South America

Pabellón Criollo is a hearty Venezuelan dish made from shredded beef, black beans, rice and plantains. It is also occasionally topped with a fried egg or served with chopped up avocado on the side. Pabellón Criollo is the national dish of Venezuela and is often served at special occasions such as family gatherings, weddings and …

Palta is an avocado spread from Chile, made by mashing up avocados until they are smooth and creamy. Palta has a buttery texture and a rich, creamy flavor that is perfect for a variety of dishes; it can be spread on bread or in sandwiches, served at breakfast with eggs, mixed into salads, or even stirred …

Turron de Doña Pepa is an anise flavored confection from Peru, best described as a bar made from thick cookie layers. The cookie dough which contains anise seeds is rolled out or shaped into sticks then baked. The layers are stacked and held together by chancaca honey. The top is also covered with honey, then …

Baião-de-dois is a dish from Brazil made with pan-fried onions and bacon, white rice, and black-eyed peas. This dish is simple and versatile and can be enjoyed any time of day. It is a great choice for a low-budget meal that does not sacrifice flavor. If you have ever tried to make red beans and …

Fanesca, also known as Easter Soup, is a creamy Ecuadorian soup made with salted cod, peanuts, and seasonal vegetables including squash, corn, and an assortment of beans. This dish is only prepared during Lent and Easter celebrations and is often eaten as lunch on Good Friday.  This soup varies between households as most families will …

Suriname is a small country located on the northern coast of South America. It is bordered by Guyana to the west, French Guiana to the east, Brazil to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the north.  The country has a diverse population, with people of African, Asian, and European descent. The official language is …

Pastafrola is a Paraguayan and Argentinian pie made with a crumbly shortbread crust, filled with your choice of quince paste, guava paste or dulce de leche. The pie can be enjoyed as a sweet way to start your day, served alongside coffee or tea, or as a filling dessert after dinner.  This dish is easy …

Coração de Galinha, also known as Chicken Hearts, is a popular street food dish in Brazil. It consists of skewered and grilled chicken hearts, which are marinated in a mixture of spices and seasonings before cooking. It is most commonly served as a snack or as a main course accompanied by sides such as rice, …

Dulce de mamón is a dish from Paraguay made from papaya and sugar. In a slow process over low heat, the papaya and sugar are reduced into a sweet and syrupy dessert. This dish originated with the Guarani people and is popular in Northern Paraguay, where it is typically eaten after evening meals.  There are …

Salteñas are a Bolivian pastry snack that is stuffed with meat, vegetables and egg in a rich sauce. They are often eaten for breakfast. Salteñas are a type of empanada, which is the more well-known name for the South American, crescent-shaped pastries that come with a variety of fillings depending on location. The word ’empanada’ …

Papa Rellena is a Peruvian dish that is prepared by mixing mashed potatoes with ground beef. A seasoned ground beef stuffing, bearing resemblance to empanada stuffing, is covered in a layer of mashed potatoes, which is later shaped into an oblong oval shape and then deep-fried until it’s golden brown and crunchy. Country kids in …

Picante de Pollo is a Creole dish originating in Western Bolivia consisting of chicken, sautéed or fried, doused in a traditional spicy sauce that is thickened with potatoes. It is known for its spicy aroma and flavor, and is a popular food to eat on long winter nights. It is often served alongside a bed …

Carne mechada, also known as Venezuelan shredded beef, is a traditional Venezuelan dish prepared using pulled beef. It is typically accompanied by rice and served as a main meal. It is also used as a stuffing for arepas, sandwiches and empanadas. Other ingredients added to Carne Mechada include onions, sweet red bell peppers and cumin. …

Guyana is a country located on the northern mainland of South America. The name ‘Guyana’ means Land of Many Waters owing to the country’s many rivers and streams. Guyana is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname. Guyana is perhaps best known for its natural resources, particularly its rainforests, sugarcane plantations, rice fields …

Ajiaco is a traditional, hearty Colombian soup prepared using chicken, potatoes and corn on the cob. It is seasoned with a Colombian herb known as guascas, and the dish is then topped with capers, avocado slices and cream. It is particularly popular in the capital city of Bogota. As well as Columbia, ajiaco is also …

Soyo is a traditional Paraguayan soup prepared using meat that is pounded in a mortar. It is then flavored with several spices and vegetables. Other ingredients added include cold water, rice, garlic, aromatic herbs, oil, onion, sweet red pepper, tomato, scallion, some flour, salt, oregano and parsley. Rich in calories, this hearty soup is generally …

Papa a la Huancaína is a Peruvian dish made from boiled potatoes topped with a spicy creamy sauce, boiled eggs and olives. Its name translates to ‘Huancayo style potatoes’. It is usually served cold as an appetizer over a bed of lettuce leaves, or as a side dish.  The Huancaína sauce is made from ají …

Silpancho is a widely consumed Bolivian dish that consists of multiple layers. The first layer is white rice, the second is boiled and sliced potatoes, the third is a thin layer of minced meat and then the final layer is chopped tomatoes. It is typically topped with a fried egg and a mix of onion, …