If you’ve ever walked into a restaurant and seen a sign that said “Spicy Mexican Food” and you thought, “Hmmm, I can try that,” you may be delving into a whole new world of flavor. When it comes to spicy food, Mexican restaurants have mastered the art of hot, spicy flavors, while blending them with milder flavors from different regions throughout Mexico. From the southwest to the heartland, there’s something for everyone. So, how are you going to enjoy your next meal? Read on to find out more about spicier, lighter versions of your favorite Mexican dishes.
Tortilla Chips Are A Classic Mexican Dish
If you think that enchiladas are just one of those delicious dishes that are only found in a Mexico-based restaurant, you’re wrong. While most famous Mexican dishes don’t feature chiles, the heat from the chili peppers used in Mexican cuisine is actually milder than the heat from the ground Chiles used elsewhere around the world, including Thailand and India. In fact, there’s even less heat in a Mexican version of enchiladas! The real key is using the right type of sauce. Instead of relying on sour cream to mask the taste of the chili peppers, experiment with using chipotle sauce instead. It’ll taste great and will help you avoid the heat that’s typically associated with this tasty Mexican dish.
Tortilla chips are a classic Mexican dish that has long been enjoyed all across the country. What makes tortilla chips unique is the fact that they’re fried, which means that the heat from the skillet goes right into the tortilla. This makes a delicious, crispy snack that’s great for when you’re watching television, having Mexican coffee, or just sitting around the house. While many American eat-ers may scoff at this recipe, you will be surprised at how filling tortilla chips can be–some have even claimed that eating one snack is equal to eating an entire meal.
Take A Moment To Consider The Spice Behind The Food
When you’re considering what to put into your mouth when enjoying some of the spicier Mexican dishes, take a moment to consider the spice behind the food. Not everyone tends to associate the heat in Mexican cuisine with spicy food, but if you have ever tasted a truly great burrito, you will understand why this spice is often used. Even if you haven’t had a chance to sample some truly fantastic burritos, you can still create an excellent tasting dish simply by incorporating some cumin into the hot oil. You’ll certainly add a great amount of heat, but the subtle sweet spices will help to neutralize it.
Serrano peppers are some of the most well-known and widely used spices in Mexican cuisine, as well as all around the globe. These heat-tingling peppers are originally from southwest Mexico, but they have now been adopted by many other cultures as well. Typically, these are used to season various meats, such as the Serrano pepper, which is found in pinto bean sauces, stews, and even chili. The classic chili con carne, made with tomatoes and Chiles, can also be enhanced with serrano peppers to achieve a wonderfully rich flavor.
Many Spicy Mexican Food Include Habanero Peppers
Other well-known, well-used peppers for many Mexican dishes include habanero peppers, which are piquant and have a strong, peppery flavor; jalapeno peppers, which are slightly hotter than serrano; and Anaheim, which are well known for its piquant citrus taste. In fact, these are just a few of the hottest varieties, and they are often used as condiments as well. Many Mexican salsas, especially those that are created with tomatoes, contain these peppers as well. The hottest varieties of peppers will result in an unforgettable experience, so it is good to keep some around for emergencies. And the best way to enjoy these sensations is to have them prepared on the table as condiments for Mexican food, as they will quickly become one of the first things tasted when people discover that you are serving authentic Mexican cuisine.
Most salsas, whether they are authentic (which Mexican salsas should be) or not, also come with an accompanying condiment: prepared mustard. This wonderful condiment, which is made from mustard seeds, oil, and seasonings, is used to give just a hint of spiciness to any Mexican dish. This condiment is often used alongside either a salsa or along with the actual meat that is being served. (The recipe for this condiment is given in the Mexican section of this book.) Many of the books on Mexican cooking include recipes for both the salsa and the mustard, and they are widely available in bookstores and on the Internet.
Final Thoughts
Finally, there is the question of spicy food and heat. It seems to be that any food that is hot is considered to be spicy. Many of the dishes that you find in Mexico can be considered as “spicy” – but in a very good way! If you have ever eaten Mexican foods beyond the tortillas, you will quickly learn that they are absolutely delicious, hot, and full of flavor! And they make great breakfasts and snacks, too, so it is easy to understand why many people think they need to add a little more heat to their Mexican cuisine.
