| Authentic Mexican cuisine is not something you come | | | | iron pan for frying. Other frequent cooking methods |
| across every day in the United States. Most of what | | | | include steaming, broiling and grilling, so get the |
| we call Mexican food is actually Tex-Mex: a | | | | appropriate equipment if you do not already have it. |
| combination of Mexican food and Southwestern | | | | Meal Planning |
| cuisine. Authentic Mexican food has a long tradition | | | | A typical Mexican dinner starts with a broth or soup. |
| that reaches all the way back to the ancient Mexican | | | | The next course is known as a dry soup (sopa |
| tribes of the Toltecs, Mayans, and Aztecs. When the | | | | seca), but is actually a rice, pasta or bean dish. The |
| Spanish visited Mexico, they added many things from | | | | main dish is usually fish or meat served with |
| their culinary traditions to the mix. | | | | vegetables. Dessert follows with coffee. The alcoholic |
| Ingredients | | | | beverage of choice is usually beer. Since Mexico |
| To make authentic Mexican food, you need the right | | | | makes several fine beers, most people will be |
| ingredients. It helps if you have a nearby Latino | | | | amenable to that. |
| market or at least an international aisle in your local | | | | Finding Recipes |
| grocery store. Other ingredients that you are unable | | | | You can find many authentic recipes online and in a |
| to find locally can usually be ordered online. You will | | | | number of good cookbooks. If you are not sure |
| want to keep your kitchen stocked with common | | | | about a recipe, look at the ingredients. Are they |
| ingredients used in Mexican cuisine. | | | | recommending a salsa out of a jar? Probably not too |
| Keep several types of dried chilies on hand for | | | | authentic. Salsa is simple enough to make in a few |
| different recipes. Cilantro is used quite a bit, as is | | | | moments that you do not need to worry about using |
| epazote, but that should be used sparingly. Produce | | | | one from the store. |
| like plantains, chayote, banana leaves, pumpkin seeds, | | | | When you find some recipes that sound good, try |
| tomatillos and chilies should be restocked as needed. | | | | them out. Do not fret if they do not turn out just |
| Many mainstream grocery stores now carry queso | | | | right the first time, try them again. Some recipes |
| fresco cheese, but you can substitute feta cheese if | | | | take a little practice. Before you know it, you will be |
| you cannot find any. Chorizo sausage is another must | | | | serving your family delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine |
| have ingredient. Finally, you need to learn how to | | | | whenever they want it. |
| work with masa harina for tortillas and tamales and | | | | The more you work with Mexican foods, the more |
| find a source for real Mexican chocolate if you can. | | | | you will appreciate their benefits of freshness, color, |
| Fresh foods are important in Mexican cuisine. You can | | | | and flavor. Your repertoire of recipes will grow and |
| skimp occasionally and buy your tortillas, but most | | | | you will be able to throw together a meal at a |
| dishes are made from scratch. Invest in a good cast | | | | moment's notice instead of planning far ahead. |