Mexico has a long and varied history when it comes to food. It is a rich, diverse history that brings together many influences to create a cuisine that is enjoyed in almost every country on the planet. Mexican cuisine uses fresh foods made from scratch. It is nutritious and delicious.
Mexican cuisine is the result of Spanish, Mayan and Aztec influences. Add in a dash of French and you have today’s Mexican cuisine. Although it has a reputation for being spicy, not all Mexican dishes are hot. Some are creamy and sweet. Depending on the area of Mexico a recipe is from, the food could be based more on beans, fruit, or seafood.
Cortez arrived in Mexico from Spain in 1521. He and his group discovered many new foods in the New World that they had never tasted before such as squash, vanilla, peanuts, avocados, chocolate, tomatoes, corn, beans, and coconuts. They shared what they had brought from Europe. The beef, cheese, lamb, pork, garlic, wine, milk, vinegar, and citrus fruits were quickly assimilated into Mexican cuisine and have long since become a major part of their diet.
Every cuisine is based on a few key ingredients. Mexican cuisine is based on beans, corn, and squash. Each area of Mexico then added their specialties. The Yucatan, for example, added fresh seafood and fruit. Northern Mexico became known for their grilled meats. Oaxaca and its surroundings contributed many different types of corn and chili peppers. They make at least seven different kinds of mole sauce in this region.
Around Veracruz, most recipes are based on fish. Tamales, tacos and everything else is made with the fresh fish that is available in this region. Other common ingredients that are used include olives, tomatoes, and chilies. What you eat in Mexican restaurants does not closely resemble true Mexican food.
What we eat in the United States tends to be a fusion known as Tex-Mex food. For example, in Mexico it would be extremely rare to get both beans and rice in the same course, let alone the same meal. Here it is commonplace. In addition, salad is hardly ever made in Mexico. This is the influence from the cuisine here in the United States.
You can easily find some authentic Mexican recipes, just do not expect them to be like the meals you get in restaurants. Authentic Mexican cuisine is delicious and worth trying. Take a look at some of the regional recipes that use seafood or grilled beef. They are truly spectacular.
Eating Mexican food does not have to mean Spanish rice and tacos. Enjoy the true cuisine of Mexico with the richness of seafood, fresh ingredients, and all the variety they have in Mexico. It can easily be enjoyed in your own kitchen, even if you are far from Mexico. Make some for your family and see how they like this cuisine. It is so delicious they will want to try more recipes and learn more about them.
Mexican food combines a mixture of Mayan and Aztec heritage with Spanish accents and more, making it unique and something well worth tasting. You can find many Mexican recipes at MexicanFoodRecipes.org, including very easy meals for the novice cook. Why not rustle up some tasty Mexican food for dinner tonight?
