6 Easy Latin Comfort Foods That Will Remind You of Your Abuela's Cooking
For days where you just want to wrap yourself under a blanket and gorge on food that you grew up on. Food is a universal symbol of comfort and you can do no wrong when you indulge yourself once in a while especially if you're on a strict diet.
Here are some tasty and modernized recipes for comfort foods that will remind you of your Abuela and her home cooking:
1.) Arroz con Leche
Who doesn't like Mexican rice pudding? This dish is versatile because it can be eaten during breakfast or dessert and taste really good when served either hot or cold. Anyone who grew up in a Latino household knows this dish by heart and now you can make it by yourself. This recipe is taken from Muy Bueno Cookbook. There's a video on how to make it as well.
2.) Oven-baked flautas
A flauta is usually a rolled tortilla chop filled with beef, chicken or cheese and fried. However, if you're worried about ruining your diet but are hankering for a nostalgic childhood snack, try this recipe by Betty Cortina posted on NBC Latino. Instead of the traditional meaty filling, the recipe is made of various vegetables like onion, bell pepper, corn kernels, mushrooms, and jalapeno instead. And instead of the deep-fryer, this dish is oven-baked instead of a healthy-fried and modernized twist on a traditional dish.
3.) Fajitas con setas portobello
Traditional fajitas are usually made with grilled meat but this dish from Latina Magazine is a healthier version. Instead of beef or chicken, this dish uses portobello mushrooms, a known vegetarian alternative that is similar to the texture and taste of meat. Vegans can opt to use dairy-free sour cream or plain tofu yogurt to garnish this dish. Whether on an outdoor grill or in the kitchen, this recipe takes you back.
4.) Low-sodium gazpacho
Gazpacho is a soup served cold and that is why it is always a Latin summer staple. However, the dish can sometimes be a little too high in salt and that is why this recipe posted on Spark People is a great alternative at only 55.5 calories per serving.
5.) Huevos rancheros
Spicy Mexican eggs are tagged as a classic brunch food, however, those who grew up on it know that it is usually served for breakfast. Nevertheless, huevos rancheros are easy to make and healthy too. Try this recipe by Simon Rimmer that is posted on BBC.
6.) R‪ice and beans
There are many variations to this traditional comfort food. However, nothing beats the one made by Abuela. If you haven't found Abuela's secret recipe, we recommend this Colombian-style dish by Serious Eats.