The milpa, or cornfield, is probably the most important element in the life of the rural Mexican farmer, apart from his family, or maybe alongside his family, because the milpa represents generations of his people working the soil. Even in places where agricultural production has been industrialized to the point of overshadowing any importance a milpa might have had before, the […]
Continue ReadingThis dish uses the famous quesillo – Oaxaca cheese that melts easily. However, for this recipe, it should be grated rather than pulled apart into strings. It is delicious served alone with flour tortillas, or as a late supper or light lunch with a salad. Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 large white onion, cut into thin […]
Continue ReadingEmpanadas are different all over México. In many parts of the country, they resemble a filled puff pastry; in Tabasco, they are filled, fried tortillas. There this recipe would invariably be made with the local fish pejelagarto, but any firm-fleshed fish works well. A good idea is to make extra when grilling or poaching fish, […]
Continue ReadingFresh fish filets from Mexico’s Pacific coast are lightly marinated in tequila and lime juice, then grilled or sauteed and topped with a fresh salsa, for a delicious, low-fat entree. Acapulco style fish filetsgo well with a side dish of arroz blanco, Mexican-style white rice. Ingredients 4 firm-fleshed fish filets,1″ thick (grouper, sea bass, shark, etc.) 1/3 […]
Continue ReadingMexican seafood in parchment paper is a wonderfully easy, informal dish — great for picnics, barbeques, or grilling on the beach. The seafood packets can be prepared ahead of time, kept in a cooler, and popped onto the grill, or cooked indoors in the oven. Cilantro is present in so many Mexican seafood dishes simply […]
Continue ReadingIngredients: 8 pieces of chicken (legs and thighs or breasts) boiled until completely cooked but still firm 12 plum tomatoes or 6 beefsteak tomatoes boiled or roasted, ground in a blender with salt to taste and strained 4 large potatoes, peeled, boiled and cut in large dice 6 dried chilacate peppers, seeds and veins removed […]
Continue ReadingPlantains, called plátano macho in Spanish, play an important role in the diet of southern Mexicans. They should not be used in cooking until ripe, at which point they will be nearly black all over. These tasty croquettes are filled with beans or cheese. Ingredients: 4 ripe plantains, skins left on, cut in half 4 tablespoons flour […]
Continue ReadingAlthough the Yucatan is hardly associated with cool weather, this stew, which contains chicken along with the meat, is one of its most popular dishes. Sundays in Merida call to mind music in all the plazas, and puchero specials in the restaurants. The stew is served with a salpicon, something like a relish, which is the typical accompaniment toYucatecan main dishes. […]
Continue ReadingThis Day of the Dead specialty dates back to pre-Hispanic times, when it was sweetened with either maguey sap or honey. It is found ready-made in Mexican mercados toward the end of October, as people begin preparations for their Muertos altars. However, it is much more fun to make it at home. We make it […]
Continue ReadingThis hearty stew gets its flavor from pork and a medley of vegetables. The best choice for the pork stew meat is shoulder. In Mexico, ask the butcher for espaldilla. Substitute güero chile for the xcatic chile, which is difficult to find outside the Yucatan. I’ve omitted the ham and chorizo that are usually included here, since I think the dish […]
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