Those who have been lucky enough to visit Mexico at least once note the uniqueness and uniqueness of the national cuisine. Indeed, the culinary traditions of the Mexicans differ in many respects from the preferences of the Russian people. What is so unique about the gastronomic customs of Mexico? Let's try to figure it out in our article.

Mexican food

Mexican cuisine can rightfully be called a harmonious combination of Indian and Spanish culinary traditions. This feature is associated with historical events and cultural customs from the life of the local people. Since ancient times, the inhabitants of Mexico have prepared dishes from the products grown here:

• corn,
• Chile,
• legumes,
• chocolate,
• vanilla,
• tomatoes.

Over time, when the first Spanish conquerors appeared on the local shores, various types of meats, cheeses, wine, etc. entered the culinary traditions. familiar recipes, the taste of the dishes also changed. So National cuisine Mexico gradually became familiar to modern people view.

At a meeting of the UN conference held in November 2010, Mexican cuisine was recognized as one of the cultural heritage of UNESCO. No other cuisine in the world has ever been awarded this status.

What Mexican dishes are made from

Mexican national cuisine is distinguished by the pungency and piquancy of dishes. Since ancient times, various spices and herbs have been growing on the territory of the modern state, which give the treats a unique taste.
A must-have ingredient in almost all types of dishes is corn. Locals learned to cook various treats from it. So, for example, corn flour is used to make thin cakes, sauces, side dishes and even desserts.
No table is complete without chili peppers. Possessing indescribable burning taste the product gives a special piquancy, which is used in the preparation of meat dishes.
Many dishes Mexican food accompanied by various sauces... Some of them use tomatoes as the main ingredient. Seasoned with savory spices, they complement and accentuate the taste of the main dishes.

Meat Dishes: Popular Treats

Meat mexican dishes amaze with their fullness and variety of flavors. They can rightfully be called unofficial business card country. After all, to visit Mexico and not try one of famous dishes- it is a crime.
The most popular meat treats are:

• Mexican tacos - corn cakes with minced meat and vegetables, seasoned with Tabasco sauce;
• quesadilla - a tortilla stuffed with chicken and cheese;
• fajitos - grilled beef with tomatoes wrapped in a cornmeal tortilla;
• Enchilada - cornmeal rolls with ground beef in tomato sauce;
• tamale - a dish of corn paste and meat cooked in the leaves corn cobs.

Mexican cuisine is similar to food in many ways. fast food from popular fast foods. However, this did not stop the local treats from gaining the love of representatives. different countries and the peoples of the world.

Traditional Mexican sauces

Names traditional sauces Mexican cuisine is famous in various corners of the earth. Even if you do not know their taste and appearance, you have probably heard of guacamole or tabasco. Not a single Mexican meal is complete without them.
The most popular sauce is salsa. It is made from tomatoes, chili peppers, cilantro, celery and lime juice. All ingredients are crushed and mixed, after which they are served with meat dishes and hot snacks.
Another famous sauce is guacamole. He has green color as it consists of avocado, lime and green pepper... The sauce is served with meat dishes, as well as nachos chips and corn tortillas.
Mole sauce is not so famous among tourists. Various herbs and spices, cocoa grains, nuts and oils, chili peppers are used as ingredients. It is served with a bird or fish.
So what are Mexican sauces without Tabasco? Spicy dish prepared from ripe fruits Tabasco pepper with vinegar and salt. The sauce is infused for three years in special barrels. After cooking, it is served with soups and meat, added to vegetable stew and other hot snacks.

National soups of Mexican cuisine

Traditional Mexican soups are also made with spices and herbs. Such hot dishes are suitable for a Russian person. They warm well in cold seasons, giving the body strength and energy.
The most popular Mexican soup is tortilla soup. The dish is chicken broth with tomatoes, spices and dried pepper Chile. This combination gives a hot treat a unique spicy taste.
Mexican food is diverse and unique. Local cuisine boasts an abundance of dishes as well as cooking options. In such a variety, everyone can find something tasty and useful for themselves.

