Many people in the western world have the wrong idea about Mexican food. And how could they not when their only exposure to it has been the dry beef, tasteless beans and synthetic cheeses used in far too many “Mexican” eateries. When on a holiday to Mexico, you will discover that the local food offers much more choice and quality than you could ever imagine. Here, you’ll find my personal top 5 foods to eat in the wonderful country of Mexico.
Tamales
This ancient Mexican dish consists of several different elements, that come together to create a taste sensation. It is made by steaming corn dough inside either banana leaves or corncobs. Alongside this, the wrap is further filled with spicy Mexican salsa and succulent strips of chicken or beef, which are then slowly cooked to perfection.
Pozole
Pozole is Mexico’s favourite soup, and for good reason. One of the meatiest soups you will find, this traditional dish is cooked over a long time and consists of pork and chicken. After this has been cooked up, you have the opportunity to add all kinds of hot, tangy flavours, such as corn, chilli, oregano, lime, onions, avocado and sour cream. This flexible and tasty fusion of flavours creates a fantastic meal that will satisfy your hunger and give you a surge of energy for the rest of the day.
Elotes
If you find yourself in between mealtimes, you can visit one of the many elote carts and sample their delicious product that is cooked in huge, steaming metal pots. Elotes are essentially a corn on the cob that has been smothered in delicious mayonnaise, cheese, chilli powder and lime. If you’re wary of getting these ingredients all over you, you can order an esquite, which is the same tasty food, but served off cob and prepared in a small cup.
Mole
Mole (pronounced mole-ay) is one of the most iconic dishes in Mexico’s vast culinary catalogue. It typifies their traditional love of variety in food, as it is said to contain 1000 different flavours and colours. Whilst the dish you will be served is accompanied by meat, beans and rice, the mole itself refers to the sauce, as is its literal translation from the ancient Aztec dialect. The dish itself is a mixture of many delicacies and encompasses garlic, nuts, tomatoes, onions, raisins, bread, parsley and chocolate. This mouth-watering concoction is crushed with a stone and mixed together to produce the final product.
Fruta con chilli
For those of you with a taste for sweet dishes, fruta con chilli may be the food for you. It’s a simple delicacy, as it is made by simply sprinkling some chilli powder and sauce over a mango and smothering it in lime juice. That’s it. However, this simplicity does not detract from either the taste or effectiveness of this wonderful dish. The sweetness of the fruit combines with the sharpness of the spices to create an explosive, memorable selection.
This guest blog was written by Steph, a keen globetrotter who has vast experience in travel blogging. She writes for SkyParkSecure, who provide great deals on airport parking, coup-led with top class facilities.
