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.
Although the Mayan culture is often credited for giving Mexican food its roots, the strongest influence came from the Spanish when they invaded Mexico in 1521. Cortez, the Spanish explorer, along with his followers, introduced many new foods into the Mexican culture. Pigs, cows and sheep as well as herbs, dairy products and various spices such as garlic had never graced a Mexican table until that time.
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.
Upon exploring Mexican food history a little further, you can see that many Mexican foods that are considered traditional are actually rooted in other cultures. Take quesadillas as an example. A mainstay in Mexico and thought to be quintessential Mexican, quesadillas are taken from not only Mexican culture, but Spanish and Native American as well. The ever popular, much loved corn tortilla is not really Mexican in origin, but Native American.
Now, consider the lettuce, pork, beef, and cheese that are sitting on that quesadilla. Mexican? Nope. These items are actually Spanish foods. The world famous hot sauce made from chili peppers, however, is truly Mexican. Another tasty little tidbit of Mexican food history is that many of the spices that are traditionally considered to be Mexican actually hail from Spain. Cinnamon, coriander, black pepper, and oregano are all popular spices used in Mexican cooking, but they actually come from Spain.
Other cultural influences left their mark on Mexican food. The French dabbled in Mexican occupation briefly in the 1860's. This resulted in such popular dishes as chili en nogado, which is a dish of stuffed chilies in a walnut sauce. Such French inspired dishes with a Mexican flair have withstood the test of time and become ingrained in the Mexican culture, ultimately finding their way onto American plates.
Perhaps one of the best known influences on Mexican food comes from the Southwest United States, Texas to be exact, called "Tex-Mex." This part of Mexican food history has had a huge impact on not only how Mexican food is prepared and served in the United States, but also how it is perceived. Tex-Mex is a delightful cultural combination of northern Mexico and Southwestern Texas. In fact, it is actually Tex-Mex that is served in many Mexican restaurants today as opposed to authentic Mexican food.
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. - 16459
Although the Mayan culture is often credited for giving Mexican food its roots, the strongest influence came from the Spanish when they invaded Mexico in 1521. Cortez, the Spanish explorer, along with his followers, introduced many new foods into the Mexican culture. Pigs, cows and sheep as well as herbs, dairy products and various spices such as garlic had never graced a Mexican table until that time.
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.
Upon exploring Mexican food history a little further, you can see that many Mexican foods that are considered traditional are actually rooted in other cultures. Take quesadillas as an example. A mainstay in Mexico and thought to be quintessential Mexican, quesadillas are taken from not only Mexican culture, but Spanish and Native American as well. The ever popular, much loved corn tortilla is not really Mexican in origin, but Native American.
Now, consider the lettuce, pork, beef, and cheese that are sitting on that quesadilla. Mexican? Nope. These items are actually Spanish foods. The world famous hot sauce made from chili peppers, however, is truly Mexican. Another tasty little tidbit of Mexican food history is that many of the spices that are traditionally considered to be Mexican actually hail from Spain. Cinnamon, coriander, black pepper, and oregano are all popular spices used in Mexican cooking, but they actually come from Spain.
Other cultural influences left their mark on Mexican food. The French dabbled in Mexican occupation briefly in the 1860's. This resulted in such popular dishes as chili en nogado, which is a dish of stuffed chilies in a walnut sauce. Such French inspired dishes with a Mexican flair have withstood the test of time and become ingrained in the Mexican culture, ultimately finding their way onto American plates.
Perhaps one of the best known influences on Mexican food comes from the Southwest United States, Texas to be exact, called "Tex-Mex." This part of Mexican food history has had a huge impact on not only how Mexican food is prepared and served in the United States, but also how it is perceived. Tex-Mex is a delightful cultural combination of northern Mexico and Southwestern Texas. In fact, it is actually Tex-Mex that is served in many Mexican restaurants today as opposed to authentic Mexican food.
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. - 16459
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