Mexico is one of the most vibrant, colorful and emotional countries in the world. Therefore, it is not surprising that Mexican cuisine is filled with hot spices, tart spices and various sauces... It may not look as refined as the French one, but the tastes and aromas of Mexican dishes will not leave anyone indifferent.

We have selected 7 traditional mexican recipes that you can cook at home.

P.S. Mexican cuisine differs from the rest with a huge number of ingredients and complicated preparation... Some products are hard to find outside South America, or they are expensive enough so feel free to experiment and replace them with whatever is at your fingertips. Don't let the intricacy of Mexican cooking scare you. The taste is guaranteed to compensate for the money and time spent.

Tacos

1 beef fillet, thinly sliced ​​into steaks
12 tortillas
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or lard(lard is better for an authentic taste)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste
any spicy or spicy sauce

Cooking method:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. When it gets hot, fry the steaks on both sides.

2. Fry for about two minutes, and turn over to the other side.

Tip: If you are making large quantities of tacos, wrap the finished steaks in aluminum foil and keep them in the oven to keep warm.

3. When all the steaks are ready, heat the tortillas in a skillet over medium heat and wrap them in a tea towel.

Tip: Optionally, you can reheat the tortillas in the same skillet where you grilled the meat to add aroma and flavor.

4. Cut the meat into small pieces and mix with hot or spicy sauce. Divide the meat into equal portions and place in the tortillas. Sprinkle each taco with chopped onions and cilantro and start tasting.

Tip: There are many varieties of tacos. So feel free to add new ingredients or replace them with others. available products.

Burrito with beans and beef

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
500 g lean ground beef
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
400g diced tomato
1 red capsicum sliced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/3 cup beef broth
300g canned, washed beans
coriander leaves, chopped
8 tortillas
150 g grated cheese (in original recipe used cheddar cheese, but you can substitute any variety you like)
sour cream
lettuce leaves, for a beautiful presentation on the table

Cooking method:

1. We heat the oven to 200 ° C. Heat in a large skillet over medium heat olive oil... Add finely chopped onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until the onions are tender. Add minced meat. Fry, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes or until the meat is browned.

2. Add cumin, paprika and chili powder. We fry all this, stirring, for 1 minute or until a pleasant spicy aroma... Put chopped tomatoes, peppers into the pan, tomato paste and broth. Bring to a boil and make a low heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens. At the end add the beans, coriander and mix thoroughly.

3. Heat the tortillas in a dry frying pan without oil. Divide the meat mixture between the tortillas and place only along the center. Wrap the tortillas so that the filling does not fall out. Place the finished burritos in a large oiled baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese.

4. Bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with sour cream and lettuce.

Mexican tomato soup

Ingredients:

6 corn tortillas
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium tomatoes, halved, coreless
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic
1-2 l fat-free chicken broth(the amount of broth depends on the size of the pot and how much soup you want to make)
2 cups tomato juice
1 Bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (or half) chicken fillet, cut into thin strips
4 green onions (white portion only)
1/2 cup lime juice (or add citric acid taste)
a couple of sprigs of chopped fresh cilantro (can be replaced with any other herbs)

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 ° C. Grease the tortillas with olive (or vegetable) oil on one side only. Cut the tortillas in half and cut them across into strips 1 cm thick.Place the strips in one layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Do not forget to turn them from side to side.

2. Meanwhile, heat the pan over high heat for two minutes. Add the tomato halves and cook, turning occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until they are browned on all sides. Using a blender or food processor grind them into a homogeneous mass.

3. Fry the onion in 1 tbsp. a spoonful of hot oil (over medium heat) for 3 to 5 minutes, or until tender. Add garlic and fry for 2 minutes or until aroma appears. Mix the onions with tomatoes in a food processor so that there is no large pieces.

