This is a very versatile recipe, since any number of vegetables, such as chayote, potato, carrots and mushrooms can be substituted for the zucchini and corn. A cooked red salsa, such as the chipotle infused Salsa Asada: Roasted Tomato Salsa is a good accompaniment. 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ¾ cup finely chopped white onions […]
Continue ReadingThis is quick, easy, delicious, and best accompanied by plain white rice. Although the original recipe calls for lard, I much prefer olive or vegetable oil. Ingredients: 2 pounds medium size shrimp 3 tablespoons olive (not extra virgin) or vegetable oil 1 red onion, peeled and sliced into thin crescents (” lunitas“) 4 large cloves garlic, […]
Continue ReadingThis is an easy and delicious one-pot meal that can be made ahead and reheated. For a less picante taste, remove the chipotle before blending the cooked ingredients. The weight given for the meat reflects the fact that there is a marrowbone in the center of each piece of shank. The comadre always used epazote in this […]
Continue ReadingRussian-Mexican beef soup is obviously a holdover from the Mennonites’ days as grain farmers in the Ukraine, with the distinctly Mexican additions of chile and tomato. The original recipe calls for the cut of beef called chamorro, or shanks, which provides a much richer taste than other cuts for soups. Use bone-in beef shanks because, like the Italian […]
Continue ReadingShellfish such as river shrimp and crawfish are found in abundance in the many rivers that run through the vanilla growing region of eastern Mexico. Called xanath in the Totonac language, shrimp are particularly delicious when combined with the flavor of vanilla. This recipe calls for vanilla extract, a product prepared by forcing alcohol through […]
Continue ReadingMexico’s coastal areas border on the tropical parts of the country where mangos abound, so the combination of fish and fruit is a natural. Filet of sole or grouper would also work well with this recipe. The fish can be either broiled or grilled, either of which is a dry heat method that provides an […]
Continue ReadingDamiana is a small, yellow flowered shrub that grows wild in Baja. The leaves and stems are picked fresh when the plant is flowering, and dried to make liqueur. It is used frequently with tequila, and some say that the original margarita was made with damiana liqueur and not “that French stuff.” The best damiana […]
Continue Reading1 Kilo (2.2 lbs) Green peppers – poblanos 3/4 Kilo (1.5 lbs.) Tomatoes – chopped 2 Large onions – chopped 4 Tbsp. Oil 3 tsp.. Salt 1/2 Kilo (1.1 lbs.) of Queso Fresco or Farmer’s Cheese – crumbled Before beginning, know that peppers contain an oil that is very irritating to the skin and eyes […]
Continue ReadingThis was one of the prepared foods we picked up at the Juchitan market. Several different ladies were selling this marinated chicken dish, so we picked out one of the friendliest-looking, bought her chicken, and asked for her recipe, which she explained carefully. I didn’t believe how easy it was until I made it at […]
Continue ReadingPipian is a specialty of central Mexico, especially the states of Puebla and Mexico. Restaurants in Mexico seem to feature more duck on their menus in the last few years, although the native muscovy duck was domesticated and eaten in pre-Hispanic times. I have adapted my recipe for pipian verde, which I learned to cook in Puebla […]
Continue Reading