Tamales
Often eaten: Often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.
Known for: Eaten all over Mexico.
BreakfastSnack
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5 dishes to discover
Food of Mexico
Mexico is a lively country celebrated for its amazing culture and tasty food. Mexican dishes are known for their bright colors and flavors, using fresh ingredients like tomatoes, corn, and beans. From savory tacos to sweet churros, there's something yummy for everyone to enjoy. Let's dive into the wonderful world of Mexican food and discover what makes it so unique!
Featured Dishes
Meal Culture
In Mexico, meals are a special time to come together with family and friends. Mexican food is colorful and full of flavors, with ingredients like corn, beans, and chilies. Meals are often enjoyed slowly, savoring each bite.
Eating Etiquette
In Mexico, it's polite to wait until everyone is served before you start eating. People often say 'Buen provecho!' which means 'Enjoy your meal!' to show good manners.
When People Eat It
Churros
Often eaten: Popular as a sweet snack or dessert.
Known for: Common throughout Mexico.
Dessert
Tacos
Often eaten: A favorite choice for lunch or dinner.
Known for: Popular in every region of Mexico.
LunchDinner
Enchiladas
Often eaten: Commonly eaten for lunch or dinner.
Known for: Found in many regions of Mexico.
LunchDinner
Guacamole
Often eaten: Great as a dip or side dish with meals.
Known for: Popular nationwide, especially in central Mexico.
Side Dish
Make It Yourself
👩🍳 Cook together! Always ask a grown-up to help with hot or sharp steps.
TamalesTamales
Makes 12 tamalesIngredients
- 3 cups (375 g)Masa harina (corn flour)
- 2 1/2 cups (590 ml)Chicken broth, warm
- 2/3 cup (150 g)Lard or shortening
- 2 cups (300 g)Cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup (240 ml)Red salsa
- 12 husksCorn husks, soaked
How to Make It
- 1Beat the lard until fluffy, then mix in the masa harina and warm broth to make a soft dough.
- 2Stir the salsa into the shredded chicken for the filling.
- 3Spread a layer of masa dough onto each soaked corn husk.
- 4Add a spoonful of chicken filling down the middle.
- 5Fold the husk around the filling and fold up the bottom.
- 6Ask a grown-up to steam the tamales standing up for about 1 hour, until the dough pulls away easily.
ChurrosChurros
Makes 16 churrosIngredients
- 1 cup (240 ml)Water
- 2 tbsp (30 g)Butter
- 1 cup (125 g)Flour
- 1 eggEgg
- 1/2 cup, 1 tbspSugar and cinnamon
- 3 cups (700 ml)Oil, for frying
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to boil the water and butter, then stir in the flour until it forms a ball.
- 2Let it cool a little, then beat in the egg until smooth.
- 3Spoon the dough into a piping bag with a star tip.
- 4A grown-up heats the oil to 350°F (175°C) and pipes in strips of dough, snipping them off.
- 5Fry for 2–3 minutes until golden, then drain on paper towels.
- 6Roll the warm churros in cinnamon sugar and dip in chocolate.
TacosTacos
Makes 8 tacosIngredients
- 8 tortillasCorn tortillas
- 1 lb (450 g)Ground beef or chicken
- 2 tbspTaco seasoning
- 1 cup eachLettuce and tomato
- 1 cup (100 g)Cheese, grated
- 1 limeLime
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to cook the meat in a pan with the taco seasoning and a splash of water.
- 2Warm the tortillas in a dry pan for a few seconds each.
- 3Spoon the meat into the middle of each tortilla.
- 4Top with lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
- 5Add a squeeze of lime.
- 6Fold and enjoy right away.
EnchiladasEnchiladas
Makes 8 enchiladasIngredients
- 8 tortillasCorn tortillas
- 2 cups (300 g)Cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups (475 ml)Red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups (200 g)Cheese, grated
- 1/2 onionOnion, chopped
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2Warm the tortillas so they roll without cracking.
- 3Fill each tortilla with chicken and a little cheese, then roll it up.
- 4Place the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.
- 5Pour the enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
- 6Bake for 20 minutes, until bubbly. Scatter onion on top before serving.
GuacamoleGuacamole
Makes about 2 cupsIngredients
- 3 avocadosRipe avocados
- 2 tbsp (30 ml)Lime juice
- 1 tomatoTomato, diced
- 1/4 onionOnion, finely chopped
- 2 tbspFresh cilantro
- 1/2 tspSalt
How to Make It
- 1Scoop the avocados into a bowl.
- 2Mash them with a fork, leaving a few chunks.
- 3Stir in the lime juice and salt right away so it stays green.
- 4Add the tomato, onion, and cilantro.
- 5Mix gently.
- 6Serve with tortilla chips.
Vocabulary
Just like people enjoy spaghetti in Italy, folks in Mexico love their tacos and tamales!