Latin American Tapas

Ingredients

While Spanish tapas are known for their use of ingredients like olives, cured meats, and seafood, Latin American tapas infuse the dishes with a variety of spices, tropical fruits, and indigenous ingredients. The flavors are bolder and more diverse, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of Latin America. We alse have the original recipe for Tapas, so you can check it out.

• 1 pound (450g) chicken breast, diced 1 pound (450g) chicken breast, diced
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5g) cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5g) chili powder 1 teaspoon (5g) chili powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) onion powder 1 teaspoon (5g) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) pineapple juice 1/4 cup (60ml) pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) hot sauce 1 tablespoon (15ml) hot sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 20g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, hot sauce, and minced garlic.
3. 3.
   Place the diced chicken in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
4. 4.
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add the diced bell peppers and onion to the skillet and sauté until they are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
6. 6.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the Latin American tapas hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Make sure to dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
• Lime, Orange, and Pineapple Juice — Use freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor. If you prefer a sweeter taste, adjust the amount of honey accordingly.
• Hot Sauce — Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your spice preference. Add more for a spicier kick or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Bell Peppers and Onion — Feel free to use a mix of different colored bell peppers for a visually appealing presentation.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice over the tapas before serving.
• Serve the tapas with warm tortillas or crispy plantain chips for a delightful textural contrast.
• Experiment with different marinades by adding spices like smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or adobo seasoning.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or roasted vegetables.
• Don't forget to adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste buds.

Serving advice

Serve the Latin American tapas as a main course with a side of rice and beans, or as part of a larger spread of tapas dishes for a festive gathering. Provide small plates and napkins for easy sharing and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Latin America.

Presentation advice

Arrange the colorful chicken and vegetable mixture on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra pop of color. Consider using vibrant serving dishes and bowls to enhance the visual appeal of the tapas.