18 South American Meals That Will Take Your Taste Buds on a Culinary Journey
South American cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and diverse culinary traditions. From hearty stews to sizzling grilled meats and sweet, tropical desserts, these 18 dishes will transport you straight to the heart of the continent. Whether you’re craving the smoky richness of Brazilian barbecue or the zesty tang of Peruvian ceviche, each recipe offers a unique taste of South America’s cultural heritage. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with these unforgettable meals!
Huevos Rancheros
Huevos Rancheros is a classic Mexican breakfast that will leave you more than satisfied. Crisp corn tortillas, topped with a bed of black beans, a fried egg, homemade ranchero sauce, and delicious toppings. This recipe is a savory breakfast dream!
Albondigas Soup (Mexican Meatball Soup)
Albondigas Soup is a hearty Mexican meatball soup with a simple soup base made of diced tomatoes, chipotle salsa, and broth.
Alfajores Argentinos
Alfajores Argentinos are popular sandwich cookies from Argentina made with simple shortbread dough and stuffed with rich dulce de leche. This simple, melt-in-your-mouth cookie is perfect for an afternoon treat or a gift and is easy to make at home!
Churrasco Steak Sandwich from Chile
This sandwich from Chile features delicious churrasco steak. You can cook the steak in a cast iron skillet and then layer it on a sandwich with avocado, tomatoes, and mayonnaise!
Açaí Bowl
Indulge in a tropical paradise with this Acai Bowl recipe. Blend together acai powder, banana, mango, pineapple, and creamy peanut butter, then add your favorite toppings like coconut macaroon granola, fresh fruits, and chia seeds for a delightful breakfast treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Easy Beef Empanada Recipe from Argentina
Empanadas are fried pockets of dough filled with meat, vegetables and spices. They are popular all around the world and once you’ve mastered making them at home you will understand why!
Argentinian Chimichurri Recipe
This Argentinian Chimichurri is made with parsley, olive oil, garlic, and red chili peppers. It is perfectly flavored for pouring over a churrasco steak or flavoring up some vegetables with a delicious taste of Argentina!
Brigadeiro Recipe
This Brigadeiro Recipe shows you how to make the chocolate fudge balls that are a sentimental and history-filled dessert in Brazil. They are made with sweetened condensed milk and are normally topped with sprinkles!
Arepa Recipe From Colombia
Arepas are a delicious, warm Colombian dish that are easy to grab and go and can be customized to your liking. These toasty little pockets of dough make an excellent breakfast, snack, or can be stuffed with cheese and meat for a quick lunch.
Brazo de Reina Recipe from Chile
This Brazo de Reina recipe is a popular Chilean dessert made by rolling dulce de leche into a sponge cake. It has been a favorite on my blog for over 5 years!
Feijoada from Brazil
Feijoada is a thick, rich black bean stew, stuffed with several different kinds of pork and beef. The result is a dish that is delicious, warm, and comforting. It’s also the national dish of Brazil and a recipe worth sampling!
Hot Chocolate with Cheese
This Colombian Hot Chocolate with Cheese is a very common and delicious drink in Colombia! The hot chocolate is rich, and the cheese makes the drink creamy!
Instant Pot Dulce de Leche Recipe
Dulce de Leche is popular in many countries in the Caribbean and South America. It is similar to caramel, but is made only of sweetened condensed milk that has been boiled for a long period of time.
Homemade Tostones
Tostones (AKA Patacones) are twice-fried plantains that are soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Vaguely reminiscent of a thick potato chip, they are best enjoyed with salt. Here’s a tostones recipe that you can make at home!
Shrimp Empadinhas from Brazil
Shrimp Empadinhas from Brazil are a perfect appetizer to please at a party. They are mini pot pies stuffed with a shrimp and tomato-based filling.
Guyanese Pepperpot
Pepperpot is a Guyanese dish that is the pride and joy of the country. It is made by cooking a combination of beef and pork together with a unique Guyanese ingredient, Cassareep.
Passion Fruit Mousse
Passion Fruit Mousse is an airy, sweet, and tangy dessert made with just 4 ingredients. Quick and easy to make, it’s a popular Brazilian dessert known as Mousse de Maracuja. Use fresh or frozen passionfruit pulp and serve this tropical treat poolside or at a summer BBQ!
Coxinha (Brazilian Chicken Croquettes Recipe)
Coxinha is a popular Brazilian street food that consists of a dough shaped into a little drumstick filled with well-seasoned shredded chicken, breaded, and then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. They are the most famous Brazilian chicken croquettes (a national culinary marvel)!