Secrets To Using Traditional Mexican Food
Many of the foods we associate with Mexican cuisine are really Tex-Mex, not authentic Mexican. It’s true. Most of the dishes we love at Mexican restaurants in the United States are adaptations instead of authentic foods you would find if you went to Mexico. In fact, the cuisine in Mexico is very regionalized. While there are some consistencies, each region has their own specialties. You will soon learn that many of the foods used in Mexico have changed very little from the days of the Aztecs. Squash, avocados, beans, corn, tomatoes, and chilies still feature prominently.
Let’s take a look at Puebla, Mexico. In this area, you would see a lot of recipes served with a thick, sweet mole sauce that was made from herbs, spices, and chocolate. This kind of sauce is usually served with turkey, but it can also be served with chicken and other recipes.
In Veracruz, you will find the Mexican recipes usually feature fresh fish. Since this region is along the coastline, it is no surprise that they should make the most of the delicious seafood that is available. Tacos, tamales and many other dishes are all made with seafood. You will notice that many fish recipes here are cooked with chilies, tomatoes, and olives.
If you travel to the Yucatan, you will find Mexican food that is served with fruit sauces. Oranges, bananas and other tropical fruits are used every day. They also serve many dishes in banana leaves. Specialties of the region include pollo pibil, which is chicken that has been marinated with oranges and spices before being wrapped in banana leaves and barbecued, and pork fillet served with onions, spices, and tomatoes.
Since the Yucatan is a favorite vacation destination, tourists are treated to this delicious authentic cuisine all the time. It is too bad that there are few restaurants in the States that feature these regionalized cuisines so more people could enjoy them.
If you travel o Oaxaca, you will find the traditional Mexican recipes are a little similar to those from Puebla, but with small differences. For instance, they use a lot of mole sauce in Oaxaca, too, but they often add bananas to the sauce. When they serve coffee, it is often with cinnamon and sugar. They also have a special green sauce served with chicken that is made from pumpkin seeds.
If you are planning on trying the various foods in Mexico, stick to the basics for your first few days to prevent stomach upset. Traveling to new parts of the world can cause an upset stomach because you are exposed to different bacteria than what you get at home. Some options that are safe include beans and rice, plain fish, enchiladas, tostadas, quesadillas and tortas (sandwiches). Check the list of ingredients to avoid any unfamiliar items.
Once your stomach has adapted, be sure and try some of the regional specialties. They will make your trip very memorable. If your stay will last a few weeks, you may suffer the same problems after you get home as your stomach tries to adapt to its old foods. Take your time and stick to basic foods until you feel safe.
