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Central American Cuisine

Central American Cuisine

Most of the recipes you'll find here are of Mexican origin but we have others from Costa Rica, Guatemala, and other regions of Central America.

There are some recipes that are considered Central American but really are American creations. Since there is often a fine line between authentic and non-traditional, we've included them here as well.



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central america recipe finder

 
Enter a word or two in the box to find recipes within the central america section. You can search the title, ingredients, or entire recipe by selecting the appropriate option.

Recipes  /   central america
recipe for beef fajitas with tequila

Beef Fajitas with Tequila

Tequila in the marinade gives these tender skirt steak fajitas a little extra punch.

Method:   outdoor grill, stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for guatemalan corn soup

Guatemalan Corn Soup

Made with milk, sweet corn, onion, flour, margarine

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for pork carnitas

Pork Carnitas

Delicious pork carnitas made by simmering the seasoned pork until tender, then baking it to give it the traditional texture.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for mexican chicken and green chile casseroles

Mexican Chicken and Green Chile Casseroles

Made with chicken, monterey jack cheese, sour cream, green chiles, cream of chicken soup, salsa, corn tortillas, cheese

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for texas corn 'n' black bean salsa

Texas Corn 'n' Black Bean Salsa

Delicious salsa with black beans for something a little more substantial than your typical dip. With a bite from jalapeno, this chunky salsa is great on tortilla chips...


Time:   30-60 minutes

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recipe for fresh salsa picante

Fresh Salsa Picante

Fresh, homemade salsa can be a total game changer. This Anaheim chile and fresh tomato salsa is good with tortilla chips, but you'll also want it on hand for tacos, burritos, and...


Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for slow cooker burrito jalisco (mexican pork)

Slow Cooker Burrito Jalisco (Mexican Pork)

Cook up some easy Mexican comfort food by slow-cooking pork in beer and spices, then enjoying it in tortillas loaded with guacamole, cheese, and more.

Method:   crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for canned salsa

Canned Salsa

A fantastic DIY canned salsa that you'll want to have stocked up all year. Grab the freshest tomatoes in summer and simmer them down with onion, cilantro, and some fiery jalapenos.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for slow cooker turkey tacos

Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos

Turkey tacos are a healthy version of traditional tacos, swapping out ground beef for lean turkey. Combined with beans, corn, tomatoes, salsa, and taco seasoning it creates a...

Method:   stovetop, crock pot
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for chipotle corn salsa

Chipotle Corn Salsa

Corn salsa is a fun change of pace to pair with tortilla chips or works outstandingly as a topping for homemade burritos and bowls. Check out this recipe with fresh tomatoes and...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for chipotle carnitas

Chipotle Carnitas

Carnitas means "little meats" which relates to the chunks of pork. This version has a spicy kick with the addition of canned chipotle chiles.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for sour cream chicken tacos

Sour Cream Chicken Tacos

Green chili adds a little heat; tomatoey-sour cream sauce with onion and garlic poured over top of the filled tortillas ties the whole dish together.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for leftover turkey burritos

Leftover Turkey Burritos

Use up leftover turkey in a different way with these zesty burritos. All it takes is a few seconds in the microwave and dinner is served.

Method:   microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for chili and tamales

Chili And Tamales

Sometimes the best meals have the simplest components, and that's exactly what this chili and tamale combo is.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for chili powder salsa

Chili Powder Salsa

Fresh, homemade salsa with a kick is good for so much more than just tortilla chip dipping. Add to breakfast tacos, spread on quesadillas, or use as a burger topping.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for potato and cheese enchiladas with salsa verde

Potato and Cheese Enchiladas with Salsa Verde

Salsa verde made from scratch with fresh serranos and cilantro elevates this enchilada recipe into restaurant-level territory.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for arizona mexican tamale pie

Arizona Mexican Tamale Pie

Made with onion, green bell pepper, garlic, chipotle chilies en adobo, ground cumin, black beans, tomatoes, fresh cilantro, adobo sauce, Cheddar cheese

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for slow cooker chicken fajitas

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

The crock pot is a great way to make fajitas! No grill, no mess!

