South American Cuisines
South Americans, like other populations around the world, base their cuisine around the types of foods that are available in their region. While there are significant European, Asian and African influences in modern South American dishes, their cuisine is still highly unique and easy to tell apart from other cultures.
Important Elements
There are several key ingredients that are common to all South American cuisine. These include:
- Peppers - Peppers are the most common seasoning found in South American dishes and recipes. Some peppers serve to sweeten dishes while others are meant to provide a hot spicy flavor.
- Maize (corn) - Maize is, along with potatoes, one of the oldest foods grown in South America.
- Queso - This is a form of cheese that is popular in South American dishes. It is broken up into two major types - queso fresco and queso blanco.
- Quinoa - A grain that has been cultivated for the last 6000 years. It has edible seeds and can be made into tortillas or prepared like rice.
- Fish, Beef and Pork - Various beef and pork related meats, as well as seafood, are a major part of South American cuisine.
- Fruits - Many fruits that grow in tropical environments are popular in South American cooking. These include passion fruit, papaya, pineapple, mango, guava, and lucuma.
- Peanuts - This species of nuts is native to Peru.
- Chorizo - This is a form of pork sausage that originated from Spain. It has become very popular in South America and is used in many different dishes.
- Beans - Beans are popular all over Latin America. They are used in soups and a variety of other dishes.
- Yuca Plant - The yuca plant is a versatile ingredient that can be ground up, dried and roasted in a stew, or made into flour. It can also be fried.
Popular South American Dishes
- Brazil - One of Brazil's most popular meals is called Feijoada. It combines black beans, beef, chorizo, and other ingredients to make a soup that can serve a group.
- Colombia - Barbecued meat and coconut rice are highly popular depending on the area. A unique form of tamale called tolimense is popular for breakfast. Ajiaco, a form of potato soup with chicken and corn mixed in, is another popular Colombian dish, especially in Bogota.
- Chile - Chilean dishes include Paila marina, a stew that features various types of fish and shellfish. Cazuela is another popular Chilean soup that uses a mix of vegetables and meats.
- Ecuador - Fanesca is a form of soup that is popular in Ecuador, which includes fish and beans. Ceviche is a dish that contains citrus-marinated fish.
- Paraguay / Uruguay - A lot of foods in these areas are based on beef. This includes Parrillada which is based on barbecued cuts of meat, and Puchero, which comprises of beans and various meats like beef, chicken, sausages.
- Peru - Peruvian cuisine has strong international influences. For instance Lomo saltado contains sirloin steak and soy sauce, and is served with french fries and rice.
- Venezuela - Pabellón criollo is a popular and traditional meal in Venezuela. It comprises of rice with rice, beans and shredded beef. Some variations include eggs or plantains.
- Argentina - Empanada, a form of stuffed bread, is highly popular in Argentina. It can contain cod, chicken or a variety of other meats or even fruits. Another common Argentinian dish is Fideo, which is similar to spaghetti.