What is in a Typical Mexican Meal?

By KC Kudra

Mexican cuisine is known for its colorful presentation and healthy qualities. Home to the Aztecs, Mayans and Zapotecs, Mexico developed a strong agricultural civilization early. They grew many foods like avocados, peppers, beans, corn, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and squash. They hunted for deer, turkey, rabbit, and quail. Chocolate is grown in Mexico, and was originally served as a drink to Aztec royalty.

When the Spanish arrived in Mexico, they brought their favorite foods with them. Pork, beef, cheese, and cream were added and combined with the native foods. The Spanish brought sheep, chickens, wheat, and sugar. Three hundred years later when Spain finally gave up control of Mexico, their influence on Mexican food was well established.

A major component of the typical Mexican meal is corn. Masa, or cornmeal, is made into dough that is then used for empanadas, tamales, and tortillas. Corn is also used in stews, soups, and other traditional foods. In northern Mexico, tortillas are usually made of flour instead of corn. Chili peppers also are an important staple in the Mexican diet. They frequently choose jalapeno, Serrano and poblano chilies.

Beans are an important part of Mexican cuisine and it provides a lot of protein. Each region has their own favorite bean. For instance, pinto beans are favored in the north, while black beans are the bean of choice on the Yucatan. Beans are used in soups, as side dishes like frijoles, and as filling.

Other regional favorites in Mexico include beef in the north, due to the vast grazing lands; coffee and corn stew on the Pacific Coast; and seafood, fish and tropical fruits on the Gulf Coast. Central Mexico has the most Spanish influence due to the fact that this is where most of the Spanish settled. The Yucatan Peninsula is known for its shellfish, seafood, and black beans. Herbs are used all over Mexico.

If you want to try making an authentic Mexican meal at home, there are many recipes online to try. Mexican rice recipe are easy and delicious. They are a good dish to start out with. Once you have tried making rice (arroz in Mexico), you will find yourself adding it to your menu frequently.

Try something new and experiment. Adding a different bean can change the texture or flavor to a dish. Add tortillas or refried beans as a side dish, or throw together some fresh seafood and citrus juice to make a cooling ceviche on a hot day. Mexican food is great for kids to make, too. Let them make their own quesadillas or tacos.

For something new, try a Mexican breakfast. In the summer, a simple bowl of mixed tropical fruit is an authentic choice. On a colder day, try some scrambled eggs mixed with salsa. Fill a tortilla with a fried egg, tomatoes, ham, chilies, and cheese and serve it up with some refried beans for a taste you will find exciting.

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