From entrees to desserts, there are a variety of Mexican recipes to please any palate. Many recipes use ingredients you may have on hand and are simple to prepare.
Simple Mexican Recipes
Don't be afraid to make your favorite Mexican dishes at home. Many Mexican recipes are quite simple to prepare and use fresh ingredients such as:
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Peppers
- Cilantro
Some common spices used in Mexican cooking are:
- Chili powder
- Oregano
- Cinnamon
- Cocoa
- Chipotle
Fresh Salsa
Try making your own fresh salsa. Salsa is a staple in Mexican cuisine and uses fresh ingredients that you may have in your kitchen. It can be served as a dip for tortilla chips, used on top of vegetables or meat, or used as a dressing for salad.
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 fresh lime
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix well to combine.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.
If you prefer a spicier salsa, add in hot chili peppers for some kick. To cut out a lot of the heat of chili peppers, remove the seeds and veins inside the pepper before you chop it.
Mexican Rice
Many Mexican meals contain a side of rice. Rice can also be used inside of burritos. For a main meal, serve rice with grilled chicken or steak. For a boost of protein, add in red beans.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of long grain rice
- 2 1/2 cups cold water
- 2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 cup of tomato sauce
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add the rice and cook until lightly browned.
- Slowly add the water and remaining ingredients.
- Bring everything to a boil.
- Reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer until rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Transfer to a bowl and garnish with cilantro.
Guacamole
Ingredients
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
Instructions
- Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits. Reserve one pit and set aside.
- With a spoon, scoop avocado from skins and mash with a fork.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix to combine.
To keep avocado from browning, add the pit to the guacamole.
Regional Cuisine
Due to the large size of the country, different regions of Mexico feature specific cuisine. You will find regional differences in the food. For example:
- The Yucatan region has dishes with Asian and Arabic influences. Expect to find recipes that use ingredients such as honey, eggs, deer, and chaya.
- The Baja California Peninsula is where the Caesar salad originated. In addition, you will find dishes with Spanish influence such as paella.
- Northern Mexico is where the dishes best known to Mexico originate. Find dishes such as tacos, burritos, and refried beans from this region. Recipes feature plenty of grilled meats, as well as marinades based with sea salt and olive oil.
- In southern Mexico, many dishes are vegetable based dishes, unlike the meat dishes found in the North. Corn tortillas and black beans are staples in this region.
Tortilla Tips
The next time you a make Mexican recipe like tacos, choose corn or flour tortillas instead of the hard shells that come in a box. If you've never tried the fresh tortillas, you'll be amazed at their flavor and versatility. To warm tortillas, simply place a damp paper towel between each tortilla and heat them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Have Fun With Cooking
Don't be afraid to experiment. Combine your favorite ingredients and add the spices you like to create a dish that your entire family will enjoy. Knowing the basics of Mexican cooking can help you prepare a variety of recipes that will add some flair to your weekly menu.
