Any amazing creation comes from strong fundamentals and so it is with food. Mexican food as we have it today is a wonderful confluence of indigenous and Spanish cuisine. Corn, chillies, avocados, tomatoes, kidney beans, and meats are intrinsic to Mexican cuisine. Each of these ingredients features in their ‘desayuno’ (breakfast), a light meal accompanied by chocolate or coffee, ‘almuerzo’ (a heavier brunch), ‘comida’ (a late afternoon mid-day meal) and finally, ‘cena’ (dinner).
Here’s a look at the very iconic Mexican preparations:
Instant Pot Black Beans
When making Instant Pot Black Beans the Mexican way you don’t soak beans. Instead you increase the water content and cooking time. However, since I usually have time on hand, I prefer the soaking method. Take the soaked beans in a saucepan and add garlic cloves and bay leaf. Cook till the beans are tender. Drain and reserve the cooking liquid and discard the bay leaf. When done, mash the beans and serve nacho chips and salsa to go with it. Other ways to use beans, is to use it as a filling in burritos or tacos, spread over toastadas or top off with salsa and grated cheese and enjoy yummy spoonfuls just like that. This last one is my suggestion and it has turned out right with the recipe below!
Green Tomato Salsa
The red tomato salsa is definitely more tempting, but give the Green Tomato Salsa a try! Roast green tomato roundels seasoned with salt and brushed with oil. Chop the roundels and to it add onions, green chillies and coriander leaves, salt and castor sugar. Squeeze half a lemon, mix well and serve with corn chips. Have it as a side with Mexican Rice.
Authentic Mexican Rice
Remember we spoke about the beans ! Keep a cup of the refried beans aside for this Authentic Mexican Rice. This quick and easy Mexican preparation is so simple, bachelors and new entrants to the kitchen will find it super easy to make. To make the authentic Mexican Rice, you saute garlic and onion, throw in the vibrant red and yellow bell peppers, corn, mixed herbs and of course kidney beans. Give it an additional flavouring with torn Basil leaves and add rice. Mix well. Serve hot.
Churros
This classic Spanish breakfast fried pastry is yet another tempting dish that can be had in Mexico too. Only that the Mexican Churros have a sprinkling of cinnamon and is served with fresh fruits, instead of chocolate. Also, the Mexican Churros have eggs, unlike its Spanish counterpart. After you make the churros pastry, mix cinnamon and castor sugar and roll the churros in this mixture. Serve, with fruits or you can opt for thick chocolate/caramel/whipping cream for dipping. I have tried this recipe with the following recipe.
Wasn’t it great to know Mexican fare. Simple and a roller-coaster of flavours! Try the recipes with these simple Mexican dishes!
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