5 Mexican Foods You’ve Never Tried, but Should!
Can’t wait for Fiesta Mexicana in Salt Lake City tomorrow! Music, great food, culture, bright colors and personalities, tequila and did I mention great food? I love Hispanic cultural events because you always get authentic food that you can’t get in so many parts of the country, so, it got me thinking…
If you live in Texas, Cali or Florida this may not be the case but remember when Mexican food blew up? Taco Bell and Chi Chi’s had everyone saying tortilla, burrito, and fajitas, they weren’t the most authentic variations but it was a start. Now you can’t show up at a Super Bowl Party without guacamole or salsa. I even see chorizo and carnitas showing up on fancy hotel menus. For those of us who have yet to evolve our tastes beyond the more traditional Mexican foods, here’s 5 things you’ll want to graduate your tastes to next.
#1 – Huevos Rancheros
Mexican = Lunch or Dinner, right? Not if you’ve been lucky enough to find a breakfast spot with Huevos Rancheros on the menu. Most versions include eggs, corn tortillas, refried beans, jack cheese, salsa and sour cream. If you aren’t planning on running a marathon later in the day, give this heavy but vegetarian-friendly plate a try, soooooo gooooood!
Here’s a vid on how to make it at home (this guy adds bacon):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzUElT0tMZc
#2- Migas
Another Mexican breakfast option that’s again, vegetarian-friendly. These are so much fun to make because you can add so many different ingredients. I usually use corn tortillas (staple), eggs (staple), potatoes, jalapenos, onion and cilantro. Get the home fries going since they take awhile, don’t forget to S&P and toss in some diced onions. While these are frying
get some olive oil heating in a separate pan, shred up corn tortillas with your hands, toss ‘em into the oil to fry for a few minutes to soften. Scramble about 5-6 eggs and get them going in a 3rd pan. Dice up the jalapenos. Once the eggs start to solidify but are still a bit wet, add the corn tortillas, potatoes and jalapenos so they stick within the scrambled eggs. Ok, enough talking, watch this guy do it.
http://www.watchdoit.com/watch.aspx?Video=daviannathan@2
#3- Horchata
A sweet, usually dairy-based drink usually served cold! Check out the ingredients so you know what you’re in for: milk, cooked rice, vanilla, maple syrup, cinnamon and sugar. Loved this drink so much I had to make a video on how I make mine (lactose-free).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPbsqD5Dzpc
#4- Rice Pudding
Betcha didn’t know to serve for dessert after your fajita dinner, now ya do! Rice pudding is thick, usually served cold and like horchata, pairs rice and cinnamon, such a good combo! If you’re into presentation, snag a few cinnamon sticks for eye candy. This woman uses nutmeg instead of cinnamon, but for the most part, makes it just the way I like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjl-RH_hf7s
#5 – Chicken Mole
Ok, I know not all of you are vegetarian, and if I were to fall off the wagon for a day, this is one of the dishes I would have to find. If you have a real, true, authentic Mexican restaurant near you, they probably serve this slow-cooked dinner there. Traditionally, only women are allowed to prepare this meal in Mexico, but hey, if you’re a male and feeling froggy, leap! I won’t tell anyone! These guys are hilarious to watch, they don’t do a good job of explaining for beginners but they’re fun to watch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLsfcSwc9hQ
For a more instructive video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaCZ6L7CLHY
Some good Mexican brands to cook with are La Preferida and Goya! You can find ‘em at Krogers, not sure where else. Let me know how you do in the kitchen!
Alright my little soymilk lovers, if we’re not friends yet, join me on facebook.com/8thlopez as and share in the festivities of Fiesta Mexicana! Salt Lake City, here I come!
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nyx
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nyx