Mexican Cuisine is known for its rich history of vibrant flavors and colors in dishes while utilizing some common staples.
Exploring Common Staples:
Mexican cuisine is known for its use of common staples like corn, beans, tomatoes, chile peppers, avocados, and cilantro. These ingredients are found in many of the classic Mexican dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole. Mexico is home to a variety of sweet flavors including vanilla and cacao, while also offering a variety of fresh fruits such as mangoes, bananas, pineapples, and guava.
Common Cooking Techniques:
Common cooking techniques of Mexican cuisine derive from a combination of their rich ancient history along with influences from Spain. Common forms of authentic Mexican cooking are:
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Barbacoa: a type of Mexican Barbecue where the meat is steamed and smoked by placing a large pot of boiling water in a pit of coals and then sealing it to allow for the slow roasting of meats.
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Nixtamalization: soaking and cooking corn in an alkaline solution to create masa for tortillas and tamales.
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Mortar and Pestle: grinding spices and creating salsa and sauces with distinct flavors and textures.
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Stews: slow-cooking stews such as Mole.
Health Benefits:
With an emphasis on fresh and whole ingredients, Mexican cuisine can offer a host of nutritional benefits from the variety of produce, spices, herbs, and lean proteins commonly used. These ingredients have been linked to improved inflammation and blood sugar control.
A true Mexican culinary experience is to be enjoyed with family and community creating a sense of togetherness, a true fiesta!