How to Cook Veggies Mexican-Style

Fast food Mexican is filled with supersized fats and not healthy at all. In contrast, authentic Mexican food is filled with fresh vegetables, fruits, protein, spices, vitamins and minerals and is healthy and well-balanced.

Mexican food is rich in history, with influences from many different cultures including Europe, South America, the Caribbean, India, China, and Africa. Mexico has given us the gifts of chocolate, vanilla, peanuts, coconuts, beans, and tomatoes. Mexican food is fresh, healthy and delicious. Let’s take a look at Mexican cuisine and see how we can enjoy creating our own Mexican-style dishes at home.

1. Use Aromatics, Herbs, and Spices

We start with aromatics, herbs, and spices because they are what can make the same basic ingredient taste unique. Every culture has its own ethnic flavor profile and knowing which aromatics, herbs and spices to use can help us make flavorful Mexican dishes.

Mexico uses fresh onions and garlic in their dishes. While it is traditional to cook with lard, more and more people are making the healthier choice of vegetable oil or olive oil.

2. Chilis

Is it “chile” or “chili”? Guess what? Both spellings are correct; it all depends the region you are in. Now that we don’t have to worry about that, let’s move on. Many types of chilis are used in Mexican cuisine such as jalapeño, ancho, chipotle, and serrano. They can be used fresh, whole, dried or powdered. In fact, chilis, rather than tomatoes, are the main ingredient in Mexican sauces such as my Ancho Chili Sauce (Enchilada Sauce). Use the chile pepper of your choice to make your own Raw Hot Sauce.

3. Tortillas

Mexican tortillas are flatbreads made from flour or corn. They can be pressed and served alongside dishes to scoop up food like a yummy, edible utensil. They can be fried like taco shells or tostadas and loaded with delicious food.

4. Rice and Beans

Rice is served with most Mexican dishes. Mexican rice is usually made from white rice and has tomatoes, garlic, onions and Mexican spices. It gets its red color from chili peppers.

5. Fruits and Vegetables

Mexican food is filled with fresh fruits and vegetables that grow in warm climates. Corn is one of the staples of Mexican food and is used in a wide variety of ways. Masa harina is flour made from grinding dried corn kernels and is used to make tortillas, tamales and other foods including desserts.

6. Chorizo and Cheese

Traditional Mexican cuisine involves some meats and cheeses. Fortunately, we can make vegan versions of many Mexican specialties. Chorizo is a seasoned sausage that is common in Mexican food. Mexican chorizo is completely different from Spanish chorizo in both taste and texture. Mexican chorizo is not cured and therefore, cannot be sliced. The spices found in Mexican chorizo include cumin, coriander, chile powder, bay, oregano, thyme, cinnamon, and cloves.

7. Mexican Desserts and Drinks

No meal is complete without dessert. Baking and desserts are a vital part of Mexican cuisine. Mexican desserts are unique in their taste, texture, and aroma as they combine hot, spicy flavors with sweet “dulce” ones. Common Mexican desserts include churros, sopaipillas, flan, tortas, and frozen ice cream.

https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/how-to-cook-veggies-mexican-style/