By Source Freepik
Mexican food is loved by all. There are plenty of reasons why it has become so popular worldwide. The primary reason behind its popularity is the inclusion of a wide array of ingredients and components that are hard to find otherwise.
The distinctive combination of herbs, spices, and vibrant colors enhances its visual appeal and contributes to its distinctiveness. Many traditional Mexican meals still reflect their rich, pre-Hispanic roots, maintaining their true originality.
If you have ever been to a Mexican restaurant, you’ll know what we are referring to. These restaurants offer the most colorful experience and a culmination of fresh produce, delivering impeccable taste.
Want to know more? Continue reading.
The Secrets Behind the Richness of Mexican Food
Did you know that UNESCO has recognized Mexican cuisine as a valuable addition to the intangible cultural heritage of humanity? Mexican cuisine is said to be the oldest cuisine in the world, one with the most variety of recipes and incorporation of indigenous culinary practices.
The best part is, now, you don’t even have to travel to Mexico to try this impeccable and scrumptious cuisine. With so many authentic restaurants opening in the USA, all you have to do is perform a quick Google search, and voila!
These Mexican restaurants are loaded with a variety of options, for example, pick up the Blue Agave restaurant menu, and you will see options ranging from various kinds of desserts to appetizers and main courses. Choose the dish that you want to try and experience the magic of authentic Mexican cuisine, while being away from Mexico.
Moving on, let’s find out what makes Mexican cuisine so delectable!
1. Everything Contains Corn
You have yet to learn how they bring taste and use this ingredient into each of their recipes. Whether you’re having tacos, enchiladas, or tortillas, you will find corn as the primary ingredient in all of them. So if you love corn, head to the nearest Mexican restaurant and enjoy the deliciousness and the health benefits that corn offers.
2. Spices and Herbs
Due to the spices and herbs they incorporate, you will find Mexican cuisine loaded with some of the most delectable flavors.
Mexican chefs love using cilantro, garlic, cumin, oregano, and lots of onions to make their recipes more spicy and rich. And you won’t believe it when we tell you that Mexican chefs use more than 100 types of chilies in their recipes to give their dishes the spicy and tangy taste that so many enjoy.
The distinctive and traditional Central American herb epazote has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for years. Its robust, musky flavor enhances dishes involving beans, seafood, and maize, contributing significantly to the distinct tastes of Mexico.
3. Reliance on Fresh Produce
The reason why you find Mexican cuisine so colorful, flavorful, and vibrant is because the cuisine heavily relies on fresh ingredients and produce. Corn is the base of many dishes. Mexican food also heavily uses tomatoes as the base ingredient for many of their sauces. You would know that if you have ever tried a Mexican steak before. Their sauces are primarily tomato-based with chilies and spices to enhance flavor.
Similarly, avocados are celebrated for their creamy texture and mild flavor. Guacamole, made from mashed avocados, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, is a popular condiment that adds richness to Mexican meals.
Local fruits like mangoes, papayas, and guavas add their unique notes, while fresh herbs like mint and epazote contribute their aromatic qualities. They are widely incorporated in various dishes to add natural sweetness.
4. Unique Cooking Techniques
Mexican cuisine’s unique flavors are a testament to traditional cooking techniques. They use two primary cooking techniques: comal cooking and grilling or braising.
Comal cooking infuses dishes with a smoky earthiness while grilling and slow-braising coax out the natural richness of ingredients.
There is also something extremely special about their stoves and ovens. Mexicans use stone mortars and pestles, called molcajetes, to unlock the full flavor potential of spices and herbs, further elevating the taste experience.
They ensure a slow and steady cooking process after thoroughly marinating ingredients so that every ingredient bursts with flavor.
5. The Inclusion of Salsas
No Mexican feast is complete without a selection of salsas, providing a burst of freshness and flavor with every bite. They are like the brushstrokes of flavor and richness that enhance the taste of every ingredient.
So, whether you’re having the fiery salsa verde, made with tomatillos and green chiles, or the smoky notes of salsa borracha, where chiles are marinated in tequila, the diversity of salsas is as vast as the landscapes of Mexico itself.
What truly sets salsas apart is the endless opportunity for customization. Each region, family, and individual has their unique recipe, passed down through generations and reflecting local ingredients and preferences. This personalized approach to making salsa ensures that no two salsas are identical, adding a layer of intrigue and discovery to every Mexican meal.
Final Thoughts
Mexican cuisine offers a unique blend of flavors, deliciousness, and taste that is hard to find anywhere else. Their recipes are absolutely unique, and so are their cooking techniques.
Mexican food is notoriously popular for being spicy and tangy. However, those who have had the experience of tasting traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine will say that even their spices offer a flavor you can never get enough of.
With so many varieties for every ingredient and so many options for toppings, Mexican cuisine truly takes you on a journey of culinary exploration, one that you will never forget in a lifetime.
