Introduction
South American cuisine is a mix of vibrant flavors and cultures from all around the continent. It incorporates Mexican, Caribbean, and Spanish influences, as well as Native American and African influences. South American dishes are known for their bold flavors, with many dishes featuring a variety of spices and herbs. From hearty stews to sweet desserts, there are plenty of delicious South American dishes to enjoy. Here are some of the most popular dishes from the region.
Beef Empanadas
Beef empanadas are a popular dish throughout South America. They are a pastry filled with seasoned beef, onions, and sometimes other ingredients like peppers, olives, and cheese. The pastry is then deep-fried or baked until golden brown. Beef empanadas are often served as appetizers or snacks, and can be found in many restaurants throughout the region.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 package of empanada dough
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the onions, red pepper, olives, oregano, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the empanada dough until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out circles with a biscuit cutter or glass.
5. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over, pressing the edges to seal.
6. Place the empanadas on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition:
Each empanada contains approximately 200 calories, 9 grams of fat, 19 grams of carbohydrates, and 11 grams of protein.
Feijoada
Feijoada is a popular Brazilian dish that is enjoyed throughout South America. It is a stew made with black beans, pork, and beef. It is usually served with white rice and a variety of accompaniments like collard greens, oranges, and cassava flour. Feijoada is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of black beans, soaked overnight
- 1 pound of pork, cubed
- 1 pound of beef, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups of water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the beans, pork, beef, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Add the water to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
3. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
4. Serve the feijoada with white rice, collard greens, oranges, and cassava flour. Enjoy!
Nutrition:
Each serving of feijoada contains approximately 300 calories, 10 grams of fat, 26 grams of carbohydrates, and 23 grams of protein.
Churrasco
Churrasco is a popular Brazilian dish that is enjoyed throughout South America. It is a grilled meat, usually beef, that is seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and other spices. Churrasco is usually served with a variety of accompaniments, including rice, beans, salads, and sauces. It is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of flank steak
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the steak to the bowl and combine until evenly coated.
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the steak on the grill and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until the steak is cooked through.
3. Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
4. Serve the steak with a variety of accompaniments, such as rice, beans, salads, and sauces. Enjoy!
Nutrition:
Each serving of churrasco contains approximately 350 calories, 16 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbohydrates, and 44 grams of protein.
Chimichurri
Chimichurri is a popular condiment found throughout South America. It is made with parsley, garlic, oregano, olive oil, and vinegar. It is often used as a marinade for meats, or as a sauce or topping for various dishes. Chimichurri is a flavorful and versatile condiment that is sure to enhance any dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the parsley, garlic, oregano, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until everything is evenly blended.
3. Taste the chimichurri and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Serve the chimichurri as a marinade for meats, or as a sauce or topping for various dishes. Enjoy!
Nutrition:
Each serving of chimichurri contains approximately 80 calories, 8 grams of fat, 1 gram of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of protein.
Conclusion
South American cuisine is full of flavor and variety. From empanadas to feijoada, there are plenty of delicious dishes to enjoy. The dishes are often hearty and flavorful, with a variety of spices and herbs. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a hearty meal, there are plenty of delicious South American dishes to choose from.