Ethnic Mexican Foods

Peppers, or chilis, are a key ingredient of authentic Mexican cuisine.

Mexican food developed as a synthesis of the cuisine of the settlers from Spain and the indigenous cuisine of the Aztecs. Corn, rice and beans are the staples of Mexican cuisine, and common spices include chili powder, cilantro, cumin, garlic and oregano. Peppers, onions, and chipotle are also important elements of many Mexican dishes. Beef, pork and goat are the most important meats in northern areas of Mexico, chicken is common in the southern areas, and seafood is popular in coastal areas.

Tamales

Tamales are packets of ground corn dough with a sweet or spicy filling, traditionally wrapped and steamed in corn husks. The dough is spread on the husk, the filling is spread on top, then the tamale is wrapped, tied and steamed. The filling may include beans, chili peppers, egg, squash, rice, chicken, beef or pork.

Burritos

Burritos are made from tortillas that are lightly grilled or steamed to soften them, and then wrapped around a pre-cooked filling. The filling is a combination of frijoles refritos, rice, onions, cheese and meat. The filling may also include lettuce, avocado, salsa or sour cream.

Chili Con Carne

Chili con carne is a spicy stew that is translated as "peppers with meat." The basic ingredients are chili peppers, meat, beans, tomatoes, garlic, onions and cumin. The meat may be beef or chicken. The spiciness may vary from mild to extremely hot, depending on the types of peppers used.

Enchiladas

Enchiladas are tortillas wrapped around a meat, cheese and bean filling, and covered with a salsa and chili pepper sauce. Enchilada literally means "in chili." The filling may include chicken, beef, pork or seafood. Potatoes and other vegetables may also be added.

Quesadillas

Quesadilla is conjunction of the words "quesa" and "tortilla," and may be translated as "cheese tortilla." It is made by folding cheese in a tortilla and cooking until the cheese is melted. The sincronizada is a similar dish that is made by placing cheese between two tortillas and cooking until the cheese is melted. Sincronizadas are typically known as quesadillas in the United States. Either the sincronizada or the quesadilla may be served with salsa and frijoles refritos, and pre-cooked meat (chicken, beef or seafood) may be blended with the cheese.

Tacos

Tacos are simply tortillas folded around a meat and cheese filling. The tortilla may be fried to create a crunchier taco. Tacos are often garnished with salsa, tomatoes, onions, lettuce and cilantro. The meat filling is typically beef or chicken, but may also include pork or seafood.

References

• "America's First Cuisines"; Sophie D. Coe; 1994
• "The Essential Cuisines of Mexico"; Diana Kennedy; 2009
• "Authentic Mexican: Regional Cooking from the Heart of Mexico"; Rick Bayless; 2007

Resources

• Gourmet Sleuth: Mexican Cuisine
• Mexican Food Recipes