Mexico is a country with a very rich and nuanced culture. With beautiful traditions that reveal the influence of pre-Columbian cultures and Europeans who arrived on the continent in the 15th century.
One of the elements in which the cultural diversity of Mexico is most appreciated is its gastronomy. In the various dishes an impressive color is observed, as well as an exquisite seasoning and an unbeatable flavor.
Here is a list of the 15 most representative traditional dishes of Mexican gastronomy that you must try.
1. Chile in Nogada
This is a delicious dish originally from the state of Puebla, a faithful representative of the flavors of Mexican cuisine.
Its presentation is beautiful, very well thought out to represent the colors of the Mexican flag: green, white and red.
It is prepared by taking a poblano pepper and filling it with a stew that can be made with beef or pork, mixed with some fruits such as pineapple, apple or pear. The chili is covered with nogada (sauce made with walnuts), the pomegranate is placed on top and garnished with parsley.
2. Enchiladas
The enchilada has a privileged place among traditional Mexican dishes, in which the corn tortilla also has prominence as it is the one that surrounds all the rich flavor that this delicious dish hides.
This dish is very easy to prepare. You will only need a corn tortilla with some filling (usually a stew prepared with chicken, meat or beans) and on top the enchiladas are covered with a chili sauce and, sometimes, cheese.
Finally, it is placed in the oven to gratin the cheese with the chili sauce. Now you just have to enjoy this delight.
A very interesting fact is that there are many varieties of enchiladas, such as the Swiss, in which the cheese is substituted for milk cream; or that of mole, which is bathed in poblano pepper.
3. Tacos
The taco is the quintessential ambassador of Mexican gastronomy. In all parts of the world it is recognized and highly appreciated. Any good Mexican restaurant should have a variety of tacos on its menu.
It consists of thin corn tortillas, which are folded in half and can contain various fillings.
There are beef, pork or chicken and even those that are purely vegetarian. They are eaten accompanied by various sauces such as guacamole or red sauce made from chili peppers.
Tacos with different ingredients are served in the various regions of Mexico. For example, in Baja California it is common to find tacos filled with fish or seafood.
Also read our guide on the Top 15 best tacos in Tijuana that you have to try
4. Quesadillas
This is a traditional dish that is not lacking in the Mexican tables.
It is a traditionally corn tortilla (it can also be made of wheat flour) that is folded in half and filled with cheese to later put it to grill, melting its interior.
The quesadilla is strictly cheese, although versions with meat, chicken or vegetable filling have emerged.
5. Huarache
This traditional dish recalls the pre-Hispanic culture due to the fact that in its presentation it resembles the “huaraches”, a piece of footwear that the aborigines used to use.
It is a relatively young dish, since according to those who have delved into its origins, it is 75 years old. However, in such a short time it has managed to earn its place among traditional Mexican dishes.
It consists of a thick, elongated corn tortilla that is topped with various toppings, among which cheese, vegetables, beans and stews based on beef or pork stand out.
I must clarify that the topping It depends on the tastes of each one.
6. Guacamole
Its origins are pre-Hispanic. Its name comes from ahuacatl (avocado) and molli (mole or sauce).
It is an ingredient that is not lacking on tables and is recognized around the world (for its flavor and versatility) as a worthy representative of Mexican gastronomy, despite the fact that it is not a dish in itself, but a side.
It is used to accompany stews, tacos, burritos or simply to eat it with nachos.
It consists of a thick sauce whose main ingredient is avocado, which gives it its characteristic green color. There are several recipes, but the original includes (apart from avocado): green chili, tomatoes, onion, lemon juice, coriander, garlic and salt.
Variations can be prepared by adding vegetables and even fruits.
Also read our guide on the 10 best seafood restaurants in Guadalajara
7. Chilaquiles
This is a dish that works well for snacks or for a good breakfast.
It is made up of pototos, which are crunchy corn tortillas, small and cut into triangles (today known as nachos), accompanied by red or green chili sauces.
It is common for them to have other companions such as chicken, beef or pork, chorizo, cheese, egg, beans, among others. It is a must-have at parties and meetings due to its simplicity and rapid preparation.
8. Burritos
He is another of the ambassadors of Mexican gastronomy in the world. There is some controversy about the origin of the term. Some say it comes from the state of Guanajuato, others that it owes its name to the fact that its shape resembles the packages carried by donkeys.
