The cuisine of Central America is astounding in variety and flavor. Some of the world’s favorite ingredients — corn, beans, peppers, potatoes — originated in this part of the world. And these same ingredients continue to form the basis of cooking for millions of Central Americans.
From Mexico in the north to Panama in the south, tortillas and tamales rule alongside rice and beans. Chile peppers add spice to dishes. Mealtimes are sweetened with a wide variety of tropical fruits.
Ingredients of the Central American Pantry
The pantry of most Central Americans will certainly contain three ingredients first cultivated here — corn, chiles and beans. Corn is treated with lime and formed into a flour for tortillas, pupusas and tamales. It also forms the basis for many drinks like atoles, chicha and pinolillo.
Peppers with varying heat are dried, toasted and ground to a powder to season all kinds of dishes. Hot chile powder is even sprinkled on watermelon! Beans of all colors form an essential and fiber-rich source of daily protein.
Here is a list of ingredients commonly used in Central America. Use it to stock your own home with the essentials of the Central American kitchen.
Breads and Grains
- Cornmeal, Masa Harina, Rice, Wheat
Vegetables and Beans
- Cabbage, Chayote, Chili Peppers, Corn, Garlic, Huitlacoche (corn fungus), Mushrooms, Nopales (cactus pads), Onions, Pozol (hominy), Radishes, Tomatillos, Tomatoes, Zucchini
- Plantains, Potatoes, Yuca (cassava)
- Black Beans, Pinto Beans
Fruits, Nuts and Seeds
- Avocado, Bananas, Coconut, Guavas, Limes, Mangoes, Oranges, Pineapples, Strawberries, Tamarind, Watermelon
- Almonds
- Pepitas (pumpkin seeds), Sesame Seeds
Meats, Poultry and Fish
- Beef, Goat, Pork
- Chicken, Turkey
- Snapper, Shrimp
Eggs and Dairy
- Cheese, Cream, Eggs, Milk, Sour Cream
Sauces, Condiments and Oils
- Coconut Milk, Honey, Vinegar
- Butter, Corn Oil, Lard
Spices and Herbs
- Cilantro, Epazote
- Chocolate
- Achiote, Cumin, Dried Chili Peppers, Oregano
Beverages
- Beer, Chocolate, Coconut Juice, Coffee, Mezcal, Tequila
Cuisines and Recipes of Central America
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El Salvador: Recipes and Cuisine
The cuisine of El Salvador is similar to that of its Central American neighbors, with a strong reliance on indigenous foods like corn, beans, squash and tomatoes.
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Guatemala: Recipes and Cuisine
While most Guatemalans are of mixed indigenous and European heritage, large numbers of chapines — as Guatemalans refer to themselves — are pure-blooded Mayan with a culture dating back centuries.
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Honduras: Recipes and Cuisine
The cuisine of Honduras, like that of its Central American neighbors, puts a heavy emphasis on corn, peppers, tomatoes and beans.
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Mexico: Recipes and Cuisine
Long before the arrival of Europeans, Mexico was home to the great Maya, Aztec and Zapotec civilizations. These peoples had well developed agriculture and cuisines all their own.
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Nicaragua: Recipes and Cuisine
“La comida Nica,” as Nicaraguans call their cuisine, is a Latin creole mix of indigenous and Spanish dishes and ingredients.