4. Again prepare the tomato mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the broth and tomato juice... Add bay leaf, ground cumin, coriander and red pepper. When the mixture boils, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.

5. Add chicken pieces. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

6. Throw away the bay leaf. Sprinkle soup green onions, cilantro and add lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Pour the soup into bowls, place the tortillas strips on top and boldly serve.

Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:

4 chicken thighs skinless (or chicken fillet)
fresh cilantro, chopped
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
1/3 pack low-fat cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 onions, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chicken stock
2/3 cup salsa sauce (you can search for this sauce in the supermarket, make your own according to the recipe that you will find at the end of the article, or replace with any other tomato sauce)
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons of chopped pickled peppers jalapeno pepper, but can be replaced with what you have, or excluded from the recipe altogether, if desired)
9 corn tortillas
100-150g grated cheese (the original recipe uses cheddar cheese, but you can safely choose any to your taste)

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 ° C.

2. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces for 4 minutes on each side. Place the frying pan in the oven. Bake at 200 ° for 10 minutes or until tender. Put the chicken on a plate and let stand for 15 minutes. Separate the meat from the bone and grind it.

Tip: If you chose chicken fillet for the recipe, cut it into thin steaks before toasting.

3. Place the chicken in a bowl, add the cilantro, thawed corn, fat-free cream cheese, ground red pepper, cumin and salt. Stir everything to combine the ingredients.

4. Return to the frying pan. Fry one finely chopped onion for 5 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and fry for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Pour the chicken mixture into a frying pan and mix thoroughly.

5. In a saucepan over medium heat combine the remaining chopped onion, garlic, broth, 1/4 cup water and black pepper. Bring to a boil and cook over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let the dish brew for 15 minutes. Pour the mixture into a blender, add 2 tablespoons of cilantro (optional) and stir until smooth.

6. Heat the tortillas in a large skillet, 1 minute on each side. We cut them into quarters.

7. Pour 1/2 cup Salsa into a glass or ceramic baking dish. Place 12 pieces of tortillas on top. Cover them with a thin layer of chicken mixture. Alternate the layers so that the top is the tortillas layer. Top with the remaining Salsa and sprinkle evenly with the cheddar cheese. Bake at 200 ° for 15 minutes or until the cake is browned. Sprinkle with cilantro on top, if desired, and serve.

Mexican scrambled eggs

3 eggs
3 slices Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese
1 cup hot or spicy sauce
1 tablespoon butter
salt to taste
2 wheat tortillas
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro

Cooking method:

1. Lubricate the frying pan butter and heat over medium heat until the surface is hot enough for the eggs to start frying immediately.

2. Break 2 eggs directly into the frying pan, at some distance from each other, and salt to taste. First fry the egg on one side, and then turn it over to the other.

3. Once we have turned the eggs over, quickly spread 1 tablespoon of sauce on top of it and sprinkle with grated cheese. Fry over low heat until the cheese is melted.

4. Put scrambled eggs on tortillas, sprinkle with chopped cilantro or tomatoes, and proceed to tasting.

Taco salad

Ingredients:

16 tortillas
1 kg ground beef
3 tablespoons taco seasoning (or any meat seasoning)
1 jar tomato paste
salt to taste
1 jar canned beans
0.5 cups hot water
lettuce leaves
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup salsa sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
hot sauce (to taste)

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven. Spread the tortillas on a baking sheet and bake at low heat for 10 minutes or until crispy.

2. Preheat a frying pan, put the minced meat on it and fry on medium until it is lightly browned. Sprinkle with taco seasoning on top and mix thoroughly.

3. Add tomato paste to the meat mixture and simmer everything together for several minutes. Then add to the pan canned beans and mix thoroughly. Sprinkle with salt on top to taste.

