Easy Latin Recipes to Try with Ingredients from Calgary’s Latin Market
Easy Latin Recipes to Try with Ingredients from Calgary’s Latin Market

If you’re looking to explore the vibrant flavors of Latin cuisine, Latino Food Market is a treasure trove of ingredients. From fresh produce to specialty spices, you can find everything you need for authentic recipes. This guide will provide you with easy Latin recipes that you can whip up using items from calgary latin market.

1. Tacos de Pollo (Chicken Tacos)

Tacos are a staple in Latin cuisine. They are simple to make and can be customized to your taste. Here’s a basic recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of chicken breast
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning
  • Corn tortillas
  • Chopped cilantro and onions
  • Lime wedges

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chicken and taco seasoning. Cook until fully cooked.
  3. Shred the chicken with a fork.
  4. Warm tortillas in another pan.
  5. Assemble tacos with chicken, cilantro, and onions.
  6. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.

2. Empanadas de Carne (Beef Empanadas)

Empanadas are delightful pastries filled with various ingredients. This beef version is a favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • Empanada dough (available at the market)
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper until soft.
  2. Add ground beef and cumin, cooking until browned.
  3. Allow the mixture to cool.
  4. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle.
  5. Fold and seal the edges with a fork.
  6. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.

3. Arroz con Pollo (Rice with Chicken)

This one-pot meal is hearty and full of flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of chicken pieces
  • 2 cups of rice
  • 4 cups of chicken broth
  • 1 cup of peas
  • 1 tablespoon of saffron (or turmeric for color)
  • 1 onion, chopped

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, brown the chicken pieces.
  2. Add onions and sauté until translucent.
  3. Stir in rice, broth, peas, and saffron.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
  5. Cover and cook until rice is tender.

4. Ceviche de Camarón (Shrimp Ceviche)

Ceviche is a refreshing dish, perfect for hot days. It’s light and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Juice of 4 limes
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, minced
  • Cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Mix shrimp with lime juice in a bowl.
  2. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes until shrimp turns opaque.
  3. Add tomato, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
  4. Toss to combine and serve chilled.

5. Flan (Caramel Custard)

Flan is a classic Latin dessert that is creamy and delicious. It’s a great way to end any meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of sugar (for caramel)
  • 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can of evaporated milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, melt sugar until it turns golden brown.
  2. Pour caramel into a flan mold.
  3. Blend condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla.
  4. Pour the mixture over the caramel in the mold.
  5. Bake in a water bath at 350°F for about an hour.
  6. Let it cool, then refrigerate before serving.

With these easy Latin recipes, you can bring the flavors of Latin America into your home. All ingredients can be found at Calgary’s Latin Market, making your culinary journey seamless and enjoyable. Whether you’re making tacos for a family gathering or flan for a special occasion, these dishes are sure to impress.