Learning New Methods of Cooking Mexican Cuisine

Some cooking methods used in Mexico may be familiar to you already, but there are a few with which you may be less familiar. You have probably fried, boiled, and grilled lots of meals, but have you ever tried a steaming bucket? Do you know what a molcajete is?

Steaming is a popular method in Mexican cookery. A dish known as barbacoa is cooked by wrapping meat in a cactus or banana leaf and steaming it over water that is boiling inside a pit. Steaming buckets are the traditional way to cook tamales. Steam keeps the masa on the outside of the filling moist. Today, many Mexican cooks use special kettles that allow them to cook many types of tamale at the same time. Sweating is another method used, especially to remove the skin on fresh chilies. Onions and chilies are also soaked frequently to make them a bit more mild. Letting them soak in milk or a water and vinegar solution for half an hour to an hour will remove some of the heat.

Are you still wondering about the molcajete? It is a mortar and pestle that is used to grind or mash herbs and other ingredients. A metate y mano is a large tool made of stone. It is made with a slight concave surface so corn and other ingredients can be ground. This was how corn was prepared to make masa.

Mexican cooks often simmer and boil their food. Vegetables and meat may be placed into a pot to slowly cook all day long. By dinner time, the meat is so tender it falls to pieces. The meat is then used for carnitas, tacos, and many other recipes.

Grilling is a popular method of cooking in Mexico. The open flame adds so much flavor to the dish. Many meats are marinated in spices and peppers and then grilled so they can be used in various recipes. Grilling and roasting increases the flavor of tomatoes, garlic, onions, chilies and tomatillos. The flame kisses the ingredients, caramelizing the sugars and creating delicious flavors.

Stewing is a traditional method of cooking that has been used in Mexico since time immemorial. The long cooking times needed for proper stewing were common. At times, the vegetables and meats were cooked separately and then combined for further simmering before serving. Today, this is often done in a Dutch oven. In days gone by, this was done in a clay cazuela.

When you want to try some quick authentic Mexican recipes, think about what methods may appeal to you in your own kitchen. Learning new techniques is fun and expands your abilities in the kitchen. Do not be afraid to make a mistake or two. Your family will love trying new things that you make in the kitchen, especially if you are making Mexican food.

There is so much to learn about the fascinating tapestry of Mexican cuisine. The depth of flavors and cooking methods that provide them are such an interesting study all by themselves.

Traditional Mexican ingredients which feature in many different Mexican recipes, such as corn, tomatoes, avocado, chicken and cheese, also make an appearance in a lot of Mexican salads. If the weather is warm, making your own Mexican salads can be a nice way to enjoy another facet of typical Mexican cuisine.