Cooking Mexican Food

If there is one thing that the country of Mexico is known for around the world, it is its delicious food. Cooking Mexican food may seem complicated, but with a little practice, anyone can cook delicious Mexican food at home. All they need to do is gain a little bit of knowledge about traditional Mexican ingredients and techniques.
Burritos are a popular and easily made Mexican food. In order to truly make fresh burritos, it is necessary to get a tortilla press. This instrument flattens masa, a corn meal dough, into thin patties. The patties are then briefly cooked and transformed into tortillas.
One of the most commonly used ingredients in Mexican food is peppers. There are many varieties of peppers, but the most common used in Mexican cooking are the jalapeno, ancho and serrano. Hardly a Mexican dish is presented that does not feature some form of pepper with varying degrees of hotness.
The only problem with most of the peppers that are used is that they are extremely hot, which makes them very flavorful, but can cause irritation if not handled properly. When cooking with hot peppers, it is necessary to wear gloves to keep the oils from getting all over the hands. It is also important to avoid contact between the hands and eyes or face when working with them. If you find that you love the taste but hate the pain afterwards, you can try using a spoonful of sugar or dairy products to try and cool the heat.
Learning how to cook authentic Mexican food is a great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo or just to try something new. The bold flavors help make any meal exciting and the dishes are unlike food from many other cultures. Next time the craving for a delicious burrito hits, avoid the fast food Mexican joints and try making some delicious, authentic Mexican food in your own kitchen.







If you like cooking your own food, why not try southern cooking with a Presto Deep Fryer? You can read all about these wonderful cooking aids at my new site; http://prestodeepfryersite.com.

Traditional Mexican Food an Inside Look at This Tasty Cuisine

It might surprise you to know that Mexican food is considered to be the most varied in the world after Chinese food. Every region of the country has its own food style and Mexican cuisine in vast. The Mexican food eaten in the Yucatan is especially exciting, since it is a unique mixture of Mexican, Mayan, Caribbean and Lebanese influences.

A Look at Mexican Cuisine

Some Mexican dishes are spicy but not everything is. Chili peppers are widely used in Mexican cookery and there are lots of variations of them, including pasilla, habanero, serrano, poblano, and jalapeo. Mexicans like to vary their diets by eating meat, fish, poultry, seafood, fruit, vegetables and grains, or at least the ones who can afford to. Stews, soups, and sauces are common Mexican foods and cooking methods include baking, deep-frying and slow roasting.

Mexicans like to eat fresh fruit and vegetables and anything older than two days is not considered fresh. Costly pesticides and herbicides are hardly used and produce is picked when ripe or very nearly ripe. Imported food is usually shunned in favor of locally grown produce and everything is grown nearby. The exception would be Mexico City, where produce that is not likely to be sold is exported.

Traditional Mexican Food it's Not What You Think

One of the main components of a Mexican typical meal has to be tortillas. These are balls of masa, or corn dough, flattened to a CD sized disc. They are so much of a staple food that the government maintains the price at five pesos a kilo! Authentic tortillas are made of corn and they are freshly made in the supermarket all day long. They are used to make tacos and traditional tacos are soft, rather than the prefab U-shaped ones you would see in Mexican fast food joints.

Tamales, tortillas, and tacos are traditionally made from corn. A lot of soups and stews include fava beans, kidney beans, and lentils. Tomatoes are used in various Mexican food recipes and especially in salsa recipes.

Fruit is popular in Mexico and is eaten fresh or used in desserts and sauces. Papaya, coconut, mango, and pineapple are all favorites. Nopales, which are prickly pear cactus paddles, are sauted and eaten like a vegetable. You can also get them sweetened and used in Mexican dessert recipes.

Mexican Condiments Mean More than Just Salsas

A lot of people favor the addition of salsa, lime, or sour cream to their food. In a traditional Mexican restaurant, you will also get small bowls of condiments. These are likely to include chopped onion, cilantro, a mild chili salsa, a hot chili salsa, salsa Mexicana and lime. Salsa Mexicana is made from chopped onion, chopped fresh tomato, cilantro and habanero chili. You might also get guacamole, which is an avocado and lime sauce. Charred green onion mixed with salsa ingles (Worcestershire sauce) and limejuice is another well-liked Mexican condiment.

Many Mexican food recipes are rich in flavor and color and the use of fresh produce is important. A lot of people make the mistake of confusing Mexican fast food and Tex Mex style Mexican cooking for real, traditional Mexican food but authentic Mexican cuisine is a true delight.

