We are convinced that anyone in the world is able to guess the common denominator referring to the following series of words: America, sea, pyramids, tourism, holidays.
Do you know the answer? We are talking about Mexico, a destination for trips that combine relaxation and culture, particularly if we look at the Riviera Maya that joins the blue waters of the Caribbean with the gigantic archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian ruins.
However, our list of keywords lacks an essential element: gastronomy.
A rich culinary tradition
When it comes to eating, Mexicans usually say barriga llena, corazón contento, which translates to “full belly, happy heart”, and says a lot about how much care and love Mexicans put on their food.
Rich in spices, on the border between indigenous and Spanish tradition and characterized by strong and marked aroma, Mexican cuisine is one of the most varied and appreciated in the world. Everything in Mexico “speaks” of chili, tortillas, corn, beer, tequila, and beans.
The intense, typical smell, always ready to awaken the appetite, comes from almost every household, from the restaurants, the huge markets, always rich in specialties and unique dishes. You don’t have to worry about the place, Mexicans do know how to enjoy delightful traditional dishes anywhere, anytime.
The basic ingredients of local cuisine, including those which came from Spain, have become an integral part of everyone’s diet. Foods like beans, corn, pumpkin, pepper, avocados, even chocolate, amaranth and chia have been mastered in this country.
Origins of Mexican cuisine
Mexican cuisine is the result of a crossbreeding of cultures and you can appreciate the vision that Mexicans have of the world in it.
We owe the credit to the ancient civilizations that have prospered over the millennia, since their origins go back 10,000 years ago when corn was first cultivated to become the food base of the Mesoamerican peoples.
By that time, vegetables, corn and chili were part of the main diet for the people living in the region. Nevertheless, several ingredients of equal significance were added, such as avocado, tomato, pumpkin, chocolate and even vanilla.
After the discovery of America, Spanish settlers brought from Europe many new components to Mexican cuisine, from different types of meats to vegetables unknown to locals. And among all those new ingredients, one of the stars is undoubtedly rice, which is now proudly considered Mexican.
Rice as a part of Mexican culture
Rice has been and continues to be a staple in the diet of the Mexicans, it has become so important within the culture and traditions of this country that there are many typical dishes that are prepared with this food everyday.
The properties, health benefits, and versatility that characterize rice are just some of the many reasons that have made this element part of Mexican gastronomy.
Just as there are many varieties of rice around the world, there are also in Mexico, and each of them has been used to create different dishes with different flavors, ingredients, preparations, and nuances.
Next, you’ll see the recipe for the most typical and traditional dish made with rice mahatmarice.com/recipes/traditional-mexican-rice/ from the Mexican culture. So it’s an invitation to surprise your beloved ones with this delicious dish.
Traditional Mexican Rice with jalapeños
Ingredients:
- 2 tomatoes, cut into 4 pieces.
- 1 small onion, cut into large pieces.
- 1 jalapeño pepper.
- 2 tablespoons of oil.
- 2 cloves of garlic.
- 1 1/2 cup white rice.
- 1 1/2 cup chicken broth (you can also use warm water).
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
- Salt to taste.
- Chopped cilantro to decorate.
Preparation:
- Put onions and tomatoes in a blender. They must be ground completely.
- Remove the seeds from the jalapeno and cut them into small squares.
- Then heat a pot with the two tablespoons of oil for a minute. Add the rice and let it cook for a while, stirring it to avoid sticking. When the rice takes another color, taste if it’s ready, this takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Then add the finely chopped garlic cloves, the jalapeno, stir for about a minute. Add the tomato and onion mixture, the chicken broth or water, as well as the tablespoon of tomato paste. Finally, add the salt to taste.
- Cover the pot and cook over medium-low heat for 25 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed by the rice. Make sure the rice doesn’t overcook.
- Once ready, serve with chopped fresh cilantro on top, and enjoy.
