Tortillas

Mexican cuisine wouldn’t be the same without tortillas. They are used for tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and more. There are different types of tortillas and it’s crucial to choose the right one if you want your dish to be a success.

Spices

Just like any other cuisine, Mexican cuisine has its own set of spices that help complete the flavor. Among them are cumin, coriander, garlic powder, cinnamon, chili powder, etc.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Plenty of Chickpeas ~ Cris (@plentyofchickpeas)

Chili Peppers

Most dishes from Mexican cuisine use at least one type of chili pepper, and some use more of them. Varieties include jalapenos, habaneros, serranos, etc. They can go into virtually any Mexican dish and only improve it.

Beans

Beans provide a great protein base for many dishes. You can use black or pinto beans and always get the right flavor. Beans are especially great for side dishes. Try dishes like refined beans or frijoles de olla (Mexican pinto beans).

The post Wanna Make Mexican Food? Here Are the Staple Ingredients appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Burritos—which are made of a number of ingredients, most commonly meat, rice, beans, and/or vegetables wrapped inside of a tortilla—are an invention that can be traced back over 10,000 years!

A Deep Dive

Pre-Colombian peoples in what is now Mexico and the southwestern United States began making corn tortillas many thousands of years ago and soon learned to put crops like mushrooms, squash, and tomatoes inside of them to give them more nutritional value and flavor.

This tradition continued for many thousands of years until the modern burrito came about gradually and in an unclear manner. Since foods similar to the modern burritos have been consumed for so long, it’s hard to say exactly where our modern concept of them traces back to.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AjoAl’s (@ajoals)

However, it appears that in the 19th century, the modern burrito began to be documented in linguistic and historical records from the state of Guanajuato and northern Mexico as a combination of beans, meat, vegetables, and rice wrapped inside of a tortilla, which is how we know it today.

In the early 20th century, burritos then crossed the border to the United States and were reintroduced by Mexican immigrants, who began preparing and serving them in California, and it didn’t take them long to expand throughout the rest of the country, and later, worldwide.

Isn’t that fascinating?

The post What are the Origins of Burritos? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

A first-generation Mexican-American, Orozco-Moore grew up eating authentic home-cooked Mexican meals every single day. But according to her, it wasn’t until she got older and moved away to go to college when she really started to appreciate the Mexican food and culture that she grew up with.

“It’s full of rich flavors that are as diverse as the country itself,” said Orozco-Moore in an interview with National Geographic, describing Mexican food culture. “Corn is a staple, used in everything from tacos and tamales to enchiladas and menudo. Ingredients like chili peppers, tomatoes, garlic and onions are transformed into some of the most robust flavors in the world.”

Having grown up, she started paying attention to the ingredients her parents were using in the kitchen, and how they made certain Mexican dishes. She then began exploring the different foods the Mexican cuisine offered and recreating those recipes on her own.

“My mum’s red enchiladas will always have a special place in my heart,” admits Orozco-Moore. “The sauce is made with a blend of guajillo, ancho and arbol chilies and a small piece of Mexican chocolate. No fancy stuffing either—just a handful of Mexican cheese and diced onions.”

After searching for a place to document all of her recipe experiments, creating a reference guide for herself—her now successful food blog Isabel Eats was born.

Her blog and accompanying Instagram page offers a mix of authentic Mexican recipes as well as Mexican-inspired dishes with a twist. Anything from Mexican Stuffed Peppers and a Healthy Avocado Salad to ooey-gooey cheesy Red Chicken Enchiladas and delicious Tres Leches Cake.

But when it comes to Orozco-Moore favorite dish, the choice is clear. “Tacos, especially carnitas tacos made in the slow cooker. The shredded pork is highly seasoned and tender—perfect for scooping into a homemade corn tortilla and topping with queso fresco [Mexican white cheese], coriander and onions.”

The post Learn the Secrets to Mexican Cooking with Isabel Orozco-Moore appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Street food features these same characteristics, occasionally seeming like strange options to outsiders even though they’re delicious! Here are three that you should try, even if they’re weird!

Chapulines

Chapulines are grasshoppers that have been toasted after being seasoned with garlic, lime juice, salt, and chili pepper. They’re a crunchy snack that is high in protein and surprisingly delicious!

Escamoles

The strangest thing on this list might be escamoles, which are sometimes known as “Mexican caviar.” This strange treat is made with the larvae and pupae of a Mexican species of ants, which are often cooked in butter!

Huitlacoche

Have you ever tried corn smut before? This fungus—which affects the plant that is grown and used as a staple food in Mexico—is taken advantage of and used in quesadillas, nachos, and tacos, taking advantage of its rich, nutty flavor!

The post Would You Try Mexico’s Strangest Street Foods? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Most of us are familiar with the classic taco fillings, but have you ventured out and tried ones that might not be so easy to find? Check out these three underrated authentic Mexican tacos!

