10 Latino Thanksgiving Dishes to Spice Up Your Celebration
Few days before Thanksgiving, many Americans are surely busy planning their turkey recipes. But you're a Latinx, you will surely upgrade your dinner menu with some traditional Latino dishes. However, if you are one of those who haven't figured out what to prepare aside from your roasted turkey, there's still time for some note-taking!
Let us help you choose your dinner add-ons with these 10 Latino Thanksgiving dishes you can incorporate on your celebration:
1. Pavochon
Upgrade your boring roasted turkey into Pavochon, a native Puertorican turkey dish. Its name is derived from pavo which means turkey and lechon or roasted pig. Puerto Ricans would cook Pavochon in the same manner as roasted pig. To add more flavor, they would also stuff it with mofongo, or mashed green plantains with garlic, olive oil and pork rinds.
2. Tamales
Tamales is a staple food in any Mexican celebration. Tamales is made from a corn-based dough called masa and a tasty or savory filling. It is usually wrapped in banana leaf or corn husk.
3. Arroz Con Leche
One of the most popular Columbian deserts, arroz con leche is almost aways present in any celebration. The dessert is made is simply made of rice pudding added with milk, cinnamon, and raisins.
4. Piononos
While preparing your main dishes, you can serve your guests with Pianonos, an Argentinian appetizer. It is a bite-size rolled sponge cake that can be served with a variety of fillings like the savory meat and tuna, or sweet jams depending on your liking.
5. Quesillo
A custard or creme dessert completes any Latinx celebration. Venezuelans have their own version called quesillo.
6. Ceviche
Ceviche is a recipe from Honduras. If you are a seafood fanatic or just one who wants a variety to the meat dishes you are preparing, ceviche would surely give life to your dinner table. This dish is made from shellfish, lemon or lime, and spices such as bell peppers, onions, and other seasonings.
7. Tres leches
There has been a long-standing debate whether which country first invented the tres leches recipe, Mexico or Nicaragua. This bitter dispute is contrary to this sweet dessert made from three different types of milk: cream, condensed and evaporated milk.
8. Empanada
A Latinx favorite, Empanada has a variety of versions including Columbian, Venezuelan, Argentinian, and Puerto Rican, with different fillings and cooking style: some baked, others fried. Despite this, the dish has retained its name, empanada, and continues to be a stellar part of every Latinx celebration.
9. Chumpe
People of El Salvador have their own version of roasted turkey called chumpe. The turkey is added with a special saude made from pumpkin seeds, peanuts, bay leaves, tomatoes, and other spices. The dish can also be served with bread. Salvadoreans call this sandwich, pan con chumpe.
10. Arroz con guandu
A dish made of rice and pigeon peas, Panamanians consider arroz con guandu an integral part of their celebrations.
Thanksgiving is a celebration of prosperity. Whether you are an American or a Latinx, this once-a-year celebration is perfect to pause and look back to the good things and challenges you have overcome, all the things you can be thankful for. Invite your family and friends over dinner, and share these Latino Thanksgiving dishes as symbol of giving back to those who helped you over the year.
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