Think Mexican food and the mind always wanders to Nachos, Burritos, Tacos, Tequila and of course Chocolate! Is it all fast food (as we know it) and tempting treats only? Nope! Mexican cuisine IS also tamales, mole, chilaquiles.
Mexican cuisine is not (only) spicy or heavy, but has depth in its flavours and a delectable lightness from the use of fresh spices, herbs and citrus. From being a majorly vegetarian-eating population, to now having meat as an integral part of their dishes, Mexican cuisine is indeed diverse and vibrant. This is the result of the influence of Spanish invasion and also African and Asian influences besides the diversity of the land.
Nevertheless, we love what the cuisine has evolved into now. Indeed, Mexican cuisine is intriguing and one that continues to delight! Here’s a quick look at some traditional Mexican recipes.
Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles are tortilla chips simmered in salsa and topped with cheese. You get the slight crunchiness of tortilla chips and an amazing spectrum of flavours in this too yummy breakfast dish! Yes, it is what the Mexicans have in the morning. Bake the seasoned tortilla chips and pour the herby and spicy tomato puree and layer with cheese. Repeat. Wait there’s a small surprise! Serve with a sunny-side up sprinkled with black pepper. Filling and delicious!
Pozole
A traditional preparation, Pozole or Posole is a delicious thick soup made with Mexican staples, usually a meat stew too. The Spanish influence is abundantly evident in this soup given the heavy use of tomato and tomato puree. In go the kidney beans and corn kernels to simmer in vegetable stock. Slurp and bite into beans and corn in this simple, flavourful soup with cheese and cilantro as garnish. A zesty soup with the zing of a lemon!
Toastadas
Bite-sized party poppers! These crunchy, refreshing, fruity Toastadas are perfect when you want to skip elaborate cooking. The Toastadas use two types of salsas. One with capsicum and the other with cottage cheese. Take the fried/toasted tortilla or canapes, place a lettuce leaf on your choice of toastada, spoon the salsas and finally garnish with pomegranate kernels and parsley sprigs and serve. Yummy joys indeed!
Horchata
Sip on the healthy Horchata hot or cold, that is known to improve skin quality. It is made by grinding soaked rice with coconut water and cinnamon. The paste is then passed through a sieve and the condensed milk is added. It is served chilled with coconut flesh.
Want to know how to serve it warm? After straining the paste in a saucepan, add condensed milk and milk and cook over medium heat stirring continuously. Serve with a garnish of cinnamon powder.
Glad to have introduced you to some traditional Mexican cooking. Do try the recipes using the links given below.
Comments