Delicious Mexican Cuisine

Mexican cuisine is colorful and is known for its intense and varied flavors. This cuisine is one of the richest in the world with proteins, vitamins and minerals. Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan (on the ruins of which Mexico City is built) and found that the common people’s diet consisted mostly of corn-based dishes spiced with chili and herbs.

They were usually accompanied by beans and squash. Later the conquistadors whose original diet consisted of rice, beef, pork, chicken, wine, garlic and onions which they had brought from Spain added to it the indigenous foods of pre-Colombian Mexico. These foods included chocolate, maize, tomato, vanilla, avocado, papaya, pineapple, chili pepper, beans, squash, sweet potato, peanuts, and turkey.

Today Mexican cuisine includes dishes that are made with pre-Hispanic traditions among them Aztecs and Maya. The cuisine also includes the trends that were brought by the Spanish settlers. An indigenous part of Mexican cuisine is the chili pepper. The dishes themselves are very colorful due to the use of vegetables such as chili peppers, green peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and radishes. Caribbean influence is also noted in the cuisine of Mexico especially among regional dishes.

The food of Mexico varies by region because depending on the food available, climate, the geography of the region, and the difference in ethnicity among the inhabitants. Northern Mexico produces beef so the cuisine mostly consists of meat dishes. In southeastern Mexico, their dishes consist of chicken and vegetables and various spices. Seafood dishes are prepared in Veracruz-style. You'll find unusual exotic dishes in the Aztec or Maya style with such ingredients as iguana, rattlesnake, deer, spider, monkey, and even some kinds of insects.

Mexican cuisine combines with the cuisine of the southwestern U.S. and there we find Cal-Mex (Californian-Mexican) and Tex-Mex (Texan-Mexican) foods but they are not authentic Mexican. Another such cuisine is the food of New Mexico.

Appetizers (botanas) and side dishes:

Arroz Espanol is a side dish that consists of Spanish rice also known as Mexican rice. It is a combination of white rice, tomatoes, garlic, onions, parsley, cilantro, and other ingredients. Sauteed in a skillet until the rice is golden and then simmered in chicken broth. Vegetables such as carrots, corn, and peas can also be used.

Ceviche a well-known seafood dish comes from the coastal regions of the Americas, especially Central and South America. Raw fish is marinated in citrus juices such as lime or lemon. Once the fish has "cooked" in the citrus marinade it is spiced with chili peppers.

Guacamole originated in Mexico and is an avocado-based dip. The traditional way to make the dish is to mash ripe avocados with a pestle and mortar and then salt is added. Some recipes call for limited tomato, onion, garlic, lime or lemon juice and/or seasonings.

Main dishes:

Chili con carne is a spicy stew. The name comes from the Spanish and means peppers with meat. Traditional versions are made from chili peppers, garlic, onion, and cumin along with chopped or ground beef. Frequently beans and tomatoes are added.

Chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito. Prepared by filling a flour tortilla with ingredients such as beans, rice, cheese, shredded beef or shredded chicken then folded into a rectangular package and deep-fried. They can be eaten with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and/or cheese.

Enchilada is a corn or flour tortilla rolled around a filling of meat, cheese, beans, potatoes, vegetables, seafood or combinations then covered with a chili pepper sauce and baked.

Taco is a traditional Mexican dish in which a corn or wheat tortilla is wrapped around a filling. Fillings may include beef, chicken, seafood, vegetables, and cheese. These are eaten by hand and accompanied by garnishes such as salsa, guacamole, cilantro, tomatoes, onions, lettuce and cheese.

Quesadilla is a flat circle of cooked corn masa called a tortilla it is eaten in most regions of Mexico. Usually, the tortilla is warmed to soften it enough to be folded in half and filled with Oaxaca cheese then cooked until the cheese has melted.

Huevos rancheros is a classic Mexican breakfast dish that consists of fried eggs served on lightly fried corn tortillas topped with a tomato-chili sauce. It may be accompanied by refried beans, slices of avocado, or guacamole.