The term Hispanic is used to describe those residents of US who have a background from the Spanish speaking countries of Latin America. It is mainly used to identify immigrants and their descendants from a wide range of ethnicities, races, cultures and nationalities, who use Spanish as a primary language.
The Hispanic Food usually covers the culinary traditions of Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba, South and Central America. All these countries have Spanish cultures and origins. Hispanic food varies from each town, family and region. The traditional Hispanic food is rich in flavor and features a variety of textures, including crunchy, chewy, gooey and stringy. Most of the foods are derived from rice and vegetables; and all use a common flavored base called sofrito to season their dishes and soups. Sofrito is a mild tomato base, most commonly used in traditional Hispanic food cooking methods.
HISPANIC FOOD HISTORY
Researches and studies have revealed that the Hispanic Food History, began when the Hispanics learned to cook food, by growing rice, chilies, beans, tomatoes and spices, which were easily grown in the rich and moist climate of Spain. The people also started the use of meat and dairy into the recipes, providing meat for tacos as well as cheeses for garnishing. Since long time, the Hispanic food culture has varied from the original one.
SPICES USED IN HISPANIC FOODS
Mostly spices are used to flavor the dishes. These spices give a fabulous aroma to brighten up the recipes. Authentic Hispanic spices have passed a great influence to enhance the foods from past to present. Most of the commonly used Hispanic spices include, Garlic, Chipotle, Onion, Epazote – Mexican tea, Cumin, Cinnamon, Mexican oregano, cocoa, Ancho Chile powder, saffron and many more.
HISPANIC FOOD RECIPES
Most of the Hispanic groups like to eat their food with rice; while other Hispanics usually like to mix their meals with beans, potatoes, quinoa and wheat or cassava. These foods are not similar to the basic nachos, tacos, tamales and enchiladas. They have their individual mainstreams of menu items, from the main dishes, desserts and appetizers up to the beverages. Some of the popular Hispanic recipes include, Chimichurri Sauce, Chipotle Salsa, Coconut-Pineapple Batido and many others.