Birria

Birria is a delicious Mexican meat dish that originated in the state of Jalisco. Consisting of a slow-cooked stew containing vinegar and chiles, made traditionally with goat meat (but sometimes with beef), the meat is then shredded and served in tacos. Doesn’t that sound delicious?

Lechon

A young pig is known as a “lechon” in Spanish, and their meat is often slow-roasted and prepared to make a succulent and juicy meat treat in Mexico, especially in the southern regions of the country. Shredding this meat and its skin and putting it in a taco is one of the traditional ways to enjoy it.

Lengua

Lengua tacos are only for the adventurous, as they are made with slow-braised beef tongue, which is unbelievably flavorful and tender. After the initial shock wears off, you’ll realize just how tasty these tacos are when served with onions and salsa verde.

The post 3 Underrated Taco Varieties You Must Try appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Do you want to learn how to make the best, most flavorful taco meat? Here’s your guide!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1.5 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Valentina hot sauce
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

Instructions

• Start off by heating up 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Once it has begun to bubble up, add the ground beef.
• Once the ground beef is in the pan, go ahead and add the hot sauce, paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix together well with a spatula. Lower heat slightly.
• Continue to mix the ground meat mixture together, allowing all parts and sides of the meat to cook well.
• After about 5-7 minutes, the meat will be fully cooked and ready to serve in whatever way you want. Enjoy!

The post Flavorful Taco Meat is Simple and Quick to Make appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Mexican ribs are our favorite type to make, as their sweet and spicy character along with a dash of spices, including garlic, make the flavor quotient rise to the highest degree. Let’s learn how to make them at home!

Ingredients:

• 1 rack of pork ribs
• ¼ cup Valentina black label sauce
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1.5 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Start off by putting the ribs and all of the other ingredients in a large Ziploc bag or container and carefully mixing and rubbing the sauce mixture to ensure that all of its elements are evenly and equally combined. 
2. Place in the refrigerator and allow to marinate for 4-6 hours.
3. Preheat your oven to 275 F and line a baking pan with aluminum foil. Place the marinated ribs on the foil and the pan and put them into the oven.
4. Allow to bake for 2 ½-3 hours, serve, and enjoy!

The post Make Your Own Oven-Baked Mexican Ribs! appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Cotija

Cotija is a cheese made with cow’s milk that hails from the state of Michoacan. This cheese is typically sold aged, making it a hard, crumbly cheese with a salty taste and a texture similar to that of parmesan. It’s great on Mexican street corn and salads.

Añejo

Añejo is a goat’s milk cheese which is semi-hard and served after being aged, just like cotija. However, this cheese typically has a milder flavor and is infused with the taste of smoked paprika, making it perfect for baked dishes like enchiladas.

Oaxaca

This soft, moist cheese is a favorite in Mexico due to its relatively neutral taste and overall versatility. Oaxaca can be found in quesadillas especially, as its pleasant texture and gooey character after being melted makes it a popular choice for dishes involving melted cheese.

The post Check Out These Tasty Mexican Cheeses appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make your own version of a Mexican hot dog at home, here’s how.

Instructions:

• 1 hot dog sausage
• 1 bun
• 4 slices jalapeno pepper
• 2 tablespoons pico de gallo
• 2 slices cheddar cheese
• 2 teaspoons Valentina hot sauce

Ingredients:

1. Start off your recipe by preparing your hot dog sausage however you would like. This could be in a pan, on the grill, or even boiled. The preparation is totally up to you.
2. While you are preparing your hot dog, turn your oven on to 175 degrees F and place the bun inside with two pieces of cheddar cheese in its interior. Leave in for around 5 minutes, or until the bun becomes crunchy and golden brown and the cheese has melted.
3. After this, place the hot dog sausage inside the bun and then add the jalapeno pepper, pico de gallo, and the Valentina hot sauce. Be sure to aim for an even distribution of these ingredients so that the flavor doesn’t change from bite to bite.
4. Serve and enjoy!

The post Make a Delicious Mexican Hot Dog at Home appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

The recipe below is meant for two people, but you can always double up on ingredients if you have more friends coming.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup minced cilantro
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 5 diced roma tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 diced large yellow onion
• 5 1/2 minced large jalapeno peppers
• salt

Instructions:

This dip is so easy to make, you will be surprised. The only thing that takes time is the prep. Get ready to do some serious chopping.

1. You will need to dice, mince all the ingredients.
2. Once you’re done, get a large bowl. Add all the ingredients in and mix them very well.
3. Add salt to your taste.
4. Leave the bowl in the fridge for half an hour.
5. Serve the dip with salsa chips on the side. So delicious and so fast!

