Authentic Mexican cuisine is not something you come across every day in the United States. Most of what we call Mexican food is actually Tex-Mex: a combination of Mexican food and Southwestern cuisine. Authentic Mexican food has a long tradition that reaches all the way back to the ancient Mexican tribes of the Toltecs, Mayans, and Aztecs. When the Spanish visited Mexico, they added many things from their culinary traditions to the mix.
Ingredients
To make authentic Mexican food, you need the right ingredients. It helps if you have a nearby Latino market or at least an international aisle in your local grocery store. Other ingredients that you are unable to find locally can usually be ordered online. You will want to keep your kitchen stocked with common ingredients used in Mexican cuisine.
Keep several types of dried chilies on hand for different recipes. Cilantro is used quite a bit, as is epazote, but that should be used sparingly. Produce like plantains, chayote, banana leaves, pumpkin seeds, tomatillos and chilies should be restocked as needed. Many mainstream grocery stores now carry queso fresco cheese, but you can substitute feta cheese if you cannot find any. Chorizo sausage is another must have ingredient. Finally, you need to learn how to work with masa harina for tortillas and tamales and find a source for real Mexican chocolate if you can.
Fresh foods are important in Mexican cuisine. You can skimp occasionally and buy your tortillas, but most dishes are made from scratch. Invest in a good cast iron pan for frying. Other frequent cooking methods include steaming, broiling and grilling, so get the appropriate equipment if you do not already have it.
Meal Planning
A typical Mexican dinner starts with a broth or soup. The next course is known as a dry soup (sopa seca), but is actually a rice, pasta or bean dish. The main dish is usually fish or meat served with vegetables. Dessert follows with coffee. The alcoholic beverage of choice is usually beer. Since Mexico makes several fine beers, most people will be amenable to that.
Finding Recipes
You can find many authentic recipes online and in a number of good cookbooks. If you are not sure about a recipe, look at the ingredients. Are they recommending a salsa out of a jar? Probably not too authentic. Salsa is simple enough to make in a few moments that you do not need to worry about using one from the store.
When you find some recipes that sound good, try them out. Do not fret if they do not turn out just right the first time, try them again. Some recipes take a little practice. Before you know it, you will be serving your family delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine whenever they want it.
The more you work with Mexican foods, the more you will appreciate their benefits of freshness, color, and flavor. Your repertoire of recipes will grow and you will be able to throw together a meal at a moment’s notice instead of planning far ahead.
Mexican food has a charm all its own. Learn to make the most of it with some authentic Cinco de Mayo recipes like posole and other traditional dishes. Your family will love the food and you will love the healthy food they are eating.
MexicanDessertRecipes.net The Sweet Side of Mexican Food
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