Get to know Mexican cuisine

What is Mexican food?

Mexico boasts a rich tapestry of a national menu, stretching way beyond big hitters like burritos, tacos and quesadillas. The cuisine is enjoyed all over the world and hailed for its colourful array of flavours and tastes. But to understand what’s behind Mexico’s massive popularity, let’s have a quick leaf through the history books…

Traditional and authentic Mexican food

Mexican food is so unique because it’s a combination of lots of different cultures. Before the Spanish conquistadors arrived in what was then the Aztec empire, circa 1519, pre-Hispanic societies were already thriving in South America, all with their own ideologies, beliefs and tastes.

It was these indigenous civilisations that started using corn and maize in their cooking – still used today to make the tortillas and tamales we all know and love. The invading Spanish and Portuguese brought with them meats from domesticated livestock, like cows and sheep; the dairy products those animals produced, plus a range of sugars and oils. And if you muddle all that together over a few hundred years, you get what is now known as Mexican cuisine.

Tex Mex food vs Mexican food

While burritos and tacos might be what first comes to mind for many people when thinking about Mexican food, these are actually Tex-Mex dishes, a distinct style of cuisine that originated on the border between Texas and Mexico. Tex-Mex incorporates some Mexican ingredients but with a Texan twist. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

• Ingredients: Tex-Mex leans heavily on ground beef, cheddar cheese, and flour tortillas, readily available ingredients in Texas. Authentic Mexican cuisine uses more pork, various fresh and dried chillies, and corn tortillas.
• Spice: Tex-Mex tends to be milder, using chilli powder instead of the fresher, more nuanced flavours of various chillies found in Mexican food.
• Dishes: Tex-Mex features dishes like chicken fajitas, nachos, and hard-shelled tacos, not as common in traditional Mexican cuisine.

Both Tex-Mex and Mexican food are delicious, but understanding the difference allows you to explore the wider world of Mexican cuisine beyond the familiar Tex-Mex favourites.

Types of Mexican Cuisine

Mexican cuisine is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of history and geography. It’s more than just tacos and burritos (though those are delicious too!). To truly appreciate its depth, we need to delve into the regional specialities that showcase the unique flavours of different parts of Mexico.

Central Mexico, the heart of the ancient Aztec empire, is known for its rich and complex sauces. Mole, a dark, smoky sauce made with chillies, chocolate, and spices, is considered the national dish. Tamales, parcels of masa (corn dough) filled with savoury or sweet ingredients, are another staple, while fragrant soups and stews like pozole, a hearty hominy and pork stew, warm the soul.

Venture north to Baja California and the flavours lighten up. Here, fresh seafood takes centre stage. Think plump, succulent grilled fish tacos drizzled with creamy salsa and piled onto warm corn tortillas. Baja is also the birthplace of the California burrito, a supersized version overflowing with ingredients like French fries and carne asada (grilled steak).

The tropical Yucatan Peninsula boasts a unique Mayan influence. Cochineal pibil, achiote-marinated pork slow-roasted underground in banana leaves, is a must-try. Here, citrusy flavours shine through in dishes like pescado Tikin Xic, a fish dish marinated in achiote paste with sour orange.

Travel south to Oaxaca, a land known for its mole sauces, but with seven distinct regional variations. Oaxaca also boasts tlayudas, giant toasted corn tortillas piled high with black beans, cheese, and grasshoppers (chapulines). If you’re feeling adventurous, try chapulines – they’re surprisingly crunchy and protein-packed!

Is Mexican food healthy?

Mexican food often gets stereotyped as being heavy and unhealthy. But the truth is, traditional Mexican cuisine can be a treasure trove of nutritious ingredients and balanced meals.

For example, Mexican cuisine often features a vibrant array of fresh fruits and vegetables. From tomatoes, onions, and peppers to chiles, avocados, and leafy greens, these ingredients add vital vitamins, minerals, and fibre to your diet. Plus, beans are often a staple in Mexican food, and are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fibre, keeping you feeling fuller for longer and aiding digestion.

