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If your Mexican food knowledge is limited to Chipotle burritos and “guacamole is extra,” it’s time to blast out of your comfort zone; and what better time than Cinco de Mayo? Mexican cuisine is a complex cornucopia of chile peppers, meats, and cheeses in surprising combinations. (Timid palates need not apply.) Luckily, there’s no shortage of restaurants or markets that cater to south-of-the-border cravings—it’s just a question of whether or not you stick to the same old quesadilla or dare to try something new.
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Make a fiesta in your mouth this May 5 with these eight authentic foods.
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Mexican Foods
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Mole
This sauce derives its bittersweet, complex flavor primarily from Mexican chocolate and a “holy trinity” of chiles: ancho, mulato, and pasilla. Recipe variations can contain up to 30 ingredients, but generally include jalapeños, orange juice, chicken broth, raisins, almonds, peanuts or pecans, seeds, onion, and cilantro. That complicated mixture is blended, then strained, and simmered until thick. Mole is often served atop boiled chicken, though it could substitute for red sauce in an enchilada recipe or be served over eggs as well.
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Milanesa
Think chicken fried steak, but thinner. Milanesa is the glorious result of steak that is dredged in beaten eggs, covered in seasoned breading, then fried. The result is a tender filet with a crunchy, golden exterior. Serve with salad or make it a "torta" by sandwiching the milanesa between a hoagie roll and topping it with sour cream, salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
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Molletes
One of the easiest Mexican foods to make at home, molletes are definitely bachelor fare and double as an appetizer or an entrée. It all begins with "bolillos" (Mexican bakery rolls) sliced in half, coated with refried beans, then topped with shredded white cheese (Oaxaca or Chihuahua if you can find it). These open-faced sandwiches are baked in the oven until bubbly, then topped with pico de gallo.
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Tacos Al Pastor
Forget what you think you know about tacos–this variety will blow your mind. Crispy, thin strips of guajillo chile-marinated, spit-grilled pork mingle with pineapple, onion, and cilantro, all bundled in corn tortillas. Commonly considered street food, look for them at taco trucks or stands in Latino markets. Surely you can say “Tacos al pastor, por favor,” without sounding too much like a gringo.
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Nopales
Nopales, or cactus (yes, you read that right), is one of the more adventurous Mexican foods. A popular preparation is a stew that incorporates chorizo (spicy pork sausage) and a blend of tomatillos, serrano chiles, onions, and garlic. Don’t try this at home at home unless you can buy the nopales spineless and pre-chopped or have watched a YouTube video on how to properly clean and prepare the leaves before cooking.
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Chicharrón
Known to English speakers as pork rinds, fried pork belly, or “cracklings,” chicharrones are a greasy, guilty pleasure. They’re perfect for popping at a bar while watching a game of fútbol (that’s “soccer” for the monolingual speakers), with a dipping sauce as an appetizer at your next fiesta, or added as a garnish to savory entrées. They take a long time to fry, however, so leave their prep to a professional "cocinero" at a Mexican restaurant or, if you’re in a hurry, purchase the bagged variety at WalMart or a Latino market.
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Pastel de Tres Leches
“Tres leches” is an understatement because this buttery cake is made with whole milk, then soaked in heavy cream, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk before being topped with a layer of whipped cream. That’s at least five incarnations of moo juice, but who’s counting? This rich, moist dessert, which is always served chilled and often in squares, may or may not have originated in Mexico, but the natives there lay claim to it.
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Conchas
This sweet bread is omnipresent in Mexico. Big, thick buns are topped with a colorful, sugary topping, then imprinted with a shell design. Unless you enjoy labor-intensive baking projects, seek out a "panadería" (bakery) and buy ‘em by the bagful. Pair with a cup of "café con leche" for a blissful breakfast.
