The Essential Ingredients of Latin American & Spanish Cooking
From essential chiles and cheeses to roots, spices, and condiments, discover the ingredients that bring authentic Latin American and Spanish flavor to your kitchen.
Stocking up? See our 68 Latin American & Spanish pantry essentials →
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Peppers & Chiles
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From the mild poblano to the fiery habanero, discover the chiles that bring heat, smoke, and color to Mexican and Latin American cooking.
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Cheeses from Mexico & Spain
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From crumbly queso fresco to nutty aged Manchego, explore the cheeses that bring richness and tradition to tables across Mexico and Spain.
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Roots & Produce
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From starchy yuca and green plantains to crisp jícama and golden papa criolla, explore the roots and produce behind everyday Latin American cooking.
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Sauces & Condiments
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From Argentine chimichurri to Puerto Rican sofrito and Mexican mole, discover the sauces and condiments that give each country’s cooking its signature flavor.
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Cured Meats from Spain & Latin America
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From silky jamón ibérico to smoky chorizo and snappy fuet, explore the cured meats and sausages prized across Spain and Latin America.
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Coffee & Spices
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From Colombian and Brazilian beans to Spanish saffron and smoky pimentón, explore the coffees and spices that season Latin American and Spanish cooking.
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Get to Know Latin American Ingredients & Spanish Staples
Latin American ingredients bring different flavors, colors, and textures to everyday cooking. Alongside Spanish pantry staples, this collection introduces the chiles, cheeses, roots, sauces, and seasonings you will encounter in our recipes. Start with an ingredient you already have, or explore the guides before shopping for a dish you want to make.
Chiles are a useful place to begin because their flavor matters as much as their heat. Our ají amarillo guide explains the Peruvian pepper and its different forms. Fresh peppers, dried chiles, and prepared pastes are not always interchangeable, so check the form and quantity called for in your recipe.
Cheeses deserve the same attention. Explore queso fresco and Manchego cheese to learn about two distinct ingredients used in Mexican and Spanish cooking. Choose a cheese for the role it plays in the dish, whether you need a crumbly topping, slices for serving, or an ingredient suited to cooking.
When building your pantry, begin with one recipe rather than buying every unfamiliar item at once. Read package labels for ingredients, storage directions, and preparation requirements. Compare the size of a jar or package with the amount you need, especially when trying a condiment for the first time.
Browse Latin American ingredients by country to connect a pantry staple with the dishes that use it. The links above also let you explore whole groups, from peppers to cured meats. Return to the individual recipe for preparation details and substitutions; sharing a similar appearance does not mean two ingredients will behave the same way.