Method:   crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for aunt chilada's yucatan-style pork tamales

Aunt Chilada's Yucatan-Style Pork Tamales

When you first bite into one of Aunt Chilada's Yucatan-style tamales, you're hit with a savory and slightly spicy flavor blend of shredded pork and just the...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for zucchini salsa

Zucchini Salsa

Diced zucchini adds a cool and refreshing element to this zesty salsa. Serve with chips or as a condiment on your favorite Tex-Mex meal.


Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for 30 minute beef fajitas

30 Minute Beef Fajitas

Quick and easy fajitas made with ground beef, bell peppers, and zucchini. Served with a low fat sour cream-mustard sauce.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for puffy tacos

Puffy Tacos

Can't decide between a hard or soft shell taco? Try a puffy taco instead! Tortillas are cooked in oil until puffed and crispy and then stuffed full with your favorite fillings.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for homemade pico de gallo

Homemade Pico de Gallo

Whip up some homemade pico de gallo with fresh tomatoes, jalapeno, lime juice, red onion, and cilantro. This simple recipe is perfect for adding a zesty kick to your favorite...


Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for copycat el chico fried ice cream

Copycat El Chico Fried Ice Cream

This copycat dessert from El Chico Cafe combines deep-fried ice cream balls coated in a sweet, crunchy mixture. Serve with whipped cream and cherries for an...

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for corn bread tamale pie

Corn Bread Tamale Pie

Made with tomatoes, water, black pepper, salt, chili powder, whole kernel corn, green bell pepper, cornmeal

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for shrimp and pepper fajitas

Shrimp And Pepper Fajitas

Tasty and easy shrimp fajitas, ready in under 30 minutes. Hint: think outside the box with additional toppings. Guacamole, diced tomatoes, etc can dress these up further.

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for new mexican salsa

New Mexican Salsa

Good salsa is all about fresh, so when you see the ingredient list you know this one's a winner. If you prefer a salsa with a bit of a kick, leave some of the seeds from the jalapenos...


Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for fired up southwest fajitas

Fired Up Southwest Fajitas

Made with olive oil, water, lime, flank steak, bell pepper, onion, flour tortillas, salsa, shredded cheese, sour cream

Method:   stovetop, outdoor grill
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for agua fresca de fruta - mexican fruit cooler

Agua Fresca de Fruta - Mexican Fruit Cooler

Learn how to make Agua Fresca de Fruta, a traditional Mexican fruit cooler using just 4 simple ingredients - cold water, ice, soft fruit, and sugar.


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for crab meat and mashed potato enchiladas in sweet red pepper sauce

Crab Meat and Mashed Potato Enchiladas in Sweet Red Pepper Sauce

A unique combination of crab meat, roasted red peppers, potatoes, peas, and blue cheese.

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for slow cooker chicken taco filling

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling

This simple 3-ingredient recipe comes in handy for taco night, especially since you can make this ahead of time and freeze it.

Method:   crock pot
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for habanero mango salsa

Habanero Mango Salsa

Mangoes and habanero peppers combine to provide a sweet heat to this salsa. Try this tropical salsa on fish tacos or simply eat with chips.


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for cilantro-lime chicken fajitas with grilled onions

Cilantro-Lime Chicken Fajitas With Grilled Onions

These easy chicken fajitas are full of flavor thanks to a simple cilantro-lime marinade. The chicken is grilled until nice and juicy, then served with...

Method:   outdoor grill
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for vegetarian rice tacos

Vegetarian Rice Tacos

Rice and veggie tacos are an absolutely stand-out option for quick and easy meals. Well-spiced rice with tomatoes and any number of add-ins will always make a tasty taco.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for authentic tex-mex fajitas

Authentic Tex-Mex Fajitas

There's nothing quite like biting into a juicy, flavorful fajita. The perfect blend of spices and beef, wrapped up in a soft tortilla, is an undeniably delicious Tex-Mex...

