As of: March 5, 2024, 10:20 a.m
By: Sandra Keck
This is how you can have the fiesta at home too!
This article takes you into the world of Mexican flavors and reveals the most important ingredients in Mexican cuisine.
¡Hola Amigos!
Mexican cuisine is a firework of flavors and colors.
From fiery chilies to refreshing lime, the ingredients of Mexican cuisine offer a flavor explosion that will enchant every palate.
But which ingredients are absolute must-haves for authentic Mexican dishes?
Simply Tasty delves into the world of Mexican flavors and goes on a journey of discovery of the essential basics for the next fiesta!
1. Hardly any authentic Mexican recipe can do without: Chilis – the fiery soul of Mexico
Without chilies, Mexican cuisine would only be half as exciting.
From mild poblano chilies to hellishly hot habaneros – the variety of️️️ is almost endless.
(Symbolic image) © Zoonar/IMAGO
Without chilies, Mexican cuisine would only be half as tasty.
From mild to fiery in different shapes and colors – chilies provide the perfect spiciness and unmistakable aroma.
Whether poblano, jalapeño or habanero – the selection of chili varieties is huge and offers the right spiciness for every taste.
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Fun fact: most types of chili are also available dried, except for one: ripe jalapeños.
Their flesh is particularly thick and can only be dried slowly.
The solution?
Chipotle chilies!
This is the name given to ripe, smoked and dried jalapeños, which characterize Mexican cuisine with their smoky aroma and mild spiciness.
They are essential for many recipes such as chili con carne, guacamole or armadillo eggs, also known as minced meatballs with chili cheese filling.
2. Lime – the tangy freshness
Limes add a tangy acidity to Mexican dishes and appear in most recipes.
(Symbolic image) © Pond5 Images/IMAGO
Pure citrus freshness!
Lime juice is ubiquitous in Mexican cuisine and adds a tangy note to dishes.
Whether for marinating meat, refining guacamole or as an ingredient for cocktails, such as a non-alcoholic blueberry mojito with mint - the lime is an indispensable all-rounder.
Easy Tasty Tip:
Heat the lime in the microwave for ten to 20 seconds.
This makes it easier to squeeze out the juice.
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3. Coriander – the controversial herb
Whether as a topping for tacos or as an ingredient in salsas and guacamole - the fresh coriander herb adds a distinctive touch.
(Symbolic image) © Pond5 Images/IMAGO
Coriander, also known as cilantro, divides opinion.
Some love its fresh, aromatic aroma, others can't stand it.
The fact is: coriander is simply an essential ingredient in many Mexican dishes.
Whether salsa, guacamole or shrimp tacos – coriander adds that certain something.
By the way, coriander will stay fresh for longer (up to a week) if you place the herb in a glass of water, cover the bunch with a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator.
4. Spices: The icing on the cake
Tajin, a fiery, aromatic spice made from chili powder, lime juice and salt, is easy to make yourself.
(Symbolic image) © Pond5 Images/IMAGO
In addition to chili and lime, Mexican cuisine also uses other spices that give it its distinctive taste.
Cumin, oregano, paprika powder, cocoa and cinnamon are just a few examples.
A popular spice mix is Tajin, a chili-lime salt, which is sometimes used with fresh fruit or a grilled watermelon margarita.
5. Tortillas – the basis of many dishes
Mexican tortillas are a perfect base for a variety of dishes such as tacos, quesadillas or an enchilada lasagna.
(Symbolic image) © Wirestock/IMAGO
Tortillas made from corn or wheat flour are the staple food in Mexico and form the basis for countless dishes.
Whether tacos, burritos, enchiladas or quesadillas – tortillas are the all-rounders of Mexican cuisine.
And if there are any left over, you can turn them into a sweet snack and make them: tortilla chips with chocolate.
6. Corn – the filling filler
Whether corn flour for tortillas, fresh corn on the cob or popcorn - corn is a staple food in Mexico.
(Symbolic image) © Panthermedia/IMAGO
Corn is the staple food of Mexico and appears in countless variations.
Whether as tortillas, tacos, tamales or masa harina - corn is the basis for many delicious dishes.
Corn is also popular in this country and can be prepared in different ways, from the classic way in a cooking pot to thanks to TikTok hacks.
In Mexico, for example, corn on the cob is often grilled and then served as elotes with mayonnaise and parmesan.
7. Avocados – the creamy delicacy
The recipe for an authentic Mexican guacamole requires just a few ingredients.
(Symbolic image) © Pond5 Images/IMAGO
Creamy, delicious and rich in healthy fats – avocados are an integral part of Mexican cuisine.
Guacamole, tacos or simply plain with a little salt and pepper - avocados are always delicious and stay green and fresh longer thanks to these four TikTok hacks.
Conclusion
From fiery and spicy to mild and creamy, Mexican cuisine offers a taste explosion that is second to none.
(Symbolic image) © Pond5 Images/IMAGO
With these ingredients in your luggage, nothing stands in the way of an authentic Mexican cooking evening!
In keeping with this, Simply Tasty presents new recipe inspiration every day that builds on these must-haves and will enchant anyone who has tried them.
¡Buen provecho!
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The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at her own discretion. All information has been carefully checked. Find out more about our AI principles here.