4. Pour the meat mixture into a saucepan or leave in a pan, add hot water and cook until it thickens.

5. Cut the lettuce leaves into thin strips and cut the cherry tomatoes in half.

6. Making the sauce. For this in separate dishes mix mayonnaise, sour cream, some ketchup and Salsa sauce.

7. Rub the cheese coarsely.

8. Put the sliced ​​lettuce on the tortillas. Put the minced meat with beans on top and pour with hot sauce. Sprinkle with cheese, put a couple of cherry slices and fill the salad with sauce homemade from mayonnaise.

9. Serve everything on a large plate decorated with vegetables and herbs.

Ripe tomato salsa sauce

Ingredients:

3 large tomatoes
1 onion
4 cloves of garlic
1 chili pepper
1 bunch cilantro (washed, dried and finely chopped)
3 tbsp. l. Lemon juice
salt to taste
0.5 tsp ground pepper (preferably freshly ground)

Cooking method:

1. We wash the tomatoes and make a cruciform incision on each fruit. Then pour boiling water over them and peel them off.

2. Cut the tomatoes into small cubes.

3. Clean and finely chop the onion. Mix with tomatoes.

4. Clean the chili, remove the seeds and cut into small cubes. Crush the garlic with the side of the knife. Add the ingredients to the tomato mass.

5. Salt to taste and sprinkle ground pepper v a large number.

6. Add cilantro and lemon juice to the sauce to taste. Mix thoroughly and serve in addition to the dishes.

Enjoy your culinary experiments!

July 11th, 2016

It's been a long time since we discussed the cuisine of any country. And before that there were and. And here it is. Was and, as well as

Anyone who has ever tasted a real Mexican dish is familiar with the rich palette of flavors that explode in the mouth. This exotic “cocktail” of spices, herbs, meat and vegetables is enough to satisfy even the most fastidious gourmets.

Indeed, it is difficult to find someone who does not like Mexican cuisine. But for people who love Mexican food so much, we know too little about it. In the collective mind of most Mexican aficionados, things like origins, history, and even cooking styles are completely absent. Well, it's time to change that!

Let's try to find out about the true origins of Mexican food, some of the traditional ways to prepare your favorite Mexican foods, and even some weird Mexican food that you might not have known existed. Here are 25 things you might not know about Mexican food!

Mexican cuisine is more ancient than you might think. Many of the more traditional Mexican recipes date back to the time of the Aztecs and Mayans.

However, the Spanish have had a significant impact on the Mexican cuisine we know today. Traditional Mexican food (inherited from Mayan and Aztec recipes) was changed during the Spanish colonization of Mexico, resulting in the Spanish adding their own ideas and methods of preparation, as well as ingredients.

In the 1520s, the Spaniards brought plants and animals to Mexico that no Mexican had seen before: horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and chickens. The spices imported into the country include olive oil, cinnamon, parsley, coriander, oregano and black pepper. Also, the Spaniards brought in nuts and cereals such as almonds, rice, wheat, barley, as well as fruits and vegetables, among which were apples, oranges, grapes, lettuce, carrots, cauliflower, potatoes (imported from Peru) and sugar cane.

All parts of cows and domestic bulls are used to prepare traditional Mexican dishes, including the udder, stomach, tongue, even the uterus and testicles.

Mexican cuisine is also renowned for its variety of refreshing juices. The abundant tropical and exotic fruits are the basis of soft drinks sold in roadside stalls.

Tortillas (tortillas) are a staple food in Mexico. They are made from corn or wheat flour and their diversity varies from one part of the country to another. Tortillas are used to prepare many dishes; they can be both soft and crunchy.

Tequila is the most famous Mexican alcoholic beverage today. It is produced mainly in the vicinity of the city of the same name, and the core of blue agave is used for its preparation.

Between 1864 and 1867, Mexico was ruled by former Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, supported by French troops. Although the period of his reign was short-lived and tragic, French cuisine left its mark on many Mexican dishes. French-inspired Mexican dishes include chiles en nogada ( stuffed peppers chili in sauce walnuts) and "conejo en mostaza" (rabbit in mustard sauce).

