishes from the Caribbean? This Dominican Beef & Bean Stew (also known as La Bandera Dominicana due to its resemblance of the nation’s flag) is a great place to start. Made with Fluffy Mahatma® White Rice, it’s a hearty beef stew loaded with delicious herbs, spices, and vegetables. Great for feeding large numbers, it’s the perfect meal to build your Hispanic Heritage Month feast around.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a lighter rice and beans meal, try this Cuban Black Bean Rice. Drizzled with lime, it’s a zesty take on the classic rice and beans concept that has long been a staple of Cuban cuisine.
Classic Mexican Dishes
No celebration of Hispanic cuisine would be complete without some classic Mexican recipes. So why not kick off your Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations with a breakfast dish befitting this special time of year? For this, our Huevos Rancheros Enchiladas are the perfect dish. Hearty and savory, they’ll give you all the sustenance you need for a busy day’s celebrations. Likewise, this simple yet mouthwatering Fried Chicken Fajitas with Basmati Rice recipe is a crowd-pleasing Mexican dish you can rustle up in just 20 minutes.
Recipes from Peru
Looking to add a little flavor of the Andes to your Hispanic Heritage Month feast? Then a ceviche dish is a great choice. Considered the national dish of Peru, Ceviche is a raw fish dish marinated in citrus juices for a refreshing and zesty finish, as this Shrimp Ceviche with Crispy Rice variation demonstrates. Perfect as a party snack or appetizer, these crispy delights will have everyone at your gathering talking.
How about giving a popular classic like arroz con pollo a Peruvian twist? Our Peruvian Arroz con Pollo is an easy-to-follow recipe that will intrigue and impress in equal measure. But what makes this variation stand out from the rest? Well, the secret to this dish is the addition of spicy ají amarillo paste for extra spice.
Hispanic Desserts
As with any gathering, it’s always best to end things on a sweet note. For a light dessert option, try this Banana Horchata Smoothie. Creamy and sweet, it’s a cool refreshing dessert option that’s famous throughout the Hispanic diaspora. However, if you’re feeling extra-creative and looking for a dessert dish that will truly steal the show, these Sweet Rice Tamales are guaranteed to get everybody’s attention. Dating back over 8,000 years, tamales have as much flavor as they have history. In this recipe we pay homage to sweet tamales recipes, adding blueberries to the mix for added zest. A vibrant and elegant dessert dish, it’s the perfect way to cap off your Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
#Playwithyourfood
This Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s take a leaf out of the book of Latin American culture. Food and culinary creativity has always been at the center of Hispanic culture. At Mahatma® Rice we believe it’s important to #playwithyourfood. Try out new things. Tap into the wisdom of older generations and take inspiration from the younger ones blazing new trails in the kitchen. And remember, we’re always here to help when it comes time for cooking.
