Something’s missing. You follow the recipe, add the seasonings, simmer everything just right—but the flavor still falls flat. It doesn’t taste like the dish you remember, the one that made you pause after the first bite. So, what went wrong?
The answer isn’t in the technique. It’s in the ingredients. Without the real stuff—the authentic spices, the fresh chiles, the ingredients that define Latin cuisine—your dishes will always fall short. And no amount of extra seasoning can fix that.
So where do you get the good stuff?
Well, you don’t have to go far to find them! Just swing by our Hollywood Neighborhood Market location and let the flavors of Latin America inspire your next dish.
The Secret to Flavorful Latin Cooking
Latin American cuisine is all about depth—layering flavors, using fresh ingredients, and adding just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re cooking up a rich mole, a fiery sofrito, or a refreshing ceviche, the right ingredients make all the difference. That’s why our shelves at Key Food Supermarket in Hollywood Neighborhood Market are stocked with fresh, high-quality products straight from Latin America.
The Must-Have Staples for Authentic Latin Cooking
Here’s what you need to stock up on next time you visit Key Food Supermarket:
1. Spices & Seasonings
A great Latin dish starts with the right seasonings. These essentials will help you achieve depth, warmth, and authenticity in every meal:
- Cumin & Annatto: Add earthy, smoky flavors to rice, stews, and meats.
- Paprika & Mexican Oregano: Essential for marinades, sauces, and slow-cooked dishes.
- Adobo & Sazón: The ultimate all-purpose blends for seasoning meats, soups, and beans.
- Cinnamon & Bay Leaves: Found in many Latin stews, moles, and even beverages like horchata.
- Coriander & Achiote: Perfect for giving dishes a rich, slightly nutty taste.
2. Fresh Peppers for That Signature Kick
Latin cuisine isn’t just about spice—it’s about complexity. Different peppers bring everything from a mild smokiness to an intense kick:
- Jalapeños & Serranos: Great for fresh salsas and grilled dishes.
- Habaneros: For those who like extra heat in their sauces and marinades.
- Guajillo & Ancho Peppers: Essential for making rich, deep sauces like mole and enchiladas.
- Aji Amarillo: A must-have for Peruvian cuisine, adding a fruity, spicy kick.
- Poblano Peppers: The go-to for chiles rellenos and flavorful stews.
3. Rice & Beans
A Latin pantry isn’t complete without these staples, which serve as the base for countless meals:
- White & Yellow Rice: Used in dishes from arroz con pollo to paella.
- Black Beans & Pinto Beans: Key in Cuban, Mexican, and Brazilian cooking.
- Red Kidney Beans & Pigeon Peas (Gandules): Common in Puerto Rican and Dominican recipes.
- Lentils & Garbanzo Beans: Perfect for hearty soups and slow-cooked stews.
- Hominy: Used to make traditional Mexican pozole and other corn-based dishes.
4. Tortillas & Masa for Homemade Classics
Corn or flour? However you like them, fresh tortillas are a must. Latin cuisine thrives on its variety of starches, from corn-based staples to root vegetables:
- Corn & Flour Tortillas: A necessity for tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
- Masa Harina: The key ingredient for making fresh tamales, pupusas, and arepas.
- Yuca (Cassava): Common in Caribbean and South American cooking, often fried or mashed.
- Plantains (Green & Ripe): Used for tostones, maduros, and mofongo.
- Potatoes: A staple in Peruvian and Andean cuisine, featured in dishes like papas a la huancaína.
Sauces & Condiments
What sets Latin dishes apart are the flavorful sauces and condiments that bring everything together:
- Sofrito: The aromatic base for many Puerto Rican and Dominican dishes.
- Recaito: A bright, herby mix often used in stews and rice dishes.
- Mojo Sauce: A tangy, garlicky marinade perfect for meats and seafood.
- Aji Verde: A spicy Peruvian sauce made with cilantro and aji amarillo peppers.
- Chimichurri: The classic Argentinean sauce for grilled meats.
Dairy & Cheeses
Latin American cuisine uses a variety of cheeses and dairy products to balance out bold flavors:
- Queso Fresco & Queso Blanco: Mild, crumbly cheeses perfect for topping tacos and beans.
- Cotija: A salty, aged cheese used for elotes, tacos, and enchiladas.
- Oaxaca Cheese: Known for its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for quesadillas.
- Dulce de Leche: A rich, caramel-like treat used in desserts like flan and alfajores.
Shop Local Fruits & Vegetables at Key Food Supermarket in Hollywood
Great dishes start with great produce. If you want to keep your meals fresh and flavorful, make sure to shop local fruits and shop local vegetables Hollywood residents love. From perfectly ripe plantains and juicy mangoes to fresh cilantro and fiery habaneros, we bring the best seasonal picks straight to you.
Beyond Latin: Explore Our International Selection
We’re not just a Latin American grocery store—we’re your one-stop shop for flavors from all over the world. Looking to mix things up? Check out our Asian products section, where you’ll find soy sauce, miso, rice noodles, and all the essentials for a fusion-inspired feast.
The Perfect Pairing: Liquors and Wines Supermarket Selections
No meal is complete without the right drink to match. That’s why our liquors and wines supermarket section is fully stocked with everything from full-bodied Malbecs to refreshing tropical mixers. Whether you’re pairing sangria with tapas or serving up a smooth tequila for taco night, we’ve got the perfect bottle waiting for you.
Visit Key Food Supermarket in Hollywood Neighborhood Market for the Best Latin Ingredients
Latin cooking is built on tradition, bold flavors, and the joy of sharing meals with family and friends. Finding the right ingredients shouldn’t be a challenge—it should be an experience that inspires you. That’s why we take pride in offering high-quality products, sourced to bring out the best in every dish you prepare. Trust us – there’s no better place to shop local fruits, pick up authentic Latin staples, and find rare ingredients than Key Food Supermarket in Hollywood Neighborhood Market.
Stop by today and explore the best selection of Latin groceries, hand-selected for cooks who know that every ingredient matters.