Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the histories, traditions and cultural diversity of Hispanic Americans. Each year, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, we pause to learn about their contributions to this country through exploring history, music, sports, art, literature and food.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a cookbook entitled “Cooking Around the World” full of recipes inspired by foods prepared in Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala and much more.
Food is a great way to connect us, experience another culture, learn about the ingredients that are popular in other parts of the world and understand the values and traditions of others. This year, during Hispanic Heritage Month, we’ve got some delicious ways to explore the rich and unique tastes of Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Recipes to Try
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several recipes in a cookbook entitled “Cooking Around the World.” You can download it and check out recipes inspired by foods prepared in Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala and countries from all corners of the world.
Try your hand at the delicious options highlighted in this article, but be sure to dig deeper on your own to find even more ways to celebrate the rich traditions of Hispanic Americans.
- Black bean baleadas: This recipe from Honduras uses black beans combined with spices such as cumin and coriander, along with avocado and queso fresco to create a delicious, filled tortilla served warm. This one is found under “Recipes Inspired by Central America and the Caribbean.”
- Calabacitas con Elote: This vegetarian dish from Mexico can be made as a side dish or a main entrée and uses healthy ingredients such as corn, zucchini and tomatoes mixed with spices like cilantro and jalapeno.
- Spiced hot cacao: This version of hot cacao from Guatemala provides a spicy and sweet drink that combines cocoa powder, vanilla and sweetener with a hot pepper spice like chili powder. This one is found under “Recipes Inspired by Central America and the Caribbean.”
- Roasted pork tenderloin with chimichurri: This recipe from Argentina uses the chimichurri sauce first as a marinade and then as a sauce to pour over your pork for a flavor-packed meal. This one is found under “Recipes Inspired by South America.”
- Pico de gallo with homemade tortilla chips: These two recipes combine a version of the Mexican staple pico de gallo with a delicious way to make your own tortilla chips (savory and sweet options included).
Other VA Cooking Resources
VA also offers the Healthy Teaching Kitchen Program, which provides additional recipes that are healthy and easy to make. Their YouTube channel offers step-by-step guidance if you need it, or a written recipe if that’s all you need. In addition to the “Cooking Around the World” cookbook, you can also find helpful resources such as a weekly meal planner, a cookbook designed around one-pot meals and a cookbook created specifically for Veterans with limited or no cooking skills or abilities.
Food is a great way to connect us to one another and to learn about cultural traditions. You don’t have to limit yourself to these recipes. Do your own research and continue to explore delicious recipes from countries around the world.