What is in a Typical Mexican Meal? | Lifestyle

by KCKudra

Mexico has a unique cuisine that is both healthy and colorful. Mexico was home to the Aztec, Zapotec, and Mayan civilizations, and as such, had a well developed agricultural society. They ate staples like corn, beans, peppers, avocados, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and squashes. Meat sources included turkey, venison, and small animals like rabbit and quail. Chocolate is also native to this area, and was originally prepared as a bitter beverage served to the Aztec royalty.

When the Spanish discovered Mexico, they brought their own favorite foods. Cream, beef, bread, and cheese were combined with the foods growing in Mexico. They brought over livestock like sheep, pigs, and chickens, as well as crops like wheat and sugarcane. When Spain stopped ruling Mexico three hundred years later, they had made quite an impact on traditional Mexican cuisine.

A major component of the typical Mexican meal is corn. Masa, or cornmeal, is made into dough that is then used for empanadas, tamales, and tortillas. Corn is also used in stews, soups, and other traditional foods. In northern Mexico, tortillas are usually made of flour instead of corn. Chili peppers also are an important staple in the Mexican diet. They frequently choose jalapeno, Serrano and poblano chilies.

Another food source that is used daily in Mexico is beans. Different regions of Mexico have their own favorite beans, such as the black beans that are favored in the Yucatan. Beans are used to make frijoles, or refried beans or filling for tacos, burritos, and other favorites.

Other regional favorites in Mexico include beef in the north, due to the vast grazing lands; coffee and corn stew on the Pacific Coast; and seafood, fish and tropical fruits on the Gulf Coast. Central Mexico has the most Spanish influence due to the fact that this is where most of the Spanish settled. The Yucatan Peninsula is known for its shellfish, seafood, and black beans. Herbs are used all over Mexico.

If you want to try making an authentic Mexican meal at home, there are many recipes online to try. Mexican rice recipe are easy and delicious. They are a good dish to start out with. Once you have tried making rice (arroz in Mexico), you will find yourself adding it to your menu frequently.

Jump right in and try something new. Maybe you will try a variety of bean you have not tasted before to add a new texture or flavor. Add some simple tortillas and salsa to any meal, or add some seafood to citrus juice and make ceviche on a summer day. Tacos and quesadillas are easy enough for the kids to try.

You can also add Mexican cuisine to any meal. For breakfast, try mixed tropical fruit or scrambled eggs mixed with salsa. Top a tortilla with a fried egg and add some ham, tomatoes, chilies, and cheese. Add a side of refried beans and you will have a breakfast that will break up the normal routine.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

There is something very special about Mexican food and a lot of people would love to find some free traditional Mexican recipes to try making themselves at home for the whole family to enjoy. From enchiladas to tacos and guacamole to mole sauce, flavorful Mexican recipes never fail to delight the senses.