6 Hispanic Heritage Month Recipes

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

Ceviche is a seafood dish of raw fish “cooked” with lime juice instead of heat. Though it might sound like magic (shazam!), it’s nothing more than sweet, sweet science. Try this fancy technique out with our vegan ceviche, made with fresh-squeezed lime, cauliflower, and veggies. Chop, toss, marinate, and enjoy.

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.

2. Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

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.

Let’s Talk History

The Aztecs of Central Mexico domesticated wild tomatillos at least 2,800 years ago. A member of the nightshade family (like its cousin the red tomato), the tomatillo is high in carbohydrates and vitamins. It’s no surprise that this tangy little crop is still a staple in many southwestern communities to this day.

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.

Let’s Talk History

No one knows for sure who made the first tostones. Originally called “patacones,” they were dubbed after the official currency of Spanish colonials in the Caribbean. However, which of the tropical islands in the region can claim tostones as their own remains unknown.

Read more about the history of tostones and get the recipe here.

Chicken Enchiladas Verdes

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.

Let’s Talk History

Enchiladas come to us from the Mayans. The recipe began with corn tortillas (called tlaxcalli in pre-Spanish times) dipped in chili sauce and pumpkin seeds. The filling? Nada. Over time, however, the Mayans wisened up and realized a universal truth: it’s always better with fillings.

Read more about the history of enchiladas and get the recipe here.

Smokey Chipotle Rice & Beans

5. Smokey Chipotle Rice & Beans

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

The key players of this dynamic duo actually spent their early days on individual paths. Common rice hails from Asia, while beans originated in South America. They met in the Americas during the era of Spanish and Portuguese colonialism. There was instant chemistry, as you might imagine, that lasted through the centuries.

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.

Let’s Talk History

Originally called tlaxcalli by Native Americans, tortillas received their modern name, meaning “little cake,” from Spanish colonials in the 1500s. At some point, someone—perhaps immigrant Jews in northern Mexico—began to make this 12,000-year-old recipe from imported wheat instead of traditional corn. As for who is responsible, we don’t know for sure.

Read more about the history of tortillas and get the recipe here.

6 Recipes to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month