Mexican Cuisine

WHAT IS MEXICAN FOOD?

Mexican dishes originate from Mesoamerican cuisine, which included cultures such as the Maya and the Aztecs, and it evolved to incorporate additional influences all over Mexico as well as Spanish and South/Southwest American cuisine. Popular Mexican food ingredients include corn (AKA maize, from the Maya), beans, avocados, tomatoes, cactus, and of course, the chili pepper. Mexican foods use an aromatic blend of herbs and spices complemented by variety of chiles that really awaken the senses.

AUTHENTIC MEXCIAN FLAVOR

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MEXICAN FLAVORS

Traditional Mexican herbs and spices focus on aromatic characteristics. Learn more below about herbs and spices for Mexican food and see what you want to start stocking regularly in your pantry.

Oregano: The Mexican Oregano variety is related to lemon verbena. It brings citrus and anise flavors, and is much more pungent than Mediterranean oregano.

Chipotle: McCormick chipotle chili peppers begin as whole jalapeño peppers grown in the hot, sunny climate of Mexico. We harvest them as whole pepper pods, and then gently smoke them over a wood fire before they’re dried and ground. Today’s cooks prize chipotle pepper for its rich flavor, smoky sweetness, and gentle heat. 

Cumin: Cumin is in chili powder, taco seasoning and most every Mexican and Southwest-inspired dish. Chili, salsa, fillings for tacos and empanadas, tomato sauce for enchiladas, mole sauce—all call for lightly toasted cumin seed. Try Ground Cumin or Cumin Seed.

Hot Chile: Chile peppers are the base for much of Mexican cuisine. This spicy blend of chilies and other spices makes cooking Mexican-inspired dishes easy. Try Chili Powder or Mexican Chili Powder, which is extra hot with additional cayenne. 

Garlic: Your favorite Mexican recipes are another perfect home for roasted garlic. Taco and burrito fillings, salsa and guacamole are just a few ideas. The strong flavor of garlic powers many Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. Garlic powder makes it easy to amplify the savory warmth of taco fillings made with beef or pork and cooked tomato sauce for burritos.

Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds bring nutty, toasty flavor and a crispy crunch to sweet and savory dishes from around the globe. It's great for Mexican mole and adobo sauces. 

Ancho: Dried smoked poblano peppers, known as ancho, are especially popular in Mexican cuisine. From rice and beans to mole, ancho lends a sweet, smoky, and mildly spicy flavor to many dishes. 

Cinnamon: Cinnamon brings a toasty undertone to savory dishes in many cultures and is great for Mexican chili. Add roasted Cinnamon for greater richness and depth to your Mexican dishes.

EASY MEXICAN INSPIRED DISHES

• Easy 30 minute Chilaquiles
• Get Mexican Style Street Corn using your stove or grill
• 6 ingredient Easy Mexican Rice

MEXICAN DESSERTS

• Flan Napolitano for those who like caramel and cream cheese
• Transform brownie mix into the perfect Mexican Brownies

MEXICAN DRINKS

• Make your own Creamy Mexican Hot Chocolate or sweet Mexican Coffee at home

MEXICAN INGREDIENTS

These foods may use ingredients that are unique to Mexico, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a way to try them at home.

• Often praised as one of the best sandwiches, originating from Puebla, try Pelonas Poblanas (Pueblan-Style Beef Sandwiches). To make this at home, depending on the availability of specialty Mexican ingredients, you can substitute the Pelonas rolls for easier-to-find Bolillo rolls (without sesame seeds).
• Consider sampling the wide variety of street foods available across Mexico. Traditional favorites like tacos, enchiladas, taquitos, and more will taste different when sampling authentic Mexican ingredients and cooking methods.