During the colonial period, experimental Spanish women and members of the Spanish religious orders invented most of the dishes that make up today's intricate Mexican cuisine. The nuns pioneered traditional Mexican food such as cajeta (caramel) candy, buñuelos (donuts) and egg-based rompope liqueur.

In 1519, when the first Spanish conquistadors entered the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan (located on the site of modern Mexico City), they learned that the Aztec emperor Montezuma liked to drink a drink made from vanilla and chocolate and sweetened with honey. It was a traditional Mexican-Indian dish, probably invented by the Maya themselves, which later found worldwide recognition in different variations, including in the form of a milkshake.

Even in the colonial period of Mexican history, dishes such as "lomo en adobo" (pork loin in spicy sauce), “Chiles rellenos” (chili peppers stuffed with cheese, beef or pork), “guacamole” (an appetizer made from avocado, tomato, onion, chili and coriander) and escabeche (marinade).

Vanilla is a substance obtained from the pods of a particular type of Mexican orchid, and chocolate is obtained from the fruit of the Mexican cocoa tree.

Some Mexican dishes, especially those that originated in Veracruz and the Yucatan Peninsula, have been influenced by caribbean cuisine... Other Mexican dishes such as "bolillo" (" wheat bread"), Have been influenced French cuisine... Bolillo is a popular Mexican bread.

A popular Mexican dish called "fajita" was actually made famous by an American of Mexican descent, restaurateur Ninfa Rodriguez Laurenzo, who called own restaurant his name is Ninfa's. The dish was so simple and delicious that competitors constantly sent their spies to her restaurant in order to get a recipe for the preparation.

In parts of Mexico exotic dishes include grasshoppers and caterpillars. Tacos are also prepared in some parts of the country with various fillings- from cow brains to bovine testicles.

Sugar Calavera (Calaveras de Azukar), which are confectionery skull-shaped, made from sugar, amaranth and chocolate, are some of the most famous Mexican sweets. They are being prepared to celebrate the Day of the Dead.

The Mexican food found in the United States is commonly referred to as “Tex Mex”. This name comes from the fusion of Texan, Mexican and American cuisine... Burritos, fajita and quesadillas are the most popular examples of tex-mex.

It is estimated that the average Mexican family can consume up to 2 pounds (almost 1 kg) of tortillas (corn cakes) per day.

Chili is the most commonly used ingredient in traditional Mexican cuisine.

Even traditional Mexican desserts are prepared with chili, which is used to achieve pleasant combination spicy and sweet.

Northern Mexicans love more meat dishes, while in the south of the country, chicken and vegetables are preferred as the main ingredients.

Once upon a time, tortillas were sold in cans and were popular in this packaging from the 1940s to the early 1980s.

Quesadilla is one of the mainstays of Mexican street tents. This dish is considered to be typically Mexican. But it turns out that quesadillas, like the Mexicans themselves, are a hybrid dish: half indigenous, half Spanish. The tortilla that makes up the quesadilla is indigenous american dish; cheese, as well as pork and / or beef, which can be added to the filling - Spanish influence; in terms of a side dish, a hot sauce made with chili peppers is local kitchen and shredded lettuce leaves are influenced by Spanish cuisine again.

Despite the fact that Mexican cuisine is predominantly known for its spicy and heavy food, it is actually quite healthy food. rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as low in fat. Some nutritionists consider it the perfect blend of important food groups: meat, dairy, grains and vegetables.

If you still thought that only in Asian cuisine using the ugliest animals, you will be interested to know that some of the traditional Mexican recipes include ingredients such as iguana and rattlesnake meat.

sources

Mexican cuisine was influenced by such global historical events as the conquest of their territories by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century; the ensuing massive arrival of immigrants from Spain and their more than five hundred years of coexistence and partial assimilation with the local peoples - the Maya and Aztecs.

