Mexico has always been among the world’s most popular holiday destinations, attracting tourists with lavish traditions, beautiful landscape and tropical climate. But while it has great sights to see, you also need to check out the local flavours that this country offers. Mexican food varies by region and is influenced by the local climate, geography and ethnic differences among the inhabitants. Without further ado, let’s take you to our best 10 Mexican dishes that you need to experience when you’re there:
1Chilaquiles
This popular traditional breakfast dish features corn tortillas that are cut up in either strips or quarters and then lightly fried. They are topped with green or red salsa (the red is slightly spicier) sprinkled with cheese. There are many ways to enjoy it: scrambled eggs or fried eggs can be added for breakfast, or one can also top it with chicken, beef, or guacamole and refried beans for a delicious brunch. You can finish it off by adding cheese and sour cream as well.
2Pozole
This traditional soup or stew dish dates back to the Aztecs when it had ritual significance. Posole is a hearty, restorative soup made from hominy (dried maize kernels) cooked in broth with meat (typically pork) along with a variety of sauces, including with a red chilli base like guajillo or ancho; and a green sauce with tomatillos, cilantro, jalapeños or pepitas. The dish is generally stewed for hours, often overnight, and then served topped with cabbage, chilli peppers, onion, garlic, radishes, avocado, salsa or limes.
3Tacos al Pastor
While we all are quite familiar with tacos. One of the most delicious and popular among the different varieties of tacos is the tacos al pastor. This authentic historical dish is made with spit-roasted pork, which is placed on a corn tortilla and served with onions, coriander leaves and sliced pineapple.
4Chiles en Nogada
Chiles en Nogada is one of Mexico’s most treasured and patriotic dishes. It contains poblano chilli which is stuffed with picadillo (a mixture usually containing shredded meat, dried fruits and spices) and topped off with a walnut-based cream sauce known as nogada, and pomegranate seeds – thereby giving it the three colours of the Mexican flag.
5Enchiladas
This is one of those Mexican dishes that date back to Mayan times, enchiladas are made with corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, seafood, beans, vegetables and meat (usually chicken, pork or beef). They’re either rolled or folded over, then placed in a baking pan and covered with a green or red sauce and a blanket of cheese. This is then topped with sour cream and is enjoyed with guacamole.
6Mole
Mole (pronounced ‘mol-eh’), is a thick and savoury sauce which is very popular in Mexican cooking. There are many types of mole, all of them with around 20 or so ingredients. Its basic preparation starts with some sort of chilli pepper base. Additions like chocolate, nuts, cloves and tomatoes are included later. One of the best-known versions is mole poblano; this is a rusty red sauce typically made with chilli peppers, chocolate and served over turkey or chicken.
7Guacamole
Guacamole is a traditional dip that dates back to the time of the Aztecs. There are different variations of this sauce; but, it is typically made from mashed-up avocadoes, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, lemon juice and chilli peppers (and sometimes a clove or two of garlic). Completely healthy and tasty at the same time, guacamole is the реrfесt арреtіzеr. It is often eaten with tortilla chips.
8Tamales
Another of the traditional Mexican dishes, it is said to be first developed by the Aztecs, and Mayans (who needed nourishing food on the go to take into battle). Today, tamales are made from a corn-based dough known as masa. This is stuffed with either a sweet or savoury filling and wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks, then steamed. The steamed masa can be filled with a variety of fillings; such as meats like chicken or pork or simply vegetables along with cheeses, fruits, or even peppers. Don’t forget to unwrap the banana leaves or corn husk to eat these delicious steamed pockets.
9Birria
Birria is a simple and spicy meat stew. It is usually prepared with goat meat that is marinated slowly in spicy guajillo chilli-based broth. The end result is a mouth-watering stew with tender, juicy meat in it. It is usually served with bread or in taco-form.
10Huevos rancheros
Another Mexican breakfast dish for you; huevos rancheros (literally translated as ‘ranch eggs’) are fried eggs served on hot corn tortillas and topped with fresh homemade salsa. Served with refried beans (frijoles refritos), avocado slices, fried potatoes and extra chilli peppers on the side, this dish is a full meal on its own.Also Read: Egg-cellent – Best Egg Dishes From Around The World!Have we missed any of your favourite Mexican dishes? If so, let us know in the comments below!
