The Pitco Passport: Latin American Fried Food Favorites

Latin American fried food blends the ingredients of the New World with the history of colonial Europe. The results are textures and flavors that captivate discerning palates worldwide. From the bustling streets of Mexico City to the vibrant markets of São Paulo, these deep-fried delicacies have a reputation beyond borders.

In past editions of the Pitco Passport, we’ve visited and tried the best fried foods in places like Europe and Asia. Now, let’s take a look at a few of our favorites and then touch on some important ways to make cooking them easier and more effective.

Mexican Churros

Churros, a beloved Mexican treat, are fried pastry sticks with a crispy exterior and tender interior. These cinnamon and sugar-topped delights have Spanish origins but have become a staple in Latin American cuisine. Churros are made from a simple dough of water, sugar, salt, oil, and flour, piped through a star-shaped tip to create their distinctive ridged appearance.

The cooking process involves frying the piped dough strips in hot oil until golden brown and rolling them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. This results in a satisfyingly crispy exterior with a fluffy, tender inside. Often served with sweet dipping sauces like chocolate, dulce de leche, or vanilla, churros are popular in Mexico. Known as street food, they’re also available at markets, fairs, and shopping centers.

Colombian Empanadas

Colombian empanadas are a beloved street food and family favorite. These savory pastries feature a crispy corn dough exterior filled with a flavorful mixture of beef and potatoes. In Colombia, empanadas are easily found at street stands, much like taco trucks in Mexico. The recipe varies from home to home, truck to truck, stand to stand, with each adding their unique touch to this traditional dish.

Empanadas are versatile and can be served as appetizers, snacks, or even meals. Their popularity extends beyond Colombia, making them a staple in Latin American cuisine in other countries such as Argentina. If you’re looking for classic Latin comfort food, look no further than the empanada.

Brazilian Coxinha

Brazilian coxinha is a popular snack with a crispy exterior and savory chicken filling. These pear-shaped croquettes are a staple at parties, bars, street fairs, and coffee shops across Brazil. Coxinha, pronounced “co-shee-nya,” comes in various sizes, from bite-sized appetizers to larger versions that can substitute a meal.

To create these golden delights, chefs cook chicken and potatoes in a flavorful broth. The cooled chicken is then shredded and mixed with sautéed onions, olives, and parsley for a rich filling. The dough, which consists of flour, butter, and chicken broth, is kneaded, shaped into small bowls, and filled with the chicken mixture. Chefs then shape the filled bowl into a teardrop shape and coat it with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before deep-frying them to a perfect golden brown. This process results in a crispy exterior that gives way to a creamy, flavorful center.

Puerto Rican Tostones

Tostones are a popular side dish or hearty snack in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines, particularly in Puerto Rico. These savory fried plantains start as uncooked green plantains that chefs slice, fry, smash, and re-fry. This double-frying process results in a crispy, crunchy texture that is quintessentially Caribbean and Latin American.

In Puerto Rico, chefs often serve tostones with a garlic-style sauce. The traditional preparation involves a garlicky mayo-ketchup dip that complements the savory nature of the dish. It’s important to note that despite their banana-like appearance, tostones are not sweet. Green plantains are starchy, placing these fried delights firmly in the savory category.

Elevate Your Latin American Fried Dishes with Pitco

Proper oil management is crucial for maintaining the authentic flavors of Latin American fried dishes, and Pitco can help. With innovative solutions that can promote oil management, save energy, and make operations easier, Pitco can make serving Latin American fried food more efficient and profitable. Start by finding out which Pitco fryer is right for you.