If you would like to find out just how simple it is to create colorful, flavorful, fresh Mexican meals, have a look at MexicanFoodRecipes.org for the tastiest recipes. The rich Aztec and Mayan heritage shines through Mexican cookery, as well as Spanish flavors, making it an absolutely delicious cuisine.

If you are looking for some great recipes or tips on cooking Mexican food and recipes of your own, the site will be very helpful. Whether you want a quick and spicy burrito, mild salad, or sweet and spicy salsa we have a wonderful selection of Mexican food recipes to choose from.

If you are in the mood for Mexican food tonight why not give one of our recipes like our Crockpot Chipotle and Beef Burritos a try. Just one of the many delicious Mexican treats on our site.

While there take some time to learn more about the extraordinary history, culture and cooking methods used to make this wonderful blend of old and new world cuisine. We also have a full Mexican Cooking Glossary complete with phonetic pronunciations for the none Spanish speaking Mexican food lover.

A Healthy Heart - Could Traditional Mexican Food Be the Answer?

A lot of Americans consider Mexican food as being one of their favorite cuisines and many Americans consume Mexican food at least once a week. Mexican recipes are well loved throughout the United States but Americanized Mexican recipes and authentic Mexican recipes often differ greatly. Americans are fond of adding extra fat and super-sizing their portions. If you visit Mexico, you might not even find the same dishes because Americans have created their own versions of a lot of them. Traditional Mexican food contains a lot of fresh vegetables, vitamins, spices, and proteins, the portion sizes are smaller, and a lot less fat is added.

Healthy Mexican Food versus Unhealthy Mexican Fast Food

Traditional Mexican dishes are usually healthy Mexican food. Tomatoes, which are used in a lot of traditional Mexican recipes contain lycopene, which fights cancer, and are rich in vitamins. This does not mean you should not enjoy American style Mexican food but you can make it healthier if you make your own or visit Mexican fast food outlets less often.

The Makings of Healthy Mexican Food?

Beans are high in protein and fiber and can be added whole to recipes rather than refried because this cuts back on fat. Corn is a common Mexican food addition, which can maintain a healthy heart. It contains fiber and is high in vitamin content. Adding such ingredients as corn, whole beans and tomatoes to your Mexican recipes can promote health and cut back on fat while maintaining a great Mexican flavor in your dishes.

So, do Mexicans eat healthily? Well, there are plenty of health food stores in America where we can buy healthy food alternatives and there are also health food stores in Mexico. In fact, over $500 million is spent on health foods yearly in Mexico. Not everybody can afford to pay more for health foods however.

Five percent of the population of Mexico regularly consumes health foods. They range from twenty to fifty in age and normally live in metropolitan areas where health food shops are located. Even Mexicans with less money eat more healthily than most Americans. Traditional Mexican recipes are healthier than a lot of American recipes and Americanized Mexican dishes. In addition, Mexicans use different cooking methods and do not use fattening cooking methods such as deep-frying as often as Americans do.

Mexican Food Pyramid Food for a Healthy You

You are probably wondering again, is Mexican food healthy for me. Authentic Mexican dishes are, because they carry many vitamins and are generally low in fat. America has fattened up the Mexican dishes making them not a good choice. If you want to go out to eat, try avoiding the major Mexican food chain restaurants. Find a restaurant that serves authentic dishes. It is healthier and will taste even better knowing you are giving your body good foods.

Discover the truth about Mexican food history and find out more about the wonderful spices that make Mexican recipes a favorite with the whole family.

Looking Into Mexican Food History

Historically, Mexican food is one of the most loved cuisines amongst American eaters all over the U.S. and has spread to other countries as well. Of course, depending on the amount of "heat" or fats in a particular Mexican dish, it may cause a problem for some of the more delicate digestive tracts. And that brings us to the point of healthy eating and Mexican food.

The problem with most Mexican foods that you find north of the border is that they have been infused with too much fat and added calories. Some restaurants have turned their recipes into monstrous super sized meals with enough food to feed an entire family in each individual serving. If you look back into Mexican food history and travel into different regions of Mexico, you will find that Mexican food, cooked in most local restaurants and casas, are actually prepared with healthy ingredients.

Most Mexican food that is made in Mexico is rich in fresh vegetables. They are very healthy because these vegetables and other fresh ingredients impart vitamins and proteins into the food. It is also flavored with real spices which can also be healthy as some spices contain antioxidants. Real spices give you real flavor that is natural and therefore better for you.

Now it is certainly possible to eat that healthy Mexican food here in the States if you know how to prepare the dishes yourself and you use healthy ingredients. There may be a store near you where fresh ingredients can be easily found and purchased, that are rich in the vitamins and devoid of the items that are detrimental to good health.

