Mexican Cuisine

History of Mexican Food
The history of Mexican food begins thousands
of years ago, long before the Spanish arrival,
with the indigenous cultures of Mexico and the
plants they were able to cultivate.
For example, corn has its origins in Mexico.
Indigenous Mexicans first domesticated and
began to farm corn almost 9000 years ago, and corn continues to be a staple of Mexican food today, in tortillas, masa, and other foods.
Because they had few domesticated animals,
indigenous Mexicans relied heavily on beans
for protein. Chili peppers also have their origin
in Mexico (chili is in fact a Nahuatl word) and
have been cultivated in Mexico for
approximately 6000 years.

Mexican food is one of the most
famous (and tastiest!) cuisines in
the world. Spicy, rich, hearty, and
satisfying, Mexican cuisine is
great comfort food.

Multiple Choice

Approximately how many years ago did indigenous Mexicans begin to farm corn?

• 2000 years ago

• 9000 years ago

• 5000 years ago

• 3000 years ago

Pozole
Pozole is a stew made from
hominy and meat (usually
pork), flavored with onion,
garlic, chili, and avocado
and garnished with lettuce
or cabbage. Pozole comes
in red, white, and green
varieties, depending on the
ingredients.
It is popular in many regions
of Mexico and is served on
festive occasions. Check
out this pozole recipe.

Tamales
Mexicans have been eating tamales for
thousands of years, and the word tamal
itself comes from the indigenous
Mexican language of Nahuatl. (It means
“wrapped.”) Tamales are one of the
best-known and most typical foods of
Mexico. A tamal consists of masa dough
which is steamed in a corn husk or
banana leaf and filled with meat, cheese, or other fillings. Tamales can be either savory (the kind most Americans are familiar with) or sweet, in which case
they are stuffed with fruit and have sugar and cinnamon mixed into the batter.

Multiple Choice

What is the cultural significance of tamales in Mexico?

• They are a rare delicacy

• They are a common and traditional food

• They are only eaten during festivals

• They are a modern invention

Multiple Choice

A traditional Mexican food prepared on banana leaves.

• Tacos

• Tamales

• Burritos

• Quesadillas

Mole
The Nahuatl word mole is used to describe a wide variety of different dishes in Mexico. Almost all are rich sauces with a base of chili peppers (various kinds are used, including ancho and chipotle), spices, nuts, and fruits, that are served over some kind of meat. Some moles even contain chocolate.
With ingredients from four
continents, mole is considered a symbol of mestizaje, the mixing
of indigenous and European
traditions that gave rise to the Mexican people.

Multiple Choice

What is the significance of mole in terms of cultural heritage?

• It is a modern dish.

• It represents a blend of cultures.

• It is a symbol of isolation.

• It is a recent invention.

Enchiladas
Mexican cuisine sometimes
seems to be a quest to come up with every possible way there is to combine tortillas with a stuffing or topping (tacos, tostadas,
burritos…). Enchiladas enter the mix with their own unique twist – tortillas are wrapped around a filling (usually meat or cheese) then covered with more cheese and a sauce (often a mole sauce)
and then baked in the oven.
Hearty, filling, and delicious!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a way to combine tortillas mentioned in the text?

• Tacos

• Tostadas

• Burritos

• Sandwiches

Elote
A street food favorite. Elote is
grilled corn on the cob, with
cheese, lime juice, chili, and
mayonnaise. Simple, and
delicious!

Multiple Choice

What citrus ingredient is used in Elote?

• Orange juice

• Lemon juice

• Lime juice

• Grapefruit juice

Multiple Choice

What is a key flavor component of Elote?

• Vanilla

• Chili

• Mint

• Cinnamon

Multiple Choice

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of Elote?

• Grilled

• Spicy

• Raw

• Topped with mayonnaise

Chilaquiles
Breakfast of champions! Fried
tortillas, salsa, chicken, queso
fresco, and avocado — what’s
not to like? And, chilaquiles is
another dish with a Nahuatl
name, emphasizing its deep
roots in Mexico. A great way to
start the day.

Multiple Choice

Which type of cheese is mentioned in the description of chilaquiles?

• Cheddar

• Mozzarella

• Queso fresco

• Parmesan

Multiple Choice

Chilaquiles is a dish with roots in which country?

• Spain

• Italy

• Mexico

• Brazil

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of chilaquiles according to the text?

• It is a traditional dish

• It is a dessert

• It has a Nahuatl name

• It is a breakfast dish

Multiple Choice

What is emphasized about chilaquiles in the text?

• Its sweetness

• Its deep roots in Mexico

• Its spiciness

• Its simplicity

Tacos
Last, but certainly not least,
is the mighty taco. First in
the hearts of Mexicans, and
beloved around the world. A
taco consists of a small corn
or flour tortilla with some
kind of filling on top, often
meat, cheese, sour cream,
vegetables, avocado, salsa,
or all of the above. The
tortilla is folded in half
around the filling and eaten
by hand. The varieties of
tacos are almost endless.

Multiple Choice

What is the main purpose of the tortilla in a taco?

• To add sweetness

• To hold the filling

• To provide crunch

• To add spice

Multiple Choice

Which ingredient is NOT typically found in a taco?

• Avocado

• Sour cream

• Chocolate

• Cheese