The most accepted version is the one that credits the name to Mr. Juan Méndez, who sold them during the time of the Mexican Revolution.
The acceptance of the people was so great that Mr. Méndez bought a donkey to be able to transport the large number of orders, so the customers began to call them "burritos."
It consists of a thin wheat flour tortilla, rolled in a cylindrical shape that is filled with mixed beans and roasted meat. You can also bring vegetables.
The recipes are very varied, although they always include beans in the filling. These can be accompanied by many other ingredients.
9. Tamales
Representative dish of Mexican gastronomy. The tamale is a staple in the festivities, especially the Day of Candlemas, on February 2 of each year.
It is made from stuffed cornmeal and is wrapped in corn husks and steamed.
The padding may change according to the region of the country. For example, in Baja California it is customary to fill them with chicken meat, olives, olive oil and raisins; in the northern states the filling is strips of meat and dried chili sauce.
10. Zarandeado Fish
It has its origin on the island of Mezcaltitán, belonging to the state of Nayarit, although it is eaten along the Pacific coast.
Despite the large number of fish that can be found in Nayarit, the ideal for this dish is snapper, since it has little fat and does not lose dryness when placed on the grill.
The preparation consists of seasoning the fish with lemon juice, garlic and other spices. Before placing it on the coals, it should be varnished with a mixture of mustard, mayonnaise, chili and soy sauce. The result is a delicacy with an unbeatable blend of flavors.
11. Cochinita Pibil
It has its origin in the state of Yucatán. It has been prepared since the time of the conquest and has endured through the years as one of the traditional dishes representative of this area of the country.
Traditional cooking involves the use of an earth oven, which contributes to giving it the peculiar flavor that this dish has.
Before placing the pork in the oven, it must be marinated with achiote and wrapped in banana leaves. The traditional accompaniment to this delicious dish is red onions in sour orange and habanero pepper. Likewise, it can be accompanied with white rice and corn tortilla.
It is a delicious dish. If the cooking is done with the traditional method, the flavor will be anthology.
12. Pozole
It has its origin in pre-Hispanic times. Its name comes from the Nahuatl word pozolli, which means "boiled." And there is no word that fits this dish better, as it is basically a boiled broth.
It is prepared with corn grains of the variety cacahuacintle, which are previously subjected to a treatment with calcium hydroxide to lose the shell that covers them. Later they are washed and they are put to cook again until they burst.
The broth, in addition to corn, has beef or chicken and is seasoned with other ingredients such as onion, lemon, radish or avocado.
There are different varieties of pozole, Everything will depend on what you have: red pozole, with guajillo chili; white pozole, prepared only with the meat and corn broth; finally, green pozole made with tomato.
It is a delicious dish that Mexicans are very proud of, and with good reason, since its flavor is exceptional.
13. Tlacoyos
It is a traditional Mexican dish that like many is a vestige of pre-Hispanic times.
Corn is the protagonist in this dish. It consists of a thick omelette of this cereal, oval in shape, which is filled with various ingredients, depending on the taste of each person. It can be filled with beans or cooked broad beans, among others.
To serve it, a complement such as a stew, vegetables or a chili sauce can be placed on top.
14. Carnitas
It is one of the most common and versatile dishes of Mexican food. It can be served in multiple ways and with a great variety of accompaniments.
It is prepared with pork that is fried in its own lard, preferably in copper pots. Before cooking the meat, it is seasoned with salt and tequesquite. Once the meat is cooked, a mixture that may contain orange juice, milk, water, and beer is added to the pot.
They can be served in tacos and fajitas, accompanied by traditional sauces like guacamole or chili sauce.
15. Mole
The mole is one of the maximum representatives of Mexican gastronomy. It is known inside and outside of Mexico as an excellent option to create delicious dishes in which it is the protagonist.
The original mole recipe had at least 100 ingredients, although today there are not so many. Among those ingredients we can mention: various types of chili peppers, tomatoes, holy grass, avocado, corn dough, chocolate and peanuts, among others.
The mole is used mainly to cover meats such as chicken, turkey or pork. It should be like a homogeneous and dense paste of dark color.
Here you have just a sample of the best traditional dishes of Mexican cuisine, one of the most recognized in the world.
With an unmistakable flavor and seasoning, it makes those who taste it fall in love, leaving them wanting to repeat. So go ahead and try these delicious dishes, you will not regret it.
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