Mexican Food

For people that like their meals colorful and spicy, nothing beats Mexican food. This cuisine has been influenced by the Spanish colonists and has been integrated into American food known as Tex-Mex. However, there remains an authentic Mexican tradition and these dishes are popular throughout the western world. The intense flavors are very often achieved with chili peppers. The more chili you add, the hotter it will be!

One of the most common dishes to appear in Mexican homes is the Quesadilla, which is a tortilla with a filling of cheese. It is always filled and then cooked but there are regional variations. The corn tortilla uses melting, grated cheese and some Guacamole dip. Wheat tortillas are sometimes used or the Masa, which is a type of cornmeal dough. Salsa or refried beans are also added to this Mexican food sometimes. There are meat versions too, using ham, chicken, sausage or hamburgers.

Anyone who has eaten in a Mexican restaurant will be familiar with Guacamole. This is used as a relish or dip and complements spicy Mexican food. It is based on avocado and tomatoes and other ingredients can be added as preferred. Some cooks favor lime juice, chili pepper, cumin, garlic, black pepper or coriander.

Salsa is another popular dip or sauce and there are different methods of preparing it. Whatever dish is chosen, refried beans are often a component or a side accompaniment. The beans are normally either Pinto Beans or Black Beans.

The Burrito will be another familiar sight to many diners. It is a flour tortilla that is wrapped round a tasty filling of refried beans, Spanish rice or meat. Chorizo pork sausages are also popular. The flavor comes from the seasoning of paprika, chili and garlic. The terrific thing about Mexican food is that it can be as spicy as you want it and ingredients are flexible.

There is never any leftover food in Mexican kitchens! The Enchilada has variations but is usually made with a corn tortilla dipped in the Enchilada sauce. The tortilla is rolled, filled and put in a casserole dish. The filling is typically chicken, seafood, vegetables, eggs or even bananas. Fried eggs are sometimes placed on top.

Huevos Rancheros is a traditional breakfast of fried corn tortillas and fried eggs with tomato and chili sauce and refried beans. Scrambled eggs can be used instead and other ingredients can be added, such as sliced avocado, olives or fried potatoes.

Salsa sauce is added too sometimes. For desserts, Mexican food favors sweet pastries, cheesecake or ice cream. These are all delightful after spicy food. Arroz con Leche is a popular rice pudding.