In addition, chillies aren’t just for heat in Mexican food. They contain capsaicin, which can boost metabolism and may even have pain-relieving properties. If you’re looking to make your next Mexican meal healthier, there are some easy choices to make, such as leaner protein, reducing the amount of cheese and sour cream, and choosing baked or grilled options over fried food.

How to roll a Mexican burrito

There’s a true art to rolling and folding the perfect burrito. It can take a bit of practice, but after a few goes, you should have a tightly packed, even wrap, with no fillings escaping out the sides.

Here’s a step-by-step on how to achieve just that:

• Warm a large tortilla to make it more pliable – just pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds, or you can gently warm it over a gas hob for 30 seconds, turning constantly.
• Place all your fillings directly in the middle, so they extend from left to right, not from top to bottom.
• Start by folding in the sides, over your ingredients, and then rolling the bottom half (the side closest to you) of the wrap-up and over everything.
• Then, you need to fold both top corners in, locking all the fillings inside, and continue the roll, until you have a neat, closed parcel.
• Finally, heat the outside to seal. You can do this in a medium-hot pan glazed with butter or a tiny bit of oil, or you could put the whole thing in the air fryer for a couple of minutes.

Slice in half, and enjoy – careful, it might be hot.

What rice is used in Mexican food?

Rice is grown across Mexico, however, there’s a lot of import to keep up with demand. Most often, long-grain white basmati is used in dishes, mixed with the likes of onion, garlic, tomatoes, coriander and stock. If you don’t want the hassle of making your own, we have ready-to-heat pouches of Spicy Mexican rice, bringing together hot chilli, sweet tomato, and smoky paprika for ultimate taste and convenience.

Now the rice is taken care of, you’ll probably need some protein to accompany it. Thankfully Mexico has a lot to offer. We know everyone loves a burrito bowl or a stuffed taco (us included), but if you’re interested in trying something new, here are five of our favourites, straying ever so slightly off the beaten track.

Pan de muertos

“Bread of the Dead” might sound spooky, but pan de Muertos is a sweet bread and a delicious tradition around Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). Pan de Muertos is typically round with a dough decoration resembling bones or a skull. Often flavoured with anise and orange blossom water, it’s a sweet symbol of remembrance.

Chile rellenos

These visually stunning and flavourful chiles are a true Mexican delight. Poblano peppers are stuffed with cheese, battered, and fried until golden brown. The creamy cheese filling contrasts beautifully with the slightly spicy poblano pepper, creating a flavour explosion in every bite. Chile rellenos are often served with a savoury tomato sauce or crema Mexicana for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Molé Poblano

Hailing from Puebla, molé poblano is a rich and complex sauce that is considered Mexico’s national dish. Molé poblano is traditionally made with a blend of chiles, spices, chocolate, and nuts, resulting in a deep, earthy flavour profile with hints of sweetness and heat. This luxurious sauce is typically served over turkey or chicken, creating a truly unforgettable dish.

Chalupas

These savoury delights are not your typical flatbread. Imagine a small, deep-fried corn tortilla cup,  filled with refried beans, shredded meat, cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, and a dollop of crema Mexicana. Chalupas are a perfect handheld meal or appetiser, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavours.

arthy flavour profile with hints of sweetness and heat. This luxurious sauce is typically served over turkey or chicken, creating a truly unforgettable dish.

Other popular Mexican cuisine recipes

The famous dishes we explored are just the tip of the iceberg, there are many more Mexican recipes for you to try! Mexican cuisine offers a vast array of regional specialities, each bursting with unique flavours. Here are a few more dishes to spark your culinary adventure:

• Tostadas: Crispy corn tortillas piled high with seafood, beans, vegetables, and a creamy sauce.
• Enchiladas: Corn tortillas dipped in a savoury sauce, filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, and baked.
• Pozole: A hearty hominy and pork stew, perfect for a comforting meal.
• Tacos al Pastor: Marinated pork cooked on a vertical rotisserie, a taste of Mexico City street food.
• Ceviche: Fresh seafood cured in citrus juices, a refreshing and vibrant dish.