Some "American" versions of true Mexican dishes will often times bear little resemblance in looks or flavor to the dish it represents. The problem is that the American dining public has gotten used to these "Americanized" recipes and super-sized portions with fat-infused ingredients. As Americans we have come to think of the fat, or "lard", as adding additional flavor. We, the consumer, are to blame for that. The restaurants are only giving us what we order most and seem enjoy.

If you examine the history of Mexican food you will find that their recipes have been handed down from family to family for generations. Individual families have worked out the best combinations of fresh spices and other fresh ingredients to make food taste good. What they have found is that freshly prepared food, using freshly harvested items produces a rich tasting and healthy meal.

These recipes with all natural and fresh ingredients, never frozen, have graced the Mexican people's tables for centuries. It is a food that can be served as a weeknight meal or at a special occasion. Secret family recipes or popular dishes are often requested at graduations, weddings, or anniversaries. Even when celebrating we should strive to serve food that is both healthy and "muy deliciouso." We should revel in the healthy choices that the Mexican people have been serving for centuries and adapt them to our ways of life. Admittedly, some recipes can take several hours or days to prepare. But many have been adapted to our "fast-food" mentality, and have been revised to be able to prepare a great and healthy Mexican meal in under an hour.

Find the latest information on Mexican food visit Healthy Mexican Food as well as Mexican Food History

Mexican Food

If you are trying to decide what it is that you would like to dine on tonight, why not think about Mexican food? There are so many choices on a great Mexican menu, that it would be hard for you to look it over and not find something that you can be pleased with. This food is not all tacos and rice as many would assume, rather there are some wonderful recipes that can please most if not all palettes. From burritos to mosquito larva quiche, the possibilities are endless. All you need to do now is take some time, and see what will interest you most.

High Class And Old School

There are many great dishes that can be had on an authentic Mexican food menu; some may make the weak stomached squirm, while others will rejoin with glee that they have found a true restaurant after their own hearts. Mexican restaurants are popping up virtually all over the globe today, and this is because the food is simply delightful. You will not have to worry about finishing a Mexican meal, and seeking snacks an hour later. This is because this food is actually filling, and with the great dishes that contain sides such as rice you will know what it means to get your money's worth. Some of the most exquisite restaurants throughout the world, are now of the Mexican decent. They offer traditional Mexican fair that can even include armadillo.

Great Snack Foods

The great thing about Mexican food is that it actually makes great snack food. A couple of enchiladas or tortillas, and you are all set. This is something that is great for a quick lunch whether you are at home or even at work, and that makes this food very convenient. You would be hard pressed to not find at least one Mexican restaurant in your city, and this is because the food is great priced and fills the hunger spot. Much of the food that you find within the regions of Mexico, can now be had within the confines of a great restaurant and this is great news for those that love this food. Whether it is on the go, or a meal for the family on a Saturday night you can be sure that this food is going to be appreciated by everyone that is eating it.

Experiment

One of the best things that you can do when it comes to Mexican food is to experiment. There are simply too many great dishes on the menu, for you to not try something at least once to see if you like it. This allows you to get a broader sense of your appreciation for the great food that the Mexicans have to offer. You will even be surprised at how wonderful their dessert selection is, and you will quickly find many items that could be considered a favorite. You are easily going to have a tough time deciding what you like most.

Jeremy Harris writes food related articles for the Italian Traditional Food website at www.italiantraditionalfood.com

Mexican Food Appetizers

Mexican foods today are increasingly becoming popular and a favorite. Individuals who are looking for different types but delicious foods always ask for Mexican food especially those enticing Mexican food appetizers. Another reason why many are asking for these Mexican foods is that this type of cuisine usually is very healthy. It uses lean meat and variety of vegetables mixed with choice spices. Some of the Mexican foods even showcased the use of maize, corn, tortillas, beans, hot chili peppers and tomatoes among others.

Mexican food appetizers have long been the preference and favorite of many Americans because of its strong flavors and healthy colorful ingredients. Chili, tomatoes and beans are the usual content or main ingredients of many Mexican foods and appetizers in most menus or recipe that you can find today. The taste is also unique but delicious, thus Mexican food really appeals to American people as well as those visitors who like their food hot but appetizing most of the time. The Guacamole, Mexican pizza and Quick Quesadillas are some of the most common Mexican appetizers that are popular to many resto goers.

