Pre-baked flatbread (store-bought or homemade) makes a great foundation for a quick meal. Preheat the oven, add whatever toppings you like, and quickly heat.  I especially like naan, a soft flatbread that's somewhere in the range between foccacia and flour tortillas.

Recipe for Flatbread with Queso Fresco, Tomatoes, Rosemary, and Olives

More Flatbreads...
Roti Flatbread
Dahl Puri - Indian Lentil Flatbread
Fainá - Garbanzo Flatbread

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It's surprisingly easy to make queso fresco (fresh cow's milk cheese) at home, and you don't need any special ingredients like rennet - acidic vinegar or even lemon juice does the trick.  Queso fresco is delicious on toasted bread, on arepas, with roasted plantains, crumbled over salads - it's mild and creamy and goes with everything.

Homemade Queso Fresco - Queso Fresco Casero

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South American cuisine doesn't always revolve around grilled meat and fresh seafood. There are many great vegetarian options, especially in categories like beans and grains. Next time you're in the mood to eat veggies, try vegetable stuffed arepas (griddle corn cakes) or quinoa veggie burgers.

Recipes...

Arepa Sandwich with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans and Spinach
Quinoa Veggie Burgers

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These quinoa arepas are excellent for breakfast, especially spread with cream cheese and jam. Plus they have that extra protein from the quinoa, and a sweet nutty flavor that distinguishes them from  more traditional arepas.

Quinoa Arepas - Arepas de Quinoa

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