Unlike their northern neighbors - immigrants from England, the Mexicans did not pursue a consistent policy of total extermination of Indian peoples. Therefore, the process of mutual influence and penetration of two cultures, European and local, Indian, took place over the centuries. And the national cuisine of Mexico has become a kind of synthesis of the Spanish and Indian culinary traditions.

Just as rice is the staple food in Asia, in Mexico the dominant food is maize... Simply put - ordinary corn, the same one that Khrushchev brought from overseas in 1959 and actively distributed in Europe. Corn gives excellent harvests here, it is the real "queen of the fields" in Mexico; for the Mexicans, it is bread, first and second courses and drinks, milk, butter and meat (corn grain is used as food for people, and silage from its leaves and stalks is used to feed livestock).

After maize in the hierarchy of staple foods in Mexican cuisine are sweet potato(potatoes), tomatoes, beans and similar legumes, cheese, cacti, avocados and, of course, hot peppers-chili, a salsa sauce on the basis of which Mexicans add to the most different dishes... Local chefs prefer poultry and pork from meat.

National dishes based on corn cakes

Mexican cuisine considers bread tortillas- round flatbreads made of maize flour, unleavened, similar to Caucasian pita bread... Tortillas are the basis for the world famous tacos- rolls with filling similar to shawarma. Simply put, when what is available is wrapped in a taco and flavored with pepper sauce. Traditional fillings for tacos are fried small pieces meat or minced meat with tomatoes; as well as cheeses and feta cheese, beans, boiled corn and cacti.

A variety of tacos are rolls enchilada. These national dishes are prepared in the following way: rolled tortillas with a filling of meat, cheese or eggs spiced with pepper are fried in a skillet or baked in the oven. In the process of cooking, they are poured with a molé sauce (made from cocoa and chili pepper).

Any Mexican restaurant will offer you burrito- meat roll pie, which is the same tortilla in which, in addition to fried meat or minced meat, beans, avocado pieces, tomatoes and cheese are wrapped. At the client's choice, these ingredients are flavored with sour cream, vegetable salad or salsa(tomato, chili, garlic, onion and coriander ketchup).

Also, as the taco has a variety - enchilada, a variety of burritos is chimichanga- the same roll pie, but fried in a pan or in the oven with sauce or cheese.

Unlike burrito, pie roll fajita served on the table in an expanded form, so that the guest himself chooses the filling and seasoning that he likes and wraps it all up in a tortilla as he likes. The classic filling of fajita is meat cut into strips and fried with vegetables ( Faha in Spanish - strip). But in the coastal regions of Mexico, fish and seafood fajita are popular.

First meal

A European needs to be careful when trying Mexican soups, because they are served not only hot, but also very spicy for those who are not used to it. taste buds... Except for the simple peasants' table taco soup - thick corn soup with flour and grains of this plant plus potatoes, carrots and "what else is there at the moment", Mexican cuisine presents the following first courses to the attention of gourmets:

Sopa de sebolla . It's spicy and satisfying onion soup based on chicken or meat broth, for the preparation of which cream or milk, flour, cheese, eggs and butter are also used.

Sopa de tortilla. Spicy spicy soup based on chicken broth with tomatoes, black and hot peppers, cumin, cilantro, fried onions and garlic. Before serving, add to the soup grated cheese and sliced ​​tortillas, as well as sour cream and avocado slices. The tortilla strips are soaked in the hot broth and swell slightly.

Sopa de veracruz. Fish soup originating from the coastal region of Veracruz, the very one in the vicinity of which at the beginning of the 16th century. Cortez landed with his adventurers. V fish broth boiled tomatoes, corn, onions, garlic, with the addition (where without it) hot chili. This Mexican fish soup is generously seasoned with fresh herbs before serving.

Second courses and snacks

Often the second dishes Mexican cuisine considers those varieties of tacos with different fillings, which were discussed in detail above. In addition, the following main courses and appetizers are popular in Mexican restaurants around the world:

Chile con carne. Beans stewed with meat, onions and garlic in a thick and spicy tomato sauce. The highlight of this dish is the addition of cocoa and lime.

