Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15th to October 15th—a time of year when many Latin American independence holidays are celebrated. To mark the achievements and contributions of Hispanic peoples, we sent Chef Maria into the kitchen to delve into some of the most significant and authentic recipes around. Along the way, we discovered the history behind each recipe, many of which have been around for centuries.
1. Citrusy Cauliflower Ceviche
Let’s Talk History
Ceviche is the national dish of Peru. A great source of cultural pride, ceviche is thought to have been consumed since at least 2000 years ago, when the coastal fisherman of the Moche peoples may have used fermented passion fruit juice and hot chilies to “cook” freshly caught fish. Modern Peruvians consider this to be the origin of ceviche, but that assertion is up for debate.
Read more about the history of ceviche and get the recipe here.
This roasted salsa is everything. It’s got Fresno chilies, jalapeño and serrano peppers, and tomatillos. Unlike fresh salsa recipes, it's warm and smoky flavor from charring the veggies under the broiler. When they’re done, simply blend and enjoy with chips, tacos, burritos, quesadillas… You get the idea.
Read more about the history of tomtaillos and get the recipe here.
3. Crispy Tostones with Cilantro Lime Crema
Tostones (double-fried green plantains) are an iconically Hispanic recipe, making them perfect for our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. These starchy, salty snacks deliver everything you love about potato chips with some of the qualities of say, a potato cake. They’re super crispy on the outside with a firm chew as you reach the middle. Dunk them in your favorite dip and you’ll be in heaven.
Read more about the history of tostones and get the recipe here.
4. Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Verdes
Making enchiladas completely from scratch is a masterful skill that always pays off. Unlike store bought sauces, made-from-scratch recipes ooze nuanced flavors you simply can’t get in a jar. In this recipe, the smoked, peppery taste of tomatillos and jalapeños fuses into the corn tortillas surrounding slow roasted chicken and Oaxaca cheese.
Read more about the history of enchiladas and get the recipe here.
This classically essential dish is packed with protein and fiber, thanks to our smoky, spicy Chipotle Avocado Oil Spray. It’s delicious and nutritious because the combination of these two ingredients forms a complete protein—a source of the essential amino acids that we humans cannot produce on our own. Follow our recipe to serve up a quick side for taco night, and use any leftovers as a quick, healthy snack everyone will love.
Let’s Talk History
Read more about the history of rice & beans and get the recipe here.
6. Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas
Fill ‘em. Wrap ‘em. Layer ‘em. Dip ‘em in queso. Flour tortillas can be whatever you need them to be. Get our quick and easy recipe below.
Read more about the history of tortillas and get the recipe here.