Today, a lot of cuisine authorities like chefs and food experts are coming up with variety of Mexican food appetizers to serve to their customers and families. One of these new appetizers are Green Stuff Guacamole is an avocado dip that is created with several of the green vegetables. The Edamane Dip or Edamole which is said to be rich in protein and fibers is another new adaptation of the famous Guacamole. It tastes like guacamole to some. It goes perfectly with raw vegetables, pita bread and Mexican tortilla chips. The Montery Jack and White Bean Dip is another of these new appetizers that you may also try to make in your homes today rather than getting the first plunge in famous restaurants.

Actually, Mexican food appetizers are easy to make if you like to have your own. All you have to know are the basics in Mexican food cooking and you may find your way in discovering your own appetizer recipe and dips. You do not have to be chef either. There are several online recipes and Mexican recipe guide books that you can use. You just need to be patient and get your brains working. Creativity is one characteristic that you should have if you decide to make your own Mexican appetizers. This will be your tool to create the best Mexican appetizer of your choice.

Candis Reade is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about Mexican Food Appetizers [http://mygreatmexicanfood.info/mexican-food-appetizers], please visit My Great Mexican Food [http://mygreatmexicanfood.info] for current articles and discussions.

So What Do You Really Know About Mexican Food Culture

Mexican culture is a unique combination of pre-Hispanic, colonial, and postcolonial Mexico. The Mexican people are rightly proud of their history, ethnicity, and culture.

Mexican city life is not all that different from life in Europe or in the United States, although some villages still have more traditional ways. Most Mexicans live in large cities and there are more Spanish speaking people in Mexico than in any other country. The government recognizes over sixty other languages as indigenous Mexican languages.

After Brazil, Mexico is the second biggest catholic country in the world. Ninety five percent of the countries are catholic and the Spanish colonists introduced the religion.

Well Known Mexican Food Holidays

Every village, city, and town holds a party to honor their patron saint each year on different dates and Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16. The people will pray and burn candles during the religious celebrations and they will also use colorful flowers and utensils to decorate their churches. Fireworks, parades, parties, and dance competitions are all common during fiesta time and football, bullfighting and cockfighting events are also held.

Piatas, which are made from paper mache, are unique to Mexican fiestas. These are made to resemble well-known people, fictional characters, or animals. Piatas are filled with small toys and candy, hung from the ceiling and blindfolded children take it in turns to hit the piata until it breaks and the toys and candy spill out.

What to Know about Popular Mexican Cuisine

Mexican food is an exotic mixture of European, Aztec, Mayan, Spanish, French and Caribbean food and more. It is tasty and well balanced, both in flavor and in nutritional content. Well known favorites include tacos, tamales, mole sauce, pozole and enchiladas. There are plenty of fast food restaurants but the offerings from these establishments bear little resemblance to traditional Mexican food recipes. You can use recipes to make your own Mexican food at home if there are no good Mexican eateries in your area.

Beans, chicken, maize, beef; potatoes, tomatoes, avocados, guavas, and peanuts are used in many dishes. Some common drinks include cinnamon flavored hot chocolate, fruit juices, mescal, Mexican beer, and tequila. There are also several award winning Mexican wineries that produce wine and export it all over the world.

Corn is used in many traditional recipes, as is corn flour. Chili is also widely used in Mexican cuisine. There are Mexican soups, stews and salads as well as the better-known foods. Mexican desserts are very popular and they combine hot and sweet elements to give interesting flavor and texture sensations in the mouth.

Chili is often used to flavor candy and corn flavor candy is well liked. Calaveras de Azucar are the sugar skulls made for the Day of the Dead fiesta.

Herbs and spices are cleverly combined with fresh produce to make traditional recipes. Quick authentic Mexican recipes are a great idea if you want to make something different for your family and there are certainly plenty to choose from. By enjoying home cooked Mexican cuisine, you will really appreciate why these foods are so well loved around the world.

Mexican food makes a great change from our usual staples and if you want to surprise your family with something deliciously different tonight, why not check out the recipes at MexicanFoodRecipes.org for some inspiring food ideas? Mexican food is nutritious and flavorful and sure to become a family favorite.

If you are looking for some great recipes or tips on cooking Mexican food and recipes of your own, the site will be very helpful. Whether you want a quick and spicy burrito, mild salad, or sweet and spicy salsa we have a wonderful selection of quick authentic Mexican recipes to choose from.

If you are in the mood for Mexican food tonight why not give one of our recipes like our Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe a try. Just one of the many delicious Mexican treats on our site.

While there take some time to learn more about the extraordinary history, culture and cooking methods used to make this wonderful blend of old and new world cuisine. We also have a full Mexican Cooking Glossary complete with phonetic pronunciations for the none Spanish speaking Mexican food lover.