Huevos rancheros ... Spicy scrambled eggs with tomatoes, garlic, lemon, parsley and coriander.

Guacamole. A popular appetizer salad made from tomato, avocado, onion, cilantro, lime and chili. Pieces of pear or apple, grapes are used as additional ingredients.

Quesadilla. Meat (most often chicken), stewed with eggplants, tomatoes, other available vegetables, generously seasoned with hot pepper and fresh herbs.

Fruits and vegetables

All kinds of fruits and vegetables in this warm sunny country all year round do not leave the table. Sweet pies are made from fruits (the most common is rosca de reyes), make dried and candied sweets, as local Indians did thousands of years ago. In addition to all the well-known and familiar fruits and vegetables, cacti, "shaved" from thorns, are also used. They are added to fruit desserts and vegetable salads.

Desserts and drinks

The national refreshing drink is made from maize flour - horchatu. Flour is poured with water and infused for several days. It turns out a kind of "kvass", but similar in color and consistency to milk. Thanks to the abundance of local flora, the staple drinks of even the poorest peasants are fresh juices. Of the exotic soft drinks, it is worth noting tamarind- juice from the same name exotic fruit which is black, and hamaika- a floral mix, brewed like tea and chilled.

From alcoholic beverages invented by the Mexicans is known and popular throughout the world tequila... Although in a number of countries this Reviver stubbornly considered cactus vodka, it is prepared from another plant - blue agave. In the heat, Mexicans are happy to use cheladu- beer mixed with lemon juice and salt, and michelada- beer, to which chili-pepper is also added (even here it is present!)

To the question: where to eat, you can confidently answer: anywhere. Due to its simplicity, satiety and piquancy, ancient Mexican dishes have spread throughout the world. And you can feel the full gamut of sensations from traditional cooking without ever having been to Mexico.

There are Mexican restaurants in all major cities of the world, and the national cuisine of Mexico itself, thanks to its ancient traditions and color, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010!

When planning a trip to Mexico, travelers look forward to the opportunity to taste original Mexican food. Many people like the unique taste of all kinds of dishes, generously seasoned with hot pepper and fragrant herbs... And since Mexico is also the birthplace of chocolate, tourists will find a huge selection of various sweets. Mexican national dishes are very popular not only in North America but also all over the world. Therefore, it will be very successful to surprise guests by cooking something from Mexican cuisine.

Have Mexican food Long story... The peoples inhabiting the territory of the country since time immemorial prepared traditional dishes from the fruits of local plants, as well as animals. Moreover, each Indian tribe had its own culinary preferences. Someone liked especially spicy dishes, while others used snakes, lizards and other exotic animals for Europeans more in cooking.

The Aztec tribe ate seafood such as seaweed, shellfish, and shrimp, as well as the larvae of ants and other insects. And the Maya Indians considered dog meat to be a special delicacy.

Later, when the Spaniards appeared in Mexico, the cuisine was replenished with both new recipes and new products previously unknown to the local population. The Europeans brought pigs, cows and rams to the continent. They taught the indigenous people how to make vinegar, cook cheese, and make wine. As a result, due to the mixing of cultures so dissimilar to each other, a unique Mexican cuisine arose, which today has hundreds of millions of fans around the world.

Mexico's national dishes are not just delicious and nutritious. They're also rich useful vitamins and microelements due to the high content in them of all kinds of vegetables, fruits and seasonings. Those who are especially concerned about health will be able to find dishes suitable for themselves in the rich menu of Mexican cuisine. True, you should first ask if the dish is too spicy, since chili peppers are an invariable product of many traditional dishes. Hot peppers can cause negative reaction organism, and for some it is generally contraindicated.

