Did you know that Mexican cuisine is part of the UNESCO heritage? Namely, UNESCO has numerous conventions under its auspices that relate to the protection of the diverse heritage of humanity, and in 2010, Mexican cuisine also became an intangible cultural heritage of this world organization.
What is it that makes Mexican cuisine so special? Read.
Gastronomic tourism in Mexico
Travel agencies agree that this is a very important element that has a great impact on the economy of Mexico. Namely, the gastronomic heritage, Mexican regional and local cuisine, are a great attraction for foreign tourists. They are tourists in constant search for new, original tastes, and Mexico really has something to offer every lover of a good bite.
Today, tourism is an extremely developed economic activity in Mexico, and that's exactly what it is concept of "gastronomic destinations" a very important part of their tourist offer. Yes, the fact is that people who come on a tourist visit to Mexico they mostly plan to visit museums, historical centers, spend time on beaches and in nature, but does not have that guest who does not want to try something local and good in a foreign country. In this sense, Mexican cuisine is an incomparable attraction.
Culinary destinations in Mexico they are known for constantly promoting the benefits of local cuisine on social networks and in the media; the states of Oaxaca, Puebla or Yucatan are leading in this. The good ones connoisseurs of the culinary secrets of Mexico they know that you can find fantastic food in restaurants in Nayarit, Colima, Chiapas and Mexico City.
Some of the adjectives used to describe dishes from these areas are: "the most exciting, impressive and seductive food that exists on Earth". That is food that conquered the world, not only in taste but also by the way of preparation and serving.
Mexico should be experienced as a colorful oasis of the most diverse landscapes; it is a clean, generous and hospitable country. Look for good tourist offers and experience it the right way. If you have a sweet tooth and a gourmand, Mexico is made for you. So read what you could eat in Mexico.
A brief description of Mexican cuisine
Traditional Mexican cuisine is mainly based on corn, chilies, beans/legumes, pumpkin seeds, fruits, spices. There are also the obligatory delicious sauces and dips like grindstone (purified mixture of chili and various spices and ingredients), almendrados (almond sauce) and encachahuatadosa (peanut sauce). When the Spanish settled this geographical area they found an already developed culinary culture. They brought cows, goats, sheep, chickens, pigs and brought oil. That was exactly the right one a fusion of Old World ingredients and New World cuisine.
It is interesting that the convents were the places where one of the most important things happened for Mexican cuisine. The nuns in the convents were Spanish or Creole (of Spanish parents, but born in Mexico), with a very good knowledge of Spanish culture, and they were allowed to have assistants from Mexican villages in the convent. These young women used to cook various dishes to which they would add a little chili and herbs that were familiar to them. In fact, this is how the fusion of cultures began.
How is Mexican food in other countries different from authentic Mexican cuisine?
Traditional Mexican food contains lots of regional spices and (mainly) medicinal herbs, so it is prepared from those fresh ingredients. Mexican food is called colloquially abroad Tex-Mex and it differs in cooking techniques and ingredients, and the end result is completely different. Everything is tasty and good, but it is not "real Mexican".
That's why the best way to experience authentic Mexican cuisine is to avoid modern tourist spots and simply go to the market, see what's going on and eat where the locals eat.
There is one an interesting custom among Mexicans, dessert - after finishing a hearty meal, they drink coffee, cognac and light a cigarette, with the obligatory conversation that can last for hours. The wonderful old custom of relaxation is part of traditional families with a large number of members.
Typical dishes in Mexico
In Mexico, you can try many local specialties, and we will suggest some of the best dishes that Mexican cuisine offers.
Chilaquiles
This popular traditional dish for breakfast it consists of a lightly fried corn tortilla cut into quarters, covered in green or red salsa (red is slightly spicy). It is eaten with fried eggs and chicken, and at the end, cheese and cream are usually added to the dish. Chilaquiles are often served with Beans (type of bean).
pozole
According to anthropologists, this soup was once used as part of ritual sacrifices. In modern times there is a version with chicken and pork. It is made from domestic corn with lots of herbs and spices, is usually stewed for hours, often overnight. After it is well sautéed and ready to serve, green salad, radish, onion, lime and chili are added.
tacos al pastor
This traditional dish is one of the most popular types of tacos. It is said that it was brought to Mexico by Lebanese and Syrian settlers in the twenties and thirties of the 20th century. To make tacos al pastor ("shepherd style"), thin strips of pork should be cut into strips, arranged on a corn tortilla and served with onions, coriander leaves and pineapple.
toasts
What if the tortillas we bought dried out and got stuck? Well, we can fry them. Tostadas are a simple but delicious dish. Corn tortillas are fried in hot oil until they are crispy and golden. Then they are served with some sauce or garnish (frijole toppings, cheese, cooked meat, seafood).
chiles en nogada
In the colors of the Mexican flag, chiles en nogada it has that "patriotic" element. Poblano chili – stuffed hot peppers picadillo (a mixture of minced meat, fruit and spices) represent the green on the flag, the walnut-based creamy sauce is white, and the rosehip seeds are the red part of the dish. The dish comes from Puebla, they say it's first served Don Agustin de Iturbide, later to the Mexican emperor.
Corn cob
You can find this dish in almost every city in Mexico. Maize is traditionally cooked and served on a stick (which is eaten like ice cream) or in cups. Salt, chili powder, lime, butter, cheese, mayonnaise and sour milk are then added to it.
Enchiladas
The dish is familiar since Mayan times. These corn tortillas wrapped around small pieces of fish were a treat. Today they are made from corn and flour filled with meat, cheese, seafood, beans, vegetables or all of the above. Filled tortillas are covered with chili sauce, and here's the perfect Mexican breakfast.
Guacamole
This is undoubtedly one of the most popular dishes in Mexico, but few people know that this traditional sauce dates back to the time of the Aztecs. Made from avocado, onions, tomatoes, lemon juice and chili peppers (and sometimes two cloves of garlic), guacamole is often eaten with tortilla chips or as a side dish to meat.
Tamales
Tamales were made by the Aztec, Mayan and Inca tribes because they needed caloric food while on the move through the forest, in wars with other tribes. Corn dough filled with sweet or spicy filling, wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks and cooked. The filling can be different: with meat, cheese, fruit, chili or just a small sauce (cinnamon, walnut, pepper, cumin). The wrapper of the tamales is removed and thrown away, only the inner part is eaten.
READ: WHERE CAN I BUY THE BOOK TRADITIONAL RECIPES OF HOME SERBIAN CUISINE?
Read more:
The Recipes and Kuvar online portal is ranked among the TOP 50 websites in Serbia!
Don't miss a recipe - Recipes and cookbook online on Facebook. Stay tuned, follow the Recipes and Cookbook twitter notifications!
