Mexico is renowned for its predominantly spicy cuisine. Spanish settlers discovered the traditional corn based diet of Mexico’s populace and started adding their own traditional Spanish ingredients. This combination of cooking styles has led to some remarkable dishes which are enjoyed worldwide.

Mexican cuisine is popular as fast food and in traditional restaurants. To help you learn more about Mexican cuisine we have made a low down of some classic Mexican meals and snacks.

Enchilada

Enchiladas are one of Mexico’s most well known and imitated dishes. Enchilada translates into seasoned with chillies which is where Enchiladas draw most of their flavour from.

Enchiladas are made from traditional tortillas filled and dipped into sauce. The tortilla is fried in fat to soften it replacing the crispy texture with a doughier one. The sauce is made from chilli peppers which are ground into a powder and added to other spices and seasonings.

Red and green enchilada sauces are commonly used both with different flavours. The red sauce is made from tomatoes and red chillies while the green sauce uses tomatillos and green chillies. In place of red and green sauces traditional mole sauces such as guacamole are sometimes used as well.

Fillings for enchiladas can vary greatly. Broadly speaking anything can be used that suits the recipients taste. Chicken and meats in general are the most popular fillings along with cheese and vegetable variations for vegetarians. Other alternative recipes include seafood enchiladas as well as potato with cheese.

Garnishes such as cheese and onions are also popular to add a contrasting flavour to the hot chillies. Fried eggs are also often served as an accompanying side dish.

Guacamole

Guacamole is one of Mexico’s traditional dishes’ that dates back to the Aztec era. The name Guacamole translates into avocado sauce revealing its simple appeal.

Guacamole is served as a relish which can accompany almost any of Mexico’s traditional savoury meals and snacks. It can also be used as a filling for meals such as enchiladas and a dip for tortillas. Guacamole’s main ingredients are avocado, lime and salt although these are often accompanied by further ingredients to suit different palates or replaced with substitutes when not available.

Other ingredients commonly include vegetables such as onions or tomatoes and herbs and spices. When the main ingredients can’t be obtained mayonnaise or cream can be added as a filler to replicate the smooth consistency.

Cajeta

Cajeta is a Mexican delicacy frequently served as a dessert or snack. Cajeta is a dish that acknowledges Mexican cuisines Spanish roots. Cajeta roughly translates into thick liquid from referring to its syrupy consistency.

Cajeta is traditionally made from caramelised milk which is cooked slowly. This slow method of cooking gives Cajeta a thickened, syrupy quality. Cajeta is particularly popular in the Celaya region of Mexico where it is traditionally made using a blend of goat and cow milk to create a distinctive flavour.

Cajeta can also be made using fruit juices or other sweet ingredients instead of milk. Cajeta is enjoyed as a dessert or snack and can also be used as a filling for cakes and pastries.