Mexican cuisine is undeniably one of the best foods worldwide. There is something about Mexican dishes that makes you feel happy and boosts your mood every time you try them.
Color, flavor, and appearance transmit the true feeling of this country’s culture and traditions.
You only have to see the varied colors of tacos or burritos to identify Mexico in every bite.
The food as a representation of cultural identity is what Mexico offers in all traditional dishes. Therefore, Mexican cuisine is one of the two countries, along with France, that has gained UNESCO recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Recreating Mexican food
So, it is not crazy to think you fell in Mexico when eating any of their delicious preparations. What about bringing this culinary delight to your home?
You may think it is an impossible task. The perfect combination of flavors and the balance of textures are aspects to consider when recreating any food.
However, no matter how difficult it may seem, cooking Mexican food is not as challenging as you think. Some dishes require a lot of preparation, exotic ingredients, and detailed cooking techniques, such as mole.
Most traditional Mexican dishes are simple and easy to prepare with few key ingredients. You only need to find the perfect recipe, buy high-quality fresh ingredients, and use the proper cooking method.
Once you learn the basics, you can cook any Mexican dish at home with no effort.
Flavors of Mexican cuisine
The secret behind this type of food is doing it with love and adding typical herbs and spices.
Mexican cuisine’s iconic flavors are characterized by freshness and strong and spicy taste. The ingredients used to season most dishes include:
- Garlic.
- Onion.
- Spices such as oregano (look for authentic Mexican oregano), cumin, cilantro, cinnamon, cloves, anise, cocoa powder, and epazote.
- Chili powder: it includes a blend of dried, powdered chilies, oregano, and cumin.
- Ancho chili powder.
Using these ingredients guarantees you’ll have an authentic Mexican savor in your dishes.
Mexican food versatility
Another great thing about Mexican food is its versatility and adaptability. Most of its combinations and fillings can be used interchangeably in any dish.
For example, mexican style rice is an excellent side dish for burritos, fajitas, tamales, quesadillas, carnitas, enchiladas and tacos. It is also a good filling in burritos, tamales, and roasted peppers.
Pico de Gallo and guacamole are the preferred sauces to top all Mexican food. They are a must-have accompaniment at tables with Mexican food.
Tacos, fajitas, burritos, and tamales can have endless combinations of fillings. You can mix any ingredient inside of them and have a delicious dish.
Cooking Mexican dishes at home
There is no excuse to try Mexican cuisine at home. Need inspiration and guidance? Here we give you some handy recipes for preparing an authentic Mexican meal at home.
Beef burritos with Mexican rice
Ingredients (4 Servings )
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- 1 pound lean ground beef.
- 1 chopped onion.
- 4 minced garlic cloves.
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon of Mexican oregano.
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 4 burrito-size flour tortillas.
Toppings:
- Sour cream.
- Lettuce.
- Tomatoes.
- Guacamole
Preparation:
- In a skillet, add vegetable oil, onion, and beef. Cook at medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir very well.
- Add sour cream and cook for 10 minutes.
- Microwave the flour tortillas for 30 seconds.
- Fill each tortilla with the beef, fold it in the edges, and roll it up.
- Add the toppings at the tops and serve with Mexican rice.
Mexican rice
Ingredients (4 Servings )
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- 1/2 chopped onion.
- 2 cups of basmati rice.
- 3 minced garlic cloves.
- 1 minced jalapeno pepper.
- 2 3/4 cups of chicken broth.
- 1 cup of tomato sauce.
- 1 can of fire-roasted tomatoes.
- 3 tablespoons of chopped green chilies.
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon of Mexican oregano.
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Salt to taste.
- Chopped cilantro and lime juice for garnish.
Preparation:
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil at a high temperature.
- Add onion and rice, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, all the spices, chicken broth, 1 cup of tomato sauce, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Cook until boiling, and reduce heat.
- Simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it stand for another 10 minutes.
- Serve with cilantro and lime juice.