What staple food is found in the Hispanic American diet from Cuba, Haiti, and Puerto Rico?

In the Hispanic American diet, particularly from regions such as Cuba, Haiti, and Puerto Rico, steamed rice is a staple food. Rice plays a central role in many traditional dishes and is often served as an accompaniment to various meats, beans, and vegetables. Its versatility and ability to absorb flavors make it a key component of the cuisine.

The cultures of these Caribbean nations have a rich heritage of incorporating rice into their daily meals, often pairing it with black beans in dishes like "rice and beans" or accompanying it with chicken or seafood. This emphasis on rice is deeply rooted in their agricultural practices and culinary traditions, making it a fundamental part of their identity and dietary habits.

Other options, while used in different culinary contexts, do not hold the same significance or prevalent use in these specific diets. Pasta is more associated with Italian cuisine, barley is not commonly highlighted in these specific cultures, and quinoa, though nutritious, is typically not a traditional staple food in this region. Thus, steamed rice stands out as the correct answer due to its importance and widespread use in the cuisines of Cuba, Haiti, and Puerto Rico.