Mushrooms proliferate in the mist-covered hills of north central Veracruz, the only place I have ever seen chileatole made with them, in this case with setas or oyster mushrooms. It would probably work with other fresh, wild mushrooms, but for me, the meaty texture of oyster mushrooms is perfect for this soup, which manages to be rustic and elegant […]
Continue ReadingThis recipe is adapted from one at the Mayan Beach Garden on the Costa Maya. Avocados should not be cut in advance of using, since they oxidize quickly, turning their beautiful yellow-green color into an unappetizing brown. Tossing with lime juice will prevent some of this, but cutting avocados is not a “do ahead” recipe […]
Continue ReadingCarrots add a subtle sweetness to broths, and beef shanks — with their rich, tasty marrow (called tuétano in Mexico) — make an extra nourishing broth. Ingredients 6 beef shanks 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 6 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks 1 onion, peeled and coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 bay leaves 1 sprig […]
Continue ReadingWhile a torta can be filled with any kind of savory sandwich filling, the beans, avocado and tomato are always present. Leave out the onion if you are not a fan, or substitute mayonnaise for the crema; some torterías use melted butter instead of crema. The milanesa is probably the most popular filling, and part of its appeal is the crunch of […]
Continue ReadingIngredients 2 pounds of shrimp 1 white onion 2 or 3 seeded jalapeno peppers 2 peeled and seeded tomatoes 1 large ripe avocado How to Prepare Mince and mix all ingredients together squeeze enough lime juice over top to cover and refrigerate, stirring occasionally until shrimp are pink (cooked), 3 to 4 hours. Published or […]
Continue ReadingPassion fruit pulp is now more readily available north of the border than it is in Mexico. Here we have to wait for maracuya to come into season, whereas in the north, it is available year round in the form of Welch’s frozen passion fruit pulp. Coriander seeds, a characteristic ingredient of many fruit vinaigrettes, are not […]
Continue ReadingThe combination of meat and squash is typically West African, combined here with tomatoes, an indigenous Mexican ingredient, and spices introduced by the Spaniards. The original recipe, as presented by Raquel Torres and Dora Elena Carriaga in Recetario Afromestizo de Veracruz leaves out the tomatoes and spices, but nowadays most jarocha cooks use them. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil […]
Continue ReadingThis is probably the most famous soup from the Puebla region. This version is thicker and more textured than most, more of a chowder than the creamy pureed version often found on poblano menus. 3 tablespoons butter 6 poblano chiles, roasted, peeled, seeded and chopped 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 ½ […]
Continue ReadingThis is a delicious and unique version of enchiladas, reminiscent of the chicken in nut sauces served in Oaxaca and Veracruz. If you can’t find raw peanuts, use the ones that come already roasted in bags, and in that case, do not toast them. If you do use raw peanuts, be sure to remove the […]
Continue ReadingVisually, these remind me of the pickled green tomatoes that are nearly always on the table in New York’s kosher delis. But the sweet-and-sour vinaigrette, with the addition of green chiles, makes them very much a unique product of Chihuahua Mennonite kitchens. Chilacas are long, fresh green chiles, mild to medium hot, commonly found in […]
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