Category: Latin

American, Asian, Cooking Techniques, Eastern European, Easy, European, Gluten-free, Heart Healthy, Indian, Latin, Middle Eastern, Quick Meals, Rice/Grains/Pulses, Side Dish, Vegan, Vegetarian

Rice on the Stovetop

I have never owned a rice cooker. I make rice in either a pot or a pressure cooker. Both methods work well, however, the pot takes 15 minutes to cook rice with a 5 minute rest period whereas the pressure cooker takes only 5 minutes. It makes sense as pressure cookers need only a third […]

Caribbean, Casseroles, Cleaning Out Refrigerator and Pantry, Easy, Family Favorites, Gluten-free, Ingredient Substitutions, Latin, Low-Carb, Main Course, Meat, Quick Meals

Pastelón de Plátano – Plantain and Meat Casserole

I learned how to make this dish from my Dominican classmate in college. It is made using sweet and green plantains that are boiled and mashed and sandwiched around a ground meat preparation similar to Picadillo (a Mexican sweet-and-sour ground meat main course) covered with cheese and baked. Think of it as a Carribean lasagne. […]

Caribbean, Cooking Techniques, Easy, Gluten-free, Heart Healthy, Latin, Low-Carb, Oils and Dressings, Sauces and Condiments, Spice Blends (Masalas)/Seasonings, Understanding Spices

Achiote (Annatto) Oil

Achiote (Annatto) seeds have been used in Mexico, the Carribean, and the Philipines to impart a deep orange-yellow color and fruity mildly peppery flavor to food. I make a cup of this oil and use it for recipes from these regions. Prep time: 3 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Yield: 1 cup INSTRUCTIONS Add both […]

American, Appetizers, Snacks, and Dips, Easy, Gluten-free, Heart Healthy, Latin, Low-Fat, Quick Meals, Rice/Grains/Pulses, Salad, Side Dish, Vegan, Vegetarian

3-Minute Corn Salsa with Black Beans

Years ago, I ate this salad as a sample at our local Trader Joe’s and fell in love with it. What shocked me was how easy it was to make. I only needed two ingredients and zero cooking! Olé! I made it for my book club later that week and it was a hit. I […]

American, Appetizers, Snacks, and Dips, Asian, Breakfast, Caribbean, Desserts, Easy, European, Family Favorites, Gluten-free, Heart Healthy, Latin, Low-Fat, Puddings/Custards, Vegan, Vegetarian

Tapioca Pudding

This quick and simple gluten-free dessert is terrific on a cold day. I normally serve this to my kids as an after school snack. Prep time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes rest before and after Yield: 4-6 INSTRUCTIONS 1.Add all the dry ingredients to a 1-quart anodized aluminum or nonstick saucepan. […]