Spicing Up Traditional Mexican Recipes
Flavor and freshness is what Mexican cuisine is all about. Much of the flavor is captured through the use of regional spices. They are what gives the food its distinctive flavor. If you wish to learn to make authentic Mexican food, you need to fully understand how to use these seasonings to bring out their full potential.
Garlic and onion are two very common seasonings in Mexico. You can find them dried, powdered, and fresh. These two ingredients are actually both part of the Allium family and they both give recipes a lot of flavor. You can use either one raw or cooked when you make Mexican dishes.
Herbs and spices like chilies, cumin, and oregano are used to create that authentic flavor we all love. Mexican oregano is dissimilar to Italian oregano in that it offers an earthy, rich flavor. Oregano works well with vegetable and tomato dishes. Cumin originated in the Mediterranean, but it has gained in popularity all over the world. It has a toasted, slightly bitter taste that cannot be replaced by any other seasoning.
Chili powder is created from a mixture of several chilies as well as cumin and oregano. It is typically used to season vegetable and meat dishes. Specialty chili powder may also be used. Powder from ancho chilies is known for its rich and sweet flavor. Chipotle chili powder is made from jalapenos that have been smoked and dried. It offers a very mild, distinctive flavor that is frequently used in sauces and salsa. Chipotle is a must when making adobo.
Other spices used in Mexican cooking include cloves, epazote, anise, and cinnamon. Epazote is an herb used primarily in bean dishes. It adds flavor and may calm bean-caused stomach upset. Also known as Mexican tea, it has a strong flavor. Do not be use it in large quantities, as it may be poisonous at these levels. This herb is easily grown at home. It needs partial shade and frequent watering.
Cinnamon, cloves, cocoa, and anise all add depth of flavor to Mexican dishes. They add a rich warmth to recipes. Cocoa is an all important ingredient in mole — a rich sauce often served with chicken. Cocoa also tempers the heat from peppers. Use it to balance the heat in many hot, spicy dishes.
If you are interested in cooking authentic Mexican recipes, it is imperative that you keep the proper spices available and use them correctly. The rich flavors of this cuisine owe their complexity to these seasonings. Learning to balance these flavors will improve your cooking and expand your skills.
These are just a few of the most common spices and seasonings in Mexican cuisine, however, you will discover many more as you learn more about these recipes. Research their cooking, practice what you read and you will become more adept with this cuisine. Your family and friends will thank you once they taste the results of your research on Mexican spices.
If you are going to try making some delicious enchiladas, tamales, tacos or another kind of Mexican food, it is always useful to have some handy cooking tips under your belt. Good cooking tips save you time and help to ensure that your homemade fare comes out cooked perfectly.
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