The post Grab The Tortilla Chips, This Pico De Gallo Is So Good appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Tortillas

Mexican cuisine wouldn’t be the same without tortillas. They are used for tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and more. There are different types of tortillas and it’s crucial to choose the right one if you want your dish to be a success.

Spices

Just like any other cuisine, Mexican cuisine has its own set of spices that help complete the flavor. Among them are cumin, coriander, garlic powder, cinnamon, chili powder, etc.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Plenty of Chickpeas ~ Cris (@plentyofchickpeas)

Chili Peppers

Most dishes from Mexican cuisine use at least one type of chili pepper, and some use more of them. Varieties include jalapenos, habaneros, serranos, etc. They can go into virtually any Mexican dish and only improve it.

Beans

Beans provide a great protein base for many dishes. You can use black or pinto beans and always get the right flavor. Beans are especially great for side dishes. Try dishes like refined beans or frijoles de olla (Mexican pinto beans).

The post Wanna Make Mexican Food? Here Are the Staple Ingredients appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Burritos—which are made of a number of ingredients, most commonly meat, rice, beans, and/or vegetables wrapped inside of a tortilla—are an invention that can be traced back over 10,000 years!

A Deep Dive

Pre-Colombian peoples in what is now Mexico and the southwestern United States began making corn tortillas many thousands of years ago and soon learned to put crops like mushrooms, squash, and tomatoes inside of them to give them more nutritional value and flavor.

This tradition continued for many thousands of years until the modern burrito came about gradually and in an unclear manner. Since foods similar to the modern burritos have been consumed for so long, it’s hard to say exactly where our modern concept of them traces back to.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AjoAl’s (@ajoals)

However, it appears that in the 19th century, the modern burrito began to be documented in linguistic and historical records from the state of Guanajuato and northern Mexico as a combination of beans, meat, vegetables, and rice wrapped inside of a tortilla, which is how we know it today.

In the early 20th century, burritos then crossed the border to the United States and were reintroduced by Mexican immigrants, who began preparing and serving them in California, and it didn’t take them long to expand throughout the rest of the country, and later, worldwide.

Isn’t that fascinating?

The post What are the Origins of Burritos? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

A first-generation Mexican-American, Orozco-Moore grew up eating authentic home-cooked Mexican meals every single day. But according to her, it wasn’t until she got older and moved away to go to college when she really started to appreciate the Mexican food and culture that she grew up with.

“It’s full of rich flavors that are as diverse as the country itself,” said Orozco-Moore in an interview with National Geographic, describing Mexican food culture. “Corn is a staple, used in everything from tacos and tamales to enchiladas and menudo. Ingredients like chili peppers, tomatoes, garlic and onions are transformed into some of the most robust flavors in the world.”

Having grown up, she started paying attention to the ingredients her parents were using in the kitchen, and how they made certain Mexican dishes. She then began exploring the different foods the Mexican cuisine offered and recreating those recipes on her own.

“My mum’s red enchiladas will always have a special place in my heart,” admits Orozco-Moore. “The sauce is made with a blend of guajillo, ancho and arbol chilies and a small piece of Mexican chocolate. No fancy stuffing either—just a handful of Mexican cheese and diced onions.”

After searching for a place to document all of her recipe experiments, creating a reference guide for herself—her now successful food blog Isabel Eats was born.

Her blog and accompanying Instagram page offers a mix of authentic Mexican recipes as well as Mexican-inspired dishes with a twist. Anything from Mexican Stuffed Peppers and a Healthy Avocado Salad to ooey-gooey cheesy Red Chicken Enchiladas and delicious Tres Leches Cake.

But when it comes to Orozco-Moore favorite dish, the choice is clear. “Tacos, especially carnitas tacos made in the slow cooker. The shredded pork is highly seasoned and tender—perfect for scooping into a homemade corn tortilla and topping with queso fresco [Mexican white cheese], coriander and onions.”

The post Learn the Secrets to Mexican Cooking with Isabel Orozco-Moore appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Street food features these same characteristics, occasionally seeming like strange options to outsiders even though they’re delicious! Here are three that you should try, even if they’re weird!

Chapulines

Chapulines are grasshoppers that have been toasted after being seasoned with garlic, lime juice, salt, and chili pepper. They’re a crunchy snack that is high in protein and surprisingly delicious!

Escamoles

The strangest thing on this list might be escamoles, which are sometimes known as “Mexican caviar.” This strange treat is made with the larvae and pupae of a Mexican species of ants, which are often cooked in butter!

Huitlacoche

Have you ever tried corn smut before? This fungus—which affects the plant that is grown and used as a staple food in Mexico—is taken advantage of and used in quesadillas, nachos, and tacos, taking advantage of its rich, nutty flavor!

The post Would You Try Mexico’s Strangest Street Foods? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Most of us are familiar with the classic taco fillings, but have you ventured out and tried ones that might not be so easy to find? Check out these three underrated authentic Mexican tacos!

