Sandra A. Gutierrez, author of Latinísimo, shares the rich tapestry of Latin American cuisine, challenges stereotypes, and explores culinary traditions from 21 countries. She discusses her travels, market experiences in Peru and Colombia, and the historical significance of ingredients like avocados and chiles. The podcast also delves into Mayan creation stories, nixtamalization, and culinary delights in Peru.
Latin American cuisine is a diverse tapestry of flavors from 21 countries, connected by common ingredients and vibrant histories.
Visiting local markets in Latin America offers a rich cultural experience, allowing you to taste new foods and engage with friendly locals.
Deep dives
Exploring Latin American Food
The podcast episode discusses the diverse and vibrant cuisine of Latin America. Sandra Gutierrez, a food historian, shares her experiences growing up in Guatemala and her passion for Latin American food. She explains how each country represents a colorful patch in the quilt of Latin American food, connected by common ingredients. Latin American cuisine is not limited to popular dishes like Mexican cuisine, but encompasses various kitchens and cuisines that are just as exciting, delicious, and easy to make. The podcast highlights the influence of indigenous ingredients, the impact of colonization on Latin American cuisine, and the importance of nixtamalization in Mesoamerican cuisine. Overall, the episode showcases the rich history, flavors, and diversity of Latin American food.
Market Explorations
The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of visiting markets in Latin America to truly experience the local food culture. Sandra shares her love for exploring markets in different cities, such as Lima, Peru, and Cartagena, Colombia. She explains that visiting markets allows you to see what people are buying and cooking, taste a variety of foods, and interact with friendly locals who love to talk about food. Sandra encourages listeners to be curious and ask questions about ingredients and recipes, as it is a great way to bridge cultures and learn more about the culinary traditions of Latin America.
History and Evolution of Latin American Food
The podcast episode delves into the history and evolution of Latin American food, highlighting the impact of colonization on the cuisine. Sandra discusses how the introduction of new ingredients from Europe and Africa transformed traditional indigenous recipes, resulting in the diverse and vibrant Latin American cuisine we know today. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and appreciating the historical context of these culinary traditions, while also embracing the new flavors and influences that have shaped Latin American food over centuries. Sandra also mentions the significance of indigenous ingredients like corn, potatoes, and avocados in Latin American cuisine.
Favorite Recipes and Cooking Tips
The podcast episode concludes with Sandra sharing some of her favorite recipes from her book on Latin American cuisine. She highlights dishes like sancocho, a Panamanian chicken soup, gua de malan petpien, a beef stew with Peruvian influence, and pastelon, a Dominican lasagna made with plantains. Sandra also mentions a Chilean pasta dish with avocado sauce and Peruvian causa, a layered potato salad, as easy and impressive recipes that showcase the diversity and flavors of Latin American cuisine. She emphasizes the power of food to connect people and evoke nostalgia, and encourages listeners to explore and experiment with Latin American recipes in their own kitchens.
Twenty one countries make up Latin America—and within those countries lies myriad food cultures, recipes, and histories. This week, Lale chats with guest Sandra A. Gutierrez about her latest cookbook Latinísimo: Home Recipes from the Twenty-One Countries of Latin America, an encyclopedic exploration of the region through its dishes and the home cooks who make them. Plus, her travels in countries like Peru and Colombia, and insider tips for tracking down the best eats in a new city.
