The potato tortitas, or “patties” sold inside some of Oaxaca’s markets are superb — light on the inside, with a crunchy golden crust. This variation is typical of the region from Ocotlan south to the coast, ancinnd is served with a costeño chile sauce. The dried broad beans, or fava beans, ground into flour give the […]
Continue ReadingThe distinctively flavored Mexican chocolate has a grainier texture than other chocolates, so don’t skip the step using a sieve. I prefer the Mayordomo brand made in Oaxaca, but any of the popular brands, such as Ibarra or Abuelita, work well. Ingredients 12 ounces Mexican chocolate, coarsely chopped 3 ¾ cups half and half 3 […]
Continue ReadingThis variation on traditional machuca uses crispy chicharrones (pork cracklings), which give a good texture to the dish and impart the taste of pork without having to use the traditional lard. A cousin of the West African fufu, machuca is best made with barely ripe plantains, those that are still mostly yellow. (They can have some black spots but not have […]
Continue ReadingThis Mexican pasta salad with jalapeño vinaigrette is a great side dish to serve with grilled meat, chicken or fish. It’s quick and easy to put together at the last minute, or it can be made up to one day ahead and refrigerated. If making it ahead of time, don’t add the avocado until you […]
Continue ReadingThe colonial silver mining town of Alamos, Sonora was designed by the king of Spain’s personnal architect and remains every bit as impressive today as it was three hundred years ago. While staying at Alamos’ beautiful Hacienda de los Santos, I taught a cooking course which included this version of filet mignon in chipotle sauce. […]
Continue ReadingThis recipe is adapted from Alquímias y Atmósferas del Sabor, by Doña Carmen Titita Ramírez, proprietress of Mexico City’s famed El Bajío restaurant. The plantains should be cooked a day in advance, to give them time to “set” and make the mashed plantains easier to roll, since they are the only ingredient in the empanada “dough.” Mexican […]
Continue ReadingTinga is a basically a stewed pork dish, cooked with a chipotle sauce and most commonly served on tostadas. A chipotle is a dried jalapeño with a wonderful, smokey flavor. The chipotles called for in this recipe, called chipotles adobados are canned and can be found anywhere from Michoacan to Michigan. This is a good dish to make ahead and then provide garnishes to […]
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I have seen one or another version of this recipe in magazines in both México and the United States. Here in Mexico, game hens are sold in the supermarkets and labeled pollitos tiernos, “tender little chickens.” Ingredients: 1 cup pomegranate juice ½ cup honey 6 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed ½ teaspoon each: ground coriander, ground cinnamon, and ground […]
Continue ReadingThis is one version of the many recipes for pickled fish so popular in Mexico, especially during the warm spring months before the rainy season. It should be brought to room temperature before serving. Any good quality, firm-fleshed fish steaks can be used. Ingredients: 4 1-inch thick fish steaks juice of 1 fresh lime 8 […]
Continue ReadingThis dish is easy and elegant enough for company, as well as a delicious every-day comida. It may be made ahead and reheated, covered. Ingredients: 1 3 1/2-4 pound chicken, cut into serving pieces 1/2 medium white onion, studded with 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, peeled 6 whole black peppercorns water to cover salt or powdered chicken […]
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