Mexico is one of the names that come up when we are discussing the most varied and appetizing food culture of the world. Besides the history, music and colorful festivals of this country, everyone knows the tasty and unique cuisine of this country. Food in this place is filled not just with taste but also of tradition, culture and history. So, we will present you with 10 of such traditional Mexican dishes without experiencing which your journey will be incomplete.
1. Chilaquiles: The pride of traditional breakfast
Chilaquiles is one of the traditional Mexican breakfast tradition that is very special in the kitchen of each home. In this crispy deep fried tortillas of corn are cut into half and are accompanied with green or red salsa (the red salsas are slightly spicy). Fried or scrambled eggs and shredded chicken are usually added to the dish and then it is garnished with creamy cheese and sour cream. To complete the taste, refried beans (frijoles) are frequently eaten. This is a breakfast soup.
2. Pozole: Ancient Recipes, Modern Flavors
Pozole is an ancient soup whose origin dates as far as pre-Hispanic period. Once placed in religious sacrifice, it has found its way to feature as a household item in every home and even in restaurants. The dish is prepared out of hominy corn, herbs and spices where it is brought to cook over hours and even over night. Before serving it, it is topped with lettuce, radishes, onion, lemon and chili peppers. It comes in a chicken, pork or vegetarian variety and is always different.
3. Tacos al Pastor: Mexican style with Lebanese influence
One of the most renowned types of tacos is called Tacos al Pastor. It started in 1920s and 1930s when what came were the Lebanese and Syrian immigrants. It consists of thin pieces of pork sliced over rotating rotisserie and layed on a corn tortilla with onions, cilantro, and pineapple on top. It is a mix which is marvellous mixture of cultures and tastes.
4. Tostadas: Layers of crispy happiness
How do you use day old tortillas? Whip them up and create tostadas! Tostadas literally is, well, toasted, at least, these corn tortillas are fried in some hot oil until they are crunchy and golden. They are then topped with various toppings such as refried beans, topped with cheese, cooked meat, sea food or ceviche. The vegetarian tostada composed of black beans and avocado salsa is another thing you may give a try.
5. Chiles en Nogada: A patriotic dish
This is a very special dish which is reflective of the three colors of the Mexican flag. This native dish of Puebla is made of poblano peppers filled with picadillo (a combination of meat, fruit and spices). It gets poured with a white cream sauce which is walnut-based and some seeds of pomegranate are sprinkled on it eventually. The dish was originally served to Don Agustin de Iturbide, the Mexican independence warrior and subsequently the emperor.
6. Elote: A taste sold on the streets
Elote is corn that is done Mexican style. Look in any Mexican street and you will find somebody selling elote. It is usually eaten roasted or boiled, with stalk on, as ice cream, or in a cup. It is sprinkled with much salt, chili powder, lime, butter, cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream. Street food lovers will go to heaven.
7. Enchiladas: From Mayan times to today
The origin of enchiladas dates back to the civilization of the Mayan whose main dish was small fish served in a corn tortilla. Nowadays the tortillas are stuffed with meat, cheese, seafood and vegetables or a mixture of these and with a tasty spicy chili sauce added. They are magnificent Mexican breakfast providers. Chicken and bean enchiladas, Turkey enchiladas or vegetable enchiladas – each has its exclusive taste.
8. Mole: The Royal Tradition of Mexican Sauces
Mole is a Mexican sauce that is luxurious and traditional with an approximate of 20 ingredients including a range of chilies. It is time consuming and takes patience. The most notorious of all, mole poblano, normally gets poured over turkey or chicken. It is the smell and its richness of taste that makes each or every meal special.
9. Guacamole: A Gift of the Aztecs
Let us talk about one of the most popular dips all over the world guacamole, and its history is not so well-known. This dish is done by combining ripe avocados, onions, tomatoes, lime juice, and green chilies and sometimes garlic since it originated way back among Aztecs. It is used as a side dish or when topped with tortilla chip. Its traditional variant makes any party lively.
10. Tamales: A War Food
Tamales are the creation of Aztec, Mayan and Incan civilization. It was a meal that fighters carried to the warfront. It is a sweet or savory filling located in the layer of cornmeal, and then lapped in banana leaves or corn husks and steamed. Such fillings consist of meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables or any other ingredients. It can be filled with spices, chili pepper or mole. When eating, don not forget to take out the leaf.
Final Thoughts: Mexican Food Is a Taste of Culture
Mexican food does not only deal with food, it is the mix of culture, tradition and history. Every meal has something to tell a story, freedom story, migration story, war story, or a story about the domestic life. Whenever you go to Mexico or to any Mexican restaurant, do not fail to sample these meals and experience rich taste adventure that has united people over the centuries.
