Mexican steamed carrots with vanilla: Zanahorias al vapor con vainilla

Among the most charming presentations of any vegetable, these herb-wrapped bundles of baby carrots are a specialty of Cuetzalan and the surrounding mountain towns. Served by the locals, the carrots are enveloped in taro leaves; however, the dish may be successfully prepared using spinach leaves instead. The fragrant split vanilla beans, carefully counted out into […]

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Mushrooms in vinaigrette: Hongos en escabeche

Wild mushrooms are found in abundance in the states of Puebla, Tlaxcala and Estado de Mexico during and after the rainy season, and used in soups, quesadillas and vegetable dishes. Although the comadre used escobetas (coral mushrooms) the following recipe may be successfully prepared using fresh cultivated mushrooms. Ingredients 2 pounds fresh mushrooms (if using button mushrooms, […]

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Requeson cheese with fried tortilla triangles: Resqueson botanero con totopos

Requesón is a soft, white cheese, similar to ricotta in consistency, though not as sweet. If ricotta is used in place of requesón, blending it with cottage cheese until smooth will produce a taste similar to true requesón. This recipe is quick, easy, and can be prepared a few hours ahead if necessary, making it […]

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Amaranth Greens with Poblano Chile Strips: Quintoniles con Rajas

Amaranth greens were a staple in pre-Hispanic Mexico until the Spanish friars declared amaranth a forbidden crop because the seeds were used by the indigenous people to form replicas of their gods. Thankfully, nutritious amaranth is now cultivated for its seeds, used in candy and cereal. The leaves are also widely used, especially in southern […]

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Zahtar Bread: Pan Arabe con Zatar

Store bought pita bread can easily be transformed into something a bit more interesting to serve with hummus and other dips. Sumac berries are from the plant Rhus glabra, not to be confused with Rhus toxicodendron, a poisonous plant. Dried, crushed sumac berries are available on line at zamourispices.com or at grocery stores in cities with large Middle Eastern populations, both […]

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Arroz rojo

Ingredientes: 1/4 taza de aceite 1 1/2 tazas de arroz blanco 1/2 cebolla mediana, picada 2 – 3 jitomates chicos 2 dientes de ajo 3 1/4 taza de agua o caldo de pollo 1 taza de verdura congelada (chícharos, zanahorias, elotes o una combinación de estos (opcional) Sal al gusto   Procedimiento: Limpia el arroz, […]

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Chorizo stuffed chayote: Chayote relleno con chorizo

The mild taste of chayote is a perfect foil for the robust, spicy flavor of chorizo. Be sure to use fresh Mexican chorizo, and not Spanish chorizo, which is usually cured. Ingredients 1 ½ pounds (about 3 medium) chayotes 1 medium white onion, finely chopped ¾ pound chorizo, casings removed 2 cloves garlic, peeled and […]

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Aztec soup - sopa azteca

Sopa Azteca

Ingredientes: 2 dientes de ajo finamente picados 2 tazas de cebolla picada 4 tazas de jitomate chico (saladet) picada 4 cucharaditas de margarina 1 taza de su salsa de jitomate favorita 8 tazas de caldo de pollo 2 cucharaditas de salsa inglesa 1/2 cucharadita de pimienta blanca 1 cucharadita de azúcar 24 tortillas de maíz […]

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