popular dishes in authentic Mexican cuisine
Mexican cuisine is known for its colorful flavors, fragrant herbs and bold spices. Often influenced by Spain and other countries, it uses fresh produce and bold ingredients to make dishes rich in flavor.
Corn – Many traditional Authentic Mexican Food meals use corn as a main ingredient, such as tamales and enchiladas. It’s also a staple in the country’s alcoholic beverages, such as tequila. Honey – Another important ingredient in many Mexican dishes is honey. It adds a delicate sweetness to the taste and can be used as a substitute for sugar in recipes.
Cloves – While cloves might seem like an odd addition to a traditional mole sauce, they’re actually a staple in Mexican cuisine. They offer a peppery-sweet flavor that complements other ingredients, especially chocolate, in a mole poblano. Cinnamon – This spice is often used in moles, but it can be added to a wide variety of dishes to add depth and character. It also lends a spicy kick to foods such as chilaquiles and tortillas, which are stuffed with meat or vegetables and topped with a red chili sauce.
What are some popular dishes in authentic Mexican cuisine?
Epazote – A Mexican herb that can help calm any intestinal discomfort beans may cause, epazote is found in a variety of dishes, including chicken soup. It’s also used in a variety of Mexican sweet bread rolls, called pan dulce. Cocoa – A popular ingredient in many Mexican dishes, cocoa is a versatile cooking ingredient that can be used to create a variety of flavor combinations. It can be combined with other spices to create a deep, dark flavor in several dishes.
Cajeta – A sweet caramel made with goat’s milk, cajeta is another popular dessert in Mexico. It can be incorporated into ice cream, baked into cakes and other desserts. Tamales – A favorite of Mexican street food, tamales are steamed pockets of dough that can be filled with a variety of different fillings. The traditional fillings include chilies, cheese, vegetables and meats.
Sopes – A Mexican dish originating from Oaxaca, sopes are pinched-edged tortillas that are topped with a variety of different toppings. Some common options include refried beans, sliced avocados, salsa, meat and guacamole. Birria – A popular dish from Jalisco, birria is a hearty stew made with beef or pork. It’s seasoned with a variety of chiles, seasonings and spices. It can be served hot or cold and is usually served in a bowl with a side of fresh tortillas.
Tortas – Tacos are a very common dish in Mexican restaurants and are served in a variety of shapes, sizes and textures. Some common varieties of tacos include the grilled taquito and the taco stuffed with a mixture of ground meat and cheese, known as pollo asado. Horchata – A popular drink in Mexico, horchata is a sweet rice milk beverage made with cinnamon, sugar and vanilla. It can be a tasty way to start your day and can be served cold or hot.
Paletas – These frozen treats can be a fun summertime treat to enjoy in Mexico. They’re made with a cream or water base and can be served in paleterias, on the streets of Mexican towns, and in other places where ice cream is sold.