ican food today is a fusion of tradition and migration. Dating back to the time of the Mayans and Aztecs, we know that corn, peppers, and beans were the early staples of the diet. However, Spanish conquistadors introduced many of the spices and herbs that we readily associate with Mexican recipes today. It’s no surprise that the typical dietary regime in Mexico is so varied, delightfully colorful, and tasty. It truly is emblematic of the best of many combined worlds.
Today, a large number of these tasty dishes are based on the basic ingredients of beans, rice, and corn. The cornerstone is corn, which appears in virtually everything from enchiladas and tacos to soups and even desserts. Dried beans are also widely available and another staple on the dinner plate. They can be boiled or fried.
When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, rice became another wholesome ingredient. There are a variety of different ways to prepare it; for example, you can prepare it with hot oils, incorporate herbs, or even mix it with sugar to make a popular local drink.
Did you know that there are more than 60 different varieties of chili peppers, and each one of them can be found somewhere in the Mexican recipe book? Jalapenos may not be for the faint-hearted, but they are the most recognizable among the hot and spicy varieties. These peppers can be used in an amazingly diverse number of ways.
One of the most famous elements to emerge from the Mexican food pantry and well-known in American society in general is salsa. Some people refer to this as the Mexican version of tomato ketchup and it can be made from raw ingredients or cooked in different ways. For example, you can have roasted tomato, fresca, or ranchero style.
When the Spanish arrived, they brought a variety of citrus fruits to really add color and taste to Mexican dishes. Oranges, lime, and grapefruit can create some unique and mouthwatering taste combinations when infused with a variety of other concoctions. As the Spaniards also introduced dairy food to the Mexican diet, we can now enjoy a number of dairy products such as Cojito cheese, often used to garnish the finished product.
When you add a very wide variety of herbs and spices to these already colorful main ingredients and supplements and prepare the food as freshly as possible, you can imagine why Mexicans tend to look forward to their evening meal so much. It’s now not difficult to understand why natives make such an occasion out of eating and how it helps to cement their very culture.
Life south of the border is nothing if not adventurous, and they are never spoiled for choice when it comes to dinner ideas. Maybe we should take a leaf out of their book. Instead of reaching for something frozen at the end of a long hard day, prepare a little bit in advance, and you can have one of these tasty Mexican concoctions to satisfy even the most discerning palate.