February is Black History Month when we celebrate African American heritage. In the 16th century, between 9 and 12 million African people were brought to the Americas as slaves. Afro-Latinos, people with African descent whose origins are in Latin America and the Caribbean are also part of this month celebration.

To honor Afro-Latinos, I have compiled a list of my favorite Latino dishes that highlight the many ways that African culture and traditions have influenced Latino culture. Let me know in the comments which one is your favorite one!

5 Latino Dishes That Feature Our African Heritage

Vatapá

This is a Brazilian Shrimp and Fish Coconut Stew whose origin is from West Africa. In fact, it still keeps the same Yoruba name which translates to “spicy seafood paste”. Get the recipe here.

A photo posted by Gabriela Salvador (@salvadorgabriela) on Apr 17, 2016 at 1:04pm PDT

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Plantains

Oh-my-goodness! I am so happy that our kitchen inherited Easter Africa’s fascination on plantains. Without the African influence in the Latino culture, we would not have delicious dishes like Hudut, or Alcapurrias.

A photo posted by Linda -HispanicMama (@hispanic_mama) on Nov 5, 2015 at 1:52pm PST

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Rondón

Rondón dates back to the 16th century when the first African slaves were brought to Latin America. The original recipe consisted of fish broth, coconut milk and whatever fruits were available.

A photo posted by •~☆~• aileem ★ ink•~☆~• (@aileem_juliao) on Feb 6, 2017 at 12:46pm PST

Warm Spices

Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, anise and other warm spices are part of our kitchen after Northern Africans and Indigenous Americans blended traditions. Can you imagine your arroz con leche without cinnamon on the top? Yo tampoco!

A photo posted by Ania ? (@scraperka) on Feb 5, 2017 at 3:43am PST

Quimbombo

Quibombo is a traditional Cuban okra strew mixed with plantain, pork, shrimp and other ingredients. The African Bantu tribes’s word for okra is kingombo. Okra is a popular staple in Northern African and historians believe that okra seeds were brought to the Americas by the African slaves.