Mexican Cooking

Mention Mexican food and most people will instantly think of tacos or burritos. But just as Mexico itself is a rich and diverse culture composed of elements from the centuries, so is Mexican cuisine equally varied.

A burrito for breakfast is far from unknown. But there are many other choices on the menu, as well. Huevos rancheros is a great favorite for those who want eggs for breakfast. A tropical fruit salad is a perfect possibility for those who want to get their morning helping Mexican style.

Have a busy lifestyle and need to eat breakfast on the go? You can still enjoy it Mexican style and have a pineapple tamale muffin. If you have more time, treat yourself to delicious apricot chimichangas - a combination of egg, Ricotta cheese on a flour tortilla, topped with apricots and a delightful sauce. If you happen to have some stale corn tortillas left over, use them to make chilaquiles.
For lunch the options grow by leaps and bounds.

A frittata made from zucchini, peppers and onions atop a layer of tortilla supported eggs and topped with Swiss cheese is healthy and filling. Haven’t had enough eggs yet? Try an egg and chorizo enchilada. With a garnish of avocados you’ll get plenty of flavor.

Too busy to cook lunch? Fine, grab a plantain or two. If you prefer a more potato-like flavor get these banana-like fruits ultra fresh. If you like a sweeter option get some that have had more time to ripen. Of course, you could go for that basic taco instead. But be adventurous and try a carne asada torta. A Mexican-style sandwich, it houses refried beans, tomatoes and lettuce served on a telera roll.

A traditional Mexican dinner is light and small. Lunch is the main meal. But in English-speaking countries the tradition has been modified to coincide with the larger intake during the evening meal. Still, it doesn’t have to be all heavy fats and huge amounts of calories.

Seafood is an outstanding choice for a Mexican dinner and perfectly in line with tradition. Swordfish and tuna are common in the waters around Mexico and fishing is a tradition in the country that goes back centuries. For something a little different, try a shark burrito. For a tried and true Mexican dinner you can’t go wrong with a Red Snapper a la Veracruzana.

Even apart from the standard division of meals into three periods of the day there are a variety of Mexican foods that can be enjoyed anytime.

Mexican desserts are enjoyed by everyone. Flan, an egg custard with caramel sauce, will please palates of any nationality. Churros are another traditional favorite. Similar to donuts, you can find them sold by street vendors on any corner in Mexico City. But even bread can be a Mexican dessert. Sopapillas have been popular for centuries. Covered in cinnamon and honey, they will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Expand your horizons and your view of Mexican cuisine. Try a variety of traditional Mexican dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, anytime!

• Mexican Cuisine
  
  Say ‘Mexican food’ and most will think of burritos and tacos. But those, and other very heavy foods, are the traditional product primarily of Northern Mexico.
• Mexican Pizza
  
  Pizza may be associated more often with Italy, but the Mexican variety is hardly just a cheap knock-off. Quite the opposite.
• Healthy Mexican Food
  
  Mexican food has the reputation for being high fat and high calorie. Some of that reputation may be deserved. A single beef and cheese chimichanga is about 445 calories and is high in sodium and fat.
• Mexican Breakfast
  
  How you define a traditional Mexican breakfast depends on how far back in history you want to look. Aztecs thought themselves fortunate to have the first meal of the day be a nice grilled Iguana.
• How to Make Refried Beans
  
  Two simple steps and you’re on your way to some great tasting refried beans. Start with great tasting ingredients. Get the freshest possible dried pinto beans.
• Mexican Cheeses
  
  Mention cheese and most people will think of France, maybe Italy, sometimes Germany or Greece. But rarely will the first image brought to mind be Mexico.
• Mexican Salsa
  
  The title refers here to the sauce, or (in Spanish) mole, not to the popular dance. But a good salsa can make you want to move your body in an excited rhythm.