Thanks to the close geographical proximity of the United States to many of the Latin American countries of the world, Latin American cuisine has been rapidly gaining in popularity with Americans. From the abundance of taco stands in Houston to the Cuban diners serving roasted pork and fried plantains in Miami, Latin American food has become a staple of the American diet and continues to rise in popularity as the American palette evolves. As one of the most diverse cuisines on Earth, Latin American food is best known for its labor intensive preparation methods and its full range of bold flavors.
History
The history of Latin American food is as complex and unique as the cuisine itself. As immigrants came to the United States from the surrounding Latin American countries, their cuisine came with them. Puerto Rican cuisine took a stronghold in places such as New York City and Chicago. Cuban cuisine rose to prominence in Miami and South Florida shortly after the Los Marielitos influx. The Cubans brought their love for strong coffee and pork with them to Miami, and the cuisine escalated in popularity throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Mexican cuisine has been a part of Texas and the Southwest for as long as those areas have been settled. Commercialized versions of classic Mexican peasant food can be found in nearly every corner of the country.
Features
Latin American food is known for its bold, sometimes spicy flavor. While the preparation methods and distinct flavors vary depending on the indigenous area, most Latin American food revolves around one of the three major proteins: pork, beef and chicken. In Cuba, pork is featured in many signature dishes. In Argentina, one of the largest cattle-producing nations in the world, beef is featured prominently. Flavor profiles can range from mildly spicy, in dishes featuring chiles such as the popular banana pepper, to the mouth-burning heat of the habanero peppers featured in some Mexican dishes.
Misconceptions
Unfortunately, many people in the United States associate Latin American food with the versions of the classic dishes they receive in corporate American restaurants. It is possible to find chicken quesadillas on almost every major corporate chain restaurant menu, but that does not mean you are receiving an authentic version. As a result, many Americans feel they have been overexposed to Latin American food and neglect more authentic options in local restaurants. To have an enjoyable Latin American food experience, diners should seek out restaurants that offer authentic dishes prepared in the traditional manner.
Benefits
If you're considering serving Latin American food at an upcoming party or are considering hosting an event at a Latin American themed restaurant, you have made a good decision. Next to Italian, Latin American is the most popular ethnic cuisine in the United States. Because of the vast variety in the cuisine, people typically do not have a difficult time finding a suitable menu item at a Latin American restaurant. In addition to the way Latin American food lends itself to parties and events, many Latin American dishes are low in fat and carbohydrates, making it healthful as well.
Warning
It is not uncommon for amateur restaurateur profiteers to take advantage of the Latin American food craze and open up unprofessional, often unsanitary restaurants. Always be sure to fully research prospective restaurants before dining. If you notice the dining area is unsanitary upon arrival, it is usually safe to assume they don't take care of the kitchen either. This is a particular problem with Latin American restaurants because of the sheer popularity of the cuisine and the money-making potential in the eyes of amateur restaurant owners.
Tags: Latin American, Latin American food, American food, American food, United States
