You don't need to spend hours in the kitchen to make authentic Latin food. Here are 3 easy recipes that have a classic Latin taste and a modern twist.
Puerto Rican Rice and Beans
- 1 (16 ounce) can red kidney beans or 1 (16 ounce) can pink beans
- 1 (16 ounce) can of black beans
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, cilantro and dried chili pepper mixture
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 slice cooked ham, cubed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sofrito sauce
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice , uncooked
- 1 small can of sliced black olives
- 2 tablespoons of capers
- ½ fresh lime
Cook brown rice as instructed on the package (5 minute rice works fine).
In saucepan, heat oil on low-medium and sauté cubed ham
Once it starts to sizzle, add your cilantro, garlic and chili pepper mix
Then add the Sofrito sauce
Next add red beans and black beans (drain most of liquid, just a little bit is needed to pull the sauce together).
Mix rice and beans, add uncooked capers, black olives and squeeze the lime for a fresh taste.
Serve.
Tostones
Fried plantains are delicious and easy to make.
- 2 green plantains
- Oil for frying
- Salt
Heat the oil to 375 degrees—peel the green plantains and cut them into 3/4 inch slices. Fry the slices in the hot oil for 3 minutes. They should be a light golden color and semi-soft. Remove the plantain slices with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Let slices cool for about one minute and then smash them into flat rounds. Fry the rounds in the hot oil for 3 minutes or until they become crisp and golden brown.
Remove the tostones with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Salt to taste.
Mexican Casserole
Mexican Casserole can be a delicious side dish or an entrée. It takes about 30 minutes total.
- 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
- 3/4 onion, diced
- 5 (10 inch) flour tortillas
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9-inch pie pan with non-stick cooking spray. In a saucepan, cook refried beans and onions on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
Place one tortilla in the bottom of the greased pan. Spread about 1/3 cup of the bean mixture over it. Layer a few tablespoons of salsa over this. Then, place another tortilla over the salsa, and add more of the bean mixture. Follow the beans with a big handful of cheese, spread evenly. Repeat layers. On the top layer, add lots of salsa and cheese!
Bake until the cheese is melted, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Quick, easy and delicious!
