Americans have long held great affection for Mexican food. Many American cooks enjoy recreating such Mexican recipe favorites as enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, and other spicy, colorful dishes. Aside from the intrigue of the recipes themselves, however, Mexican food history is just as interesting and fun. Get to know the roots of an American favorite that hails from south of the border.
Case in point: when the Spanish invaded Mexico in 1521, they brought with them many new varieties of livestock including pigs, cows and sheep, the likes of which Mexico had never seen. The Spanish explorer Cortez introduced Mexico to these and other foods such as dairy products, garlic and other spices as well as dairy products like cheese. Mexican food also has strong roots in the ancient Mayan culture.
Although Cortez brought new foods to Mexico, Mexico also showed him a thing or two. He encountered a few new food items as well. He was introduced to peanuts, chocolate, vanilla, beans, avocados, coconuts, corn, squash, and tomatoes. It was a great effort of give and take and these foods have all worked together over then centuries to produce wonderful Mexican dishes.
Upon exploring Mexican food history a little further, you can see that many Mexican foods that are considered traditional are actually rooted in other cultures. Take quesadillas as an example. A mainstay in Mexico and thought to be quintessential Mexican, quesadillas are taken from not only Mexican culture, but Spanish and Native American as well. The ever popular, much loved corn tortilla is not really Mexican in origin, but Native American.
Now, consider the lettuce, pork, beef, and cheese that are sitting on that quesadilla. Mexican? Nope. These items are actually Spanish foods. The world famous hot sauce made from chili peppers, however, is truly Mexican. Another tasty little tidbit of Mexican food history is that many of the spices that are traditionally considered to be Mexican actually hail from Spain. Cinnamon, coriander, black pepper, and oregano are all popular spices used in Mexican cooking, but they actually come from Spain.
Other cultural influences left their mark on Mexican food. The French dabbled in Mexican occupation briefly in the 1860's. This resulted in such popular dishes as chili en nogado, which is a dish of stuffed chilies in a walnut sauce. Such French inspired dishes with a Mexican flair have withstood the test of time and become ingrained in the Mexican culture, ultimately finding their way onto American plates.
One of the most popular adaptations of Mexican food and an integral part of Mexican food history is the influence from the Southwest United States, namely southern Texas. This style of Mexican food, dubbed "Tex-Mex" has become a favorite of people all over the world. North meets south in this cultural combination of northern Mexico and Southwestern Texas. In many restaurants today, it is more Tex-Mex than authentic Mexican food that is being served.
Mexican food history has enjoyed many different cultural influences, making it varied and rich. This variety of cultural adaptations makes Mexico a veritable melting pot of culinary experiences. This has worked in its favor, though, with delicious dishes and are popular and fun - to eat and to create. - 15359
Case in point: when the Spanish invaded Mexico in 1521, they brought with them many new varieties of livestock including pigs, cows and sheep, the likes of which Mexico had never seen. The Spanish explorer Cortez introduced Mexico to these and other foods such as dairy products, garlic and other spices as well as dairy products like cheese. Mexican food also has strong roots in the ancient Mayan culture.
Although Cortez brought new foods to Mexico, Mexico also showed him a thing or two. He encountered a few new food items as well. He was introduced to peanuts, chocolate, vanilla, beans, avocados, coconuts, corn, squash, and tomatoes. It was a great effort of give and take and these foods have all worked together over then centuries to produce wonderful Mexican dishes.
Upon exploring Mexican food history a little further, you can see that many Mexican foods that are considered traditional are actually rooted in other cultures. Take quesadillas as an example. A mainstay in Mexico and thought to be quintessential Mexican, quesadillas are taken from not only Mexican culture, but Spanish and Native American as well. The ever popular, much loved corn tortilla is not really Mexican in origin, but Native American.
Now, consider the lettuce, pork, beef, and cheese that are sitting on that quesadilla. Mexican? Nope. These items are actually Spanish foods. The world famous hot sauce made from chili peppers, however, is truly Mexican. Another tasty little tidbit of Mexican food history is that many of the spices that are traditionally considered to be Mexican actually hail from Spain. Cinnamon, coriander, black pepper, and oregano are all popular spices used in Mexican cooking, but they actually come from Spain.
Other cultural influences left their mark on Mexican food. The French dabbled in Mexican occupation briefly in the 1860's. This resulted in such popular dishes as chili en nogado, which is a dish of stuffed chilies in a walnut sauce. Such French inspired dishes with a Mexican flair have withstood the test of time and become ingrained in the Mexican culture, ultimately finding their way onto American plates.
One of the most popular adaptations of Mexican food and an integral part of Mexican food history is the influence from the Southwest United States, namely southern Texas. This style of Mexican food, dubbed "Tex-Mex" has become a favorite of people all over the world. North meets south in this cultural combination of northern Mexico and Southwestern Texas. In many restaurants today, it is more Tex-Mex than authentic Mexican food that is being served.
Mexican food history has enjoyed many different cultural influences, making it varied and rich. This variety of cultural adaptations makes Mexico a veritable melting pot of culinary experiences. This has worked in its favor, though, with delicious dishes and are popular and fun - to eat and to create. - 15359
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Mexican recipes are easier than you might think find out just how simple it is to make your favorite Mexican food recipes at home in your own kitchen.