Method:   outdoor grill, oven
Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for speedy chicken tacos with creamy chipotle sauce

Speedy Chicken Tacos With Creamy Chipotle Sauce

Shredded chicken is mixed with a spicy chipotle sauce and piled in taco shells with your favorite toppings.

Method:   microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for turkey enchiladas with cumin lime crema

Turkey Enchiladas With Cumin Lime Crema

Made with tomato paste, pinto beans, corn, cumin seed, jalapeno, kosher salt, sour cream, lime, fresh cilantro, Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for slow cooker pork enchiladas

Slow Cooker Pork Enchiladas

Tired of the usual chicken or beef enchiladas? Change things up with some tender, slow-cooked shredded pork in this easy recipe for enchiladas.

Method:   crock pot, oven
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for fruit breakfast burrito

Fruit Breakfast Burrito

Flour tortillas are spread with cream cheese and strawberry jam and filled with sliced fresh kiwi fruit.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for avocado salsa

Avocado Salsa

Made with creamy avocados, ripe tomatoes, and a hint of lime, this easy-to-make avocado salsa recipe is perfect for snacking or as a topping.


Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for yummy chicken and rice tacos

Yummy Chicken And Rice Tacos

The rice inside the tacos is a fun change from your typical tacos and the recipe is very flexible so you can change things up however you like.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for low-fat avocado-tomato salsa

Low-Fat Avocado-Tomato Salsa

This version of avocado salsa goes easy on the avocados to reduce the fat content, but has plenty of flavor to make up for it. Serve it with your favorite tortilla chips or...


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for slow cooker chipotle chicken tacos

Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Tacos

Spice up your taco Tuesday with this slow cooked chipotle chicken recipe.

Method:   crock pot, stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for chicken tamales

Chicken Tamales

Create mouthwatering tamales with this easy-to-follow recipe. Featuring a flavorful cornmeal batter and savory chicken filling, these homemade tamales are perfect for any occasion.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for shredded chicken and tomatillo tacos

Shredded Chicken and Tomatillo Tacos

A few thoughtful touches take a good taco to a great taco. We're talking cilantro leaves on top, a couple jalapenos, and a squeeze of lime. It's not hard to up your...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for no-cook fresh tomato salsa

No-Cook Fresh Tomato Salsa

This no-cook fresh tomato salsa is the perfect addition to any summer meal. It is quick and easy to make, and can be made ahead of time.


Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for instant salsa

Instant Salsa

Don't skip out on the splash of red wine vinegar. It helps give this salsa a punch that brightens up tacos, burrito bowls, and anything else you throw this salsa on top of.


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for fresh and easy salsa with blue corn chips

Fresh And Easy Salsa With Blue Corn Chips

A tasty fresh salsa made with tomatoes, green onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, and cilantro and served with festive blue corn tortilla chips.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for polvorones (mexican wedding cakes)

Polvorones (Mexican Wedding Cakes)

Made with salt, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, black walnuts or pecans

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for shrimp and veggie fajitas

Shrimp and Veggie Fajitas

Think of this as a fusion between fajitas and a stir-fry. The flavorful shrimp and vegetables are quickly cooked in a skillet and served up on warm corn tortillas.

Method:   stovetop, microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for arizona biltmore kumquat salsa

Arizona Biltmore Kumquat Salsa

Made with salt and pepper, red onion, red tomatoes, jalapenos, garlic, fresh cilantro, kumquats, orange juice, lemon juice, brown sugar

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for turkey fajitas

Turkey Fajitas

Love fajitas? Try this twist that uses turkey along with the other usual fajita fillings.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for charred chicken and pepper fajitas

Charred Chicken And Pepper Fajitas

Made with sunflower oil, skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, yellow bell pepper, red onion, dried oregano, chilies, vegetable oil, lime, salt and ground black...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for grilled chicken fajita wraps

Grilled Chicken Fajita Wraps

Made with sour cream, salsa and guacamole, flour tortillas, onions, green bell peppers, vegetable oil, boneless, skinless chicken breast, cheddar cheese

Method:   outdoor grill
Time:   30-60 minutes




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