Make Mexican food at home: Keep these essential ingredients in your pantry for authentic taste are you one of those people who love Mexican food? Taco, enchilada, burrito or guacamole – the names make your mouth water. If you don’t want to limit yourself to restaurants, it’s time to bring these flavours to your kitchen. But the question is – can you get the same taste just by reading the recipe? The answer is – yes, if you have the right Mexican ingredients in your pantry.
In this article, we will tell you which ingredients should always be present in your kitchen for authentic Mexican taste. This will not only make your food authentic but will also earn you praise from guests.
Dried chilies – the soul of Mexican taste
Chillis have a special place in Mexican food, but they not only add spiciness but also add depth of flavour.
Essential Dried Chilies:
Guajillo Chile: medium spiciness and slight sweetness.
Ancho Chile: The dried ripened chili peppers with a rich flavor and color.
Chipotle: Perfect when smoky flavours are wanted.
These chilies can be soaked, ground or it can be used in seasonings in a number of ways.
Masa Harina- Corn Hearts
You need masa harina, the key ingredient in the making of tortillas, tamales and gorditas when you are going home to make them. It is some kooled form of corn flour.
Hint: To make Mexican tortillas, substitute masa harina and not wheat as your cooking flour- that will give you the authentic taste.
Beans-Sources of protein and flavor in one thing
Mexican food involves the integration of beans to a large degree. They do not only contribute a good taste to a meal, but also leave a balanced offering to every plate.
Essential Beans:
- Black Beans
- Pinto Beans
- Refried Beans
- You can use them in taco fillings, soups, stews or rice bowls.
Tomatillos and Tomatillos – The Base of Flavour
While Indian food starts with onions and tomatoes, Mexican food is all about tomatillos and tomatoes.
- Tomatoes: The base for salsas, sauces, soups or stews.
- Tomatillos: A must for the green sauce called Salsa Verde.
- Tip: Tomatillos look like tomatoes but have a slightly sour flavour that adds a punch to salsas.
Mexican Cheese – The Creamy Experience
Mexican food is incomplete without the right cheese. It brings not just flavour, but also texture and glueiness.
Popular choices:
- Queso Fresco: Mild, crunchy and melty cheese without being too heavy.
- Cotija: Ideal for salty and crumbly toppings.
- Oaxaca: A stretchable cheese like mozzarella that is perfect for melting.
Salsa and Hot Sauce – A Tadka
A good salsa and hot sauce are a must to complete every Mexican dish. Whether you want salsa verde or salsa rocha, having the ingredients to make them at home is a must.
Ingredients to have in the pantry:
- Tomatoes/Tomatillos
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chili (fresh or dried)
- Lime juice
- Coriander leaves
Fresh Herbs and Spices – Bring out the flavors
Mexican food is full of freshness, thanks to certain herbs and spices.
Must-have Herbs and Spices:
- Cilantro: Part of every Mexican dish.
- Mexican Oregano: More intense and distinctive than regular oregano.
- Cumin: A familiar spice from Indian kitchens that also works well in Mexican dishes.
- Garlic and onion powder: For depth of flavor.
Seasoning mixes and hot seasonings
If you want to make fast Mexican food at home, ready-made seasoning mixes can be a big help. Such as:
- Taco Seasoning
- Fajita Seasoning
- Chili Powder Blend
- You can also make this mix at home if you want, just keep the right proportion of the spices given above.
Lemon and lime juice – balance in taste
Mexican food is balanced by sour taste. Lemon or lime juice is used with salsa, non-vegetarian dishes, salads and beans.
Uses:
- Squeeze last on tacos
- Add to guacamole
- Add to salsa for a refreshing kick
Other Special Ingredients You’ll Need
There are a few other ingredients that will make your Mexican cooking restaurant-style:
- Avocado: For making guacamole
- Corn tortillas: For tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas
- Chorizo: Spicy pork sausage
Conclusion:
Mexican food is not a matter of food, it is somehow connected with culture, history and colorfulness of the country. Once you incorporate these conventional foods into your food store, you are not only experimenting on a new dish, but you are incorporating an entire planet into your palate.
