Mexican food has enjoyed great popularity in America for years. From burritos to enchiladas, Mexican recipes are the pride of many an American cook and the colorful, spicy, delicious dishes grace many a table. Nevertheless, what is the story behind the cuisine? A little Mexican food history can spice up your kitchen and shed some light on the roots of many or our favorite dishes.
Case in point: when the Spanish invaded Mexico in 1521, they brought with them many new varieties of livestock including pigs, cows and sheep, the likes of which Mexico had never seen. The Spanish explorer Cortez introduced Mexico to these and other foods such as dairy products, garlic and other spices as well as dairy products like cheese. Mexican food also has strong roots in the ancient Mayan culture.
On the flip side, the Mexicans also introduced new food to Cortez. He had never had chocolate, vanilla, peanuts, beans, coconuts, avocados, squash, tomatoes, and corn. So for all that, Cortez brought with him and introduced into the Mexican culture, he also took away as much, balancing the trade of regional foods.
Mexican food history is an interesting mixture of cultures. Many of the Mexican foods that are so-called "traditional" are actually rooted in other cultures in addition to the Mexican culture. Take quesadillas as an example. This mainstay of Mexican families is often considered to be quintessential Mexican, but in actuality, it takes its components from other cultures. The corn tortilla, the foundation for the quesadilla, is actually a Native American creation.
Other staples in Mexican food, lettuce, beef, cheese and pork, are actually Spanish in origin. One standard in every Mexican restaurant and most Mexican dishes, though, the hot sauce made from chili peppers, is indeed Mexican. One interesting Mexican food history fact, though, is that many spices such as cinnamon, black pepper, oregano and coriander, which are generally thought to be Mexican are actually Spanish. While these spices are quite often used in many Mexican dishes, they are not native to Mexico.
The French are yet another chapter in Mexican food history. Under a brief French occupation in the 1860's, Mexico was introduced to other new foods and cooking methods. This resulted in popular dishes like stuffed chilies in a walnut sauce, known as chiles en nogado. These dishes, French inspired with a strong Mexican flair, have made their way through the various cultures to meld together and create dishes that the world can enjoy.
One of the most popular adaptations of Mexican food and an integral part of Mexican food history is the influence from the Southwest United States, namely southern Texas. This style of Mexican food, dubbed "Tex-Mex" has become a favorite of people all over the world. North meets south in this cultural combination of northern Mexico and Southwestern Texas. In many restaurants today, it is more Tex-Mex than authentic Mexican food that is being served.
When exploring Mexican food history, it is important to keep in mind the many, varied cultures that brought about these popular, delicious dishes. As the various countries and cultures melded to create such culinary delights, popularity has soared the world over. Moreover, it just keeps getting better and better.
Case in point: when the Spanish invaded Mexico in 1521, they brought with them many new varieties of livestock including pigs, cows and sheep, the likes of which Mexico had never seen. The Spanish explorer Cortez introduced Mexico to these and other foods such as dairy products, garlic and other spices as well as dairy products like cheese. Mexican food also has strong roots in the ancient Mayan culture.
On the flip side, the Mexicans also introduced new food to Cortez. He had never had chocolate, vanilla, peanuts, beans, coconuts, avocados, squash, tomatoes, and corn. So for all that, Cortez brought with him and introduced into the Mexican culture, he also took away as much, balancing the trade of regional foods.
Mexican food history is an interesting mixture of cultures. Many of the Mexican foods that are so-called "traditional" are actually rooted in other cultures in addition to the Mexican culture. Take quesadillas as an example. This mainstay of Mexican families is often considered to be quintessential Mexican, but in actuality, it takes its components from other cultures. The corn tortilla, the foundation for the quesadilla, is actually a Native American creation.
Other staples in Mexican food, lettuce, beef, cheese and pork, are actually Spanish in origin. One standard in every Mexican restaurant and most Mexican dishes, though, the hot sauce made from chili peppers, is indeed Mexican. One interesting Mexican food history fact, though, is that many spices such as cinnamon, black pepper, oregano and coriander, which are generally thought to be Mexican are actually Spanish. While these spices are quite often used in many Mexican dishes, they are not native to Mexico.
The French are yet another chapter in Mexican food history. Under a brief French occupation in the 1860's, Mexico was introduced to other new foods and cooking methods. This resulted in popular dishes like stuffed chilies in a walnut sauce, known as chiles en nogado. These dishes, French inspired with a strong Mexican flair, have made their way through the various cultures to meld together and create dishes that the world can enjoy.
One of the most popular adaptations of Mexican food and an integral part of Mexican food history is the influence from the Southwest United States, namely southern Texas. This style of Mexican food, dubbed "Tex-Mex" has become a favorite of people all over the world. North meets south in this cultural combination of northern Mexico and Southwestern Texas. In many restaurants today, it is more Tex-Mex than authentic Mexican food that is being served.
When exploring Mexican food history, it is important to keep in mind the many, varied cultures that brought about these popular, delicious dishes. As the various countries and cultures melded to create such culinary delights, popularity has soared the world over. Moreover, it just keeps getting better and better.
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South of the border doesn't just mean beans discover Mexican food recipes full of flavor. Authentic Mexican recipes that your family will beg for to eat all the time. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service
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