Mexico gave the world coconuts, tomatoes, cocoa, legumes, avocados, papaya, vanilla and many other popular foods today. And many of them liked the national dishes and are included in the menu of the most expensive and famous restaurants in the world.

except legumes Mexicans are very fond of meat. Therefore, many dishes include beef, pork and lamb. Those who like especially exotic dishes can try some of the snakes or even insects. In addition, food from insects (locusts, caterpillars and ant larvae) is considered to be very nutritious and contains most necessary for the body minerals.

Top 10 most popular national dishes of Mexico

Mexican national dishes are not very difficult to prepare, but they are very nutritious and healthy, so you should definitely try them. And after returning home, it is also worth cooking at home in order to refresh the memory of an unforgettable journey through this amazing, mysterious country.

Tacos or tacos

This dish, a favorite of many Mexican men, is made with ground beef, tomatoes, red beans and ham. Hot, juicy filling wrapped in warm tortillas and eaten with tabasco sauce. Another option for serving tacos is bean filling, tortillas and minced meat filling are served on separate plates and guests fill their tortillas themselves with whatever they want.

Quesadilla is very tasty dish tortillas with minced beef, chicken or pork, beans, corn and hard cheese... An indispensable ingredient is hot chili peppers. The filling is spread on tortillas sprinkled with grated cheese and the tortillas are fried on both sides. Also, quesadillas are not prepared with meat filling, but with mushroom, cheese, potato, sausage and even pumpkin.

The popular national dish Mexico fajitos includes beef meat, chili sauce, Bell pepper, garlic, onion and wheat cakes. Piquant taste this dish is due to the presence of honey in it. Hot meat is served either on a flatbread or on lettuce or cabbage leaves.

The incredibly delicious enchilada dish is made from minced meat, mushrooms, hard cheese, vegetables and tortillas. A variety of seasonings are added in abundance. Filled rolls are baked in a spicy tomato sauce with cheese. The dish is served hot.

Mexican tamale is suitable for those who prefer more diet food, since it contains not beef and pork, which are usual for many dishes, but chicken fillet. It is also made with green tomatoes, cornmeal, hot red peppers and garlic. The dough is applied to the leaves of corn cobs, spread the filling with chicken fillets, wrapped and cooked in a special dish for steam. Another type of Mexican tamale is sweet tamale with a variety of fruit fillings.

The famous spicy guacamole pasta is made with tomatoes, chili peppers, lime, garlic and herbs. But, of course, its main ingredient is avocado. Unique, rich taste guacomole was appreciated by gourmets from all over the world. Pasta is eaten with meat, mushrooms, fish, but most often with cornmeal chips.

You should definitely try the spicy salsa sauce, which is often used to season dishes from potatoes, mushrooms, beef or pork. It contains tomatoes, garlic, hot red peppers, olive oil, onions and spices. It is not stewed, but served fresh. At the same time, all of its beneficial features, and the ingredients included in it not only refresh the taste of the main course, but also contribute to good digestion.

Today, Mexican Buritos have gained popularity all over the world. These are incredibly tasty and easy-to-make tortillas rolls with all kinds of fillings and various sauces. The filling can be meat, vegetable, cheese, mushroom, potato and even fruit. Burritos are easy to make at home with the food on hand and with your imagination. And instead of Mexican tortillas from corn flour, the usual pita bread is quite suitable. Minimum time - maximum taste and benefit!

While many Mexican dishes are mostly second courses, Mexicans also cook various soups... Favorite is, of course, Hot soup from beans with chili. The beans are ground in a blender, so it turns out aromatic soup, garnished with herbs and whole beans. As you know, beans are not only very nutritious product but also quite useful. In addition, the soup has bright taste, which will be appreciated even by those who are not used to eating legumes.

This nutritious and very tasty breakfast Is a constant part of the morning of many Mexicans. Locals love to tell stories about how the cowboys pioneered this simple dish. It resembles scrambled eggs familiar from childhood. But, of course, the Mexican huevos rancheros has its own unique features. The dish is prepared with chili peppers, tomatoes, garlic and smoked sausage. It is customary to eat it straight from the pan or wrapped in a tortilla.