Birria

Birria is a delicious Mexican meat dish that originated in the state of Jalisco. Consisting of a slow-cooked stew containing vinegar and chiles, made traditionally with goat meat (but sometimes with beef), the meat is then shredded and served in tacos. Doesn’t that sound delicious?

Lechon

A young pig is known as a “lechon” in Spanish, and their meat is often slow-roasted and prepared to make a succulent and juicy meat treat in Mexico, especially in the southern regions of the country. Shredding this meat and its skin and putting it in a taco is one of the traditional ways to enjoy it.

Lengua

Lengua tacos are only for the adventurous, as they are made with slow-braised beef tongue, which is unbelievably flavorful and tender. After the initial shock wears off, you’ll realize just how tasty these tacos are when served with onions and salsa verde.

The post 3 Underrated Taco Varieties You Must Try appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Do you want to learn how to make the best, most flavorful taco meat? Here’s your guide!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1.5 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Valentina hot sauce
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

Instructions

• Start off by heating up 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Once it has begun to bubble up, add the ground beef.
• Once the ground beef is in the pan, go ahead and add the hot sauce, paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix together well with a spatula. Lower heat slightly.
• Continue to mix the ground meat mixture together, allowing all parts and sides of the meat to cook well.
• After about 5-7 minutes, the meat will be fully cooked and ready to serve in whatever way you want. Enjoy!

The post Flavorful Taco Meat is Simple and Quick to Make appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Mexican ribs are our favorite type to make, as their sweet and spicy character along with a dash of spices, including garlic, make the flavor quotient rise to the highest degree. Let’s learn how to make them at home!

Ingredients:

• 1 rack of pork ribs
• ¼ cup Valentina black label sauce
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1.5 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Start off by putting the ribs and all of the other ingredients in a large Ziploc bag or container and carefully mixing and rubbing the sauce mixture to ensure that all of its elements are evenly and equally combined. 
2. Place in the refrigerator and allow to marinate for 4-6 hours.
3. Preheat your oven to 275 F and line a baking pan with aluminum foil. Place the marinated ribs on the foil and the pan and put them into the oven.
4. Allow to bake for 2 ½-3 hours, serve, and enjoy!

The post Make Your Own Oven-Baked Mexican Ribs! appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Cotija

Cotija is a cheese made with cow’s milk that hails from the state of Michoacan. This cheese is typically sold aged, making it a hard, crumbly cheese with a salty taste and a texture similar to that of parmesan. It’s great on Mexican street corn and salads.

Añejo

Añejo is a goat’s milk cheese which is semi-hard and served after being aged, just like cotija. However, this cheese typically has a milder flavor and is infused with the taste of smoked paprika, making it perfect for baked dishes like enchiladas.

Oaxaca

This soft, moist cheese is a favorite in Mexico due to its relatively neutral taste and overall versatility. Oaxaca can be found in quesadillas especially, as its pleasant texture and gooey character after being melted makes it a popular choice for dishes involving melted cheese.

The post Check Out These Tasty Mexican Cheeses appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make your own version of a Mexican hot dog at home, here’s how.

Instructions:

• 1 hot dog sausage
• 1 bun
• 4 slices jalapeno pepper
• 2 tablespoons pico de gallo
• 2 slices cheddar cheese
• 2 teaspoons Valentina hot sauce

Ingredients:

1. Start off your recipe by preparing your hot dog sausage however you would like. This could be in a pan, on the grill, or even boiled. The preparation is totally up to you.
2. While you are preparing your hot dog, turn your oven on to 175 degrees F and place the bun inside with two pieces of cheddar cheese in its interior. Leave in for around 5 minutes, or until the bun becomes crunchy and golden brown and the cheese has melted.
3. After this, place the hot dog sausage inside the bun and then add the jalapeno pepper, pico de gallo, and the Valentina hot sauce. Be sure to aim for an even distribution of these ingredients so that the flavor doesn’t change from bite to bite.
4. Serve and enjoy!

The post Make a Delicious Mexican Hot Dog at Home appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

The recipe below is meant for two people, but you can always double up on ingredients if you have more friends coming.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup minced cilantro
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 5 diced roma tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 diced large yellow onion
• 5 1/2 minced large jalapeno peppers
• salt

Instructions:

This dip is so easy to make, you will be surprised. The only thing that takes time is the prep. Get ready to do some serious chopping.

1. You will need to dice, mince all the ingredients.
2. Once you’re done, get a large bowl. Add all the ingredients in and mix them very well.
3. Add salt to your taste.
4. Leave the bowl in the fridge for half an hour.
5. Serve the dip with salsa chips on the side. So delicious and so fast!

The post Grab The Tortilla Chips, This Pico De Gallo Is So Good appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.