While you may be familiar with many methods of cooking used in Mexico, there are a few that you may want to learn about. Sure, you have grilled, fried, and boiled food before. But have you ever used a steaming bucket? What about a molcajete?
Steaming is often used in Mexican cooking. A dish known as barbacoa is steamed. The meat is wrapped in a banana or cactus leaf before being suspended over a boiling pot in a deep pit to steam. Steaming buckets were used to steam tamales. This popular Mexican dish is made of a filling surrounded by masa, which is wrapped in corn husks. Special kettles are now made to make tamales that can cook many at the same time. Sweating is a technique used to skin fresh chilies. Onions and chilies are often soaked to help remove some of their heat. When soaked in milk or a combination of water and vinegar, the chilies become milder in flavor. They need to soak from 30 to 60 minutes.
Are you still wondering about the molcajete? It is a mortar and pestle that is used to grind or mash herbs and other ingredients. A metate y mano is a large tool made of stone. It is made with a slight concave surface so corn and other ingredients can be ground. This was how corn was prepared to make masa.
Mexican cooks often simmer and boil their food. Vegetables and meat may be placed into a pot to slowly cook all day long. By dinner time, the meat is so tender it falls to pieces. The meat is then used for carnitas, tacos, and many other recipes.
Grilling is a popular method of cooking in Mexico. The open flame adds so much flavor to the dish. Many meats are marinated in spices and peppers and then grilled so they can be used in various recipes. Grilling and roasting increases the flavor of tomatoes, garlic, onions, chilies and tomatillos. The flame kisses the ingredients, caramelizing the sugars and creating delicious flavors.
Stewing is a very traditional technique