This protein-packed power brunch could probably be called a “deconstructed” version of Mexico’s classic huevos rancheros. In this Mexican quinoa and eggs ranchero recipe, the whole beans take the place of the refried version, and the fresh salsa is used in place of a cooked sauce. Ingredients 2 tablespoons corn oil ½ cup diced onion ½ teaspoon […]
Continue ReadingMexican empanadas are variously filled with meat, cheese, vegetables or fruit, and served as hors d’ouevres, main courses or desserts. These vegetable empanadas are filled with a combination of mushrooms and West Indian pumpkin or winter squash. In Mexico, winter squash is sold around Día de los Muertos and Halloween as calabaza fantasía — “fantasy squash” — because it […]
Continue ReadingSetas is the general name for several kinds of wild mushrooms found in Mexico, which have different regional names, according to their colors and sizes. ( Yemas, duraznitos, morillas, and pambazos are just a few of the names for wild mushrooms found in Mexican markets.) In Tlaxcala, they are grown commercially for sale in large markets and supermarkets, eliminating the […]
Continue ReadingTomatoes and watermelon are an unexpected combination here, and one that does not require you to go anywhere near the stove. A sprig of fresh mint (hierba buena) is a nice garnish. 1 pound ripe tomatoes, peeled and seeded, cut into chunks 1 small, ripe watermelon, rind and seeds removed, cut into chunks ¾ cup […]
Continue ReadingIn the cooler areas of Mexico, homemade vinegar is usually made with apples, while in warmer places, the abundant pineapples are used to make the pineapple “beer” called tepache and the pineapple vinegar that is used in cooking and pickling. Fruit vinegar will take about one month to ferment in warm weather and two months when the […]
Continue ReadingMexican pear and ancho chile jam: Mermelada de pera y chile ancho This jam is perfect to make as late summer turns into fall. In Cholula, the September feast of the Virgin de los Remedios finds the plaza filled with fruit vendors selling huge stacks of pears from the Sierra. The pear and ancho chile […]
Continue ReadingThis variation of the classic arroz con leche is served in Zimatlan, Oaxaca, one of the largest amaranth-producing areas in Mexico. The addition of popped amaranth grains adds nutrients as well as a delicious, nut-like flavor to the Mexican rice pudding. Ingredients 1 cup rice 2 cups water 1 cup milk 1 can condensed milk 1 cup amaranth cereal […]
Continue ReadingAmong the most charming presentations of any vegetable, these herb-wrapped bundles of baby carrots are a specialty of Cuetzalan and the surrounding mountain towns. Served by the locals, the carrots are enveloped in taro leaves; however, the dish may be successfully prepared using spinach leaves instead. The fragrant split vanilla beans, carefully counted out into […]
Continue ReadingAn unlikely combination? You be the judge, as you liven up your morning toast, or spread this Mexican apricot jalapeño jelly on cream cheese with crackers. Ingredients 5 cups peeled, chopped apricots 2 stemmed, seeded, chopped jalapeños 1 ½ cups water 1/3 cup lemon juice 6 cups sugar 2 (3 ounce) envelopes liquid pectin Combine […]
Continue ReadingSoaking the cabbage in lemon water adds flavor, eases digestion, and cuts down on the need for salt. Some cooks add pineapple to this Aguascalientes style mixed vegetable salad, but I find it to be an odd fit with the Russian-style dressing. Try shredded jicama instead, and be sure to use red cabbage, which makes for an […]
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