Compromising around 20 countries, Latin America is a region that includes South and Central America, spans over seven million square miles and has a population of almost 650 million.
With that comes one of the most varied cuisines in the world, inspired by history, tradition and globalisation. Whilst there are some cuisines that are more globally renowned, such as Mexican food that’s hugely popular in the UK, there are also lesser known delicacies from the likes of Cuba and Peru such as Ropa Vieja, a meaty casserole-like dish and Tacu Tacu, a meal of rice, meat and dumplings that are equally as inviting.
If you’re new to the world of Latin American cooking, then fear not as we’ve rounded up some of the best cookbooks out there that will teach you everything from the basic dishes perfect for a delicious quick family dinner, to the extravagant platters of meat, fish and vegetables that will blow your friends and family away.
For those wanting to immerse themselves in the world of Latin America, we recommend cookbooks that include introductory pages on how to stock a store cupboard and where to shop for authentic produce.
Add these cookbooks to your virtual shopping trolley, take a trip to the local supermarket and be prepared to try your hand at some of the most innovative and flavour-forward dishes that are guaranteed crowd pleasers.
The Latin American Cookbook
Best for: Regional cooking
If you love Mexican food but also want to find out more about the rich culinary region then the Latin American Cookbook is the one for you as it features recipes from across the continent.
With over 600 included, this book comprehensively covers traditional dishes such as empanadas and tortillas whilst also including lesser known regional specialities such as Easter soup from Ecuador and Nicaraguan Squash Stew which we thoroughly enjoyed cooking.
We found that overall the recipes, despite being exotic in taste, only required basic kitchen equipment and easy to source ingredients. Many of the recipes are also influenced by history and culture with strong indigenous and European influences being seen throughout.
Buy now £24.57, Amazon
Colombiana: A Rediscovery of Recipes and Rituals from the Soul of Colombia
Best for: Colombian cuisine
Written by Bogota-born Mariana Velásquez, this cookbook is an ode to all things Colombian including its diverse heritage, culture and, of course, food. Here you’ll find hundreds of traditional dishes with modern twists to make them accessible to a western kitchen.
Learn how to make empanadas from scratch as well as delicious recipes such as Lomito de Cerdo al Tamarindo y Menta (Tamarind Pork Tenderloin with Mint) that makes for a perfect Sunday lunch and Cuchuco de Trigo con Pollito y Limón (Lemony Bulgur Farmer’s Chicken Soup) - the perfect starter.
With a focus on tablescapes and entertaining, this book is ideal for when you’re gathering friends and family for a meal. You’ll learn how to present your dishes as well as rustle up small accompaniments like dips and snacks to take your gastronomic feast to the next level.
Buy now £19.45, Amazon
The Spicery How to be a Taco Legend Cookbook Kit
Best for: Gifting
This beautiful cookbook kit is a perfect gift for any Mexican or taco lovers and comes with 80 recipes and four delicious taco spice blends in lovely storage tins. The four spice blends feature 20 different Mexican spices including eight different chillies that are blended together to make wonderfully tangy, spicy and smoky mixes which can be added into any of the recipes in the book and more.
We loved trying out the classic Mexican dishes such as fajitas and nachos and the spice blends really do work wonders, we were surprised how a simple dish could taste so delicious after a little seasoning. With each purchase of a cookbook, you also get access to the online Taco Legend club which features plenty more recipes and top culinary tips.
Buy now £32.00, Amazon
Central
Best for: Central American food
For a comprehensive guide on all things Central America, look no further than this exquisite monograph that contains some of the most exciting and innovative dishes from the region.
Each chapter includes recipes, personal essays and information to help you improve your home cooking. Penned by Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez, his wonderful creations such as Papa Voladora (Flying Potato) and Conchas del desierto (a phenomenal mixed seafood platter) will leave your heart and stomach satisfied.
As you flick through this book, marvel at the beautiful photography of dishes and stunning landscape.
Buy now £30.15, Amazon
Cuba: The Cookbook
Best for: Cuban food
Located only 90 miles from the tip of Florida, you’ll find this wonderful island brimming with colour, gastronomy and Latin American pizzazz. Cuba: The Cookbook is the first book to provide a comprehensive guide to food culture and cuisine.
There are over 350 recipes that are bright in colour and bold in flavour. The information that accompanies each dish will give you a wealth of knowledge on the country’s history - you’ll see how Spanish, Soviet and US influences have created the food eaten today.
We loved the Squid in its Ink for a show-stopping meal that’s rich in flavour, whilst the numerous egg dishes are great for a quick breakfast in the morning. Don’t forget to try out the range of simple, but delicious cocktails to help wash down this wonderful feast of food.
Buy now £22.25, Amazon
Peru: The Cookbook
Best for: Peruvian dishes
If you don’t know much about Peru, there’s one thing to learn - the country has some of the most innovative and flavoursome dishes in the world. As Peruvian food grows in popularity across the world, it’s time to learn how to create these dishes from the comfort of your own home.
This vital guide will teach you everything you need to know from the basics all the way to the blow-your-mind dishes. You’ll find common dishes such as Ceviche for fish lovers and Lomo Saltado for a delicious meaty meal as well as lesser known recipes for Aji Amarillo - a sweet and spicy yellow chilli dip.
An absolute must try is the Plantain Balls with Chorizo and Smoked Beef that is surprisingly simple and heart-warmingly delicious.
Buy now £33.54, Amazon
Mi Cocina: Recipes and Rapture from My Kitchen in Mexico
Best for: History lovers
Mi Cocina is not only a homage to all the flavours and colours of Mexico but also to its history. Every chapter features small essays on topics such as Middle Eastern influence on Mexican food and the role of migration on traditional recipes, which makes this book both an intellectual and culinary delight.
We love some of the traditional recipes such as Oaxaca’s famous Mole and fried fish tacos from coastal Baja which are full of flavour and highly authentic. It also has a very useful section on the basic essential ingredients to keep in your pantry and where you can source them from.
Buy now £22.01, Amazon
Frida's Fiestas: Recipes & Reminiscences of Life with Frida Kahlo
Best for: Art lovers
If you’re looking for a cookbook that not only provides you with great recipes, but also helps you learn about the artistic and political history of Mexico then look no further than Frida’s Fiestas.
This book, created by Frida’s stepdaughter, features over 100 dishes that were cooked or eaten by Frida Khalo over the course of her life whilst also including family photographs and extracts from Frida’s diaries. Our favourite dishes include the Chocolate Mole Tart and the Red Snapper Veracruz, a whole fish cooked in a herby salsa.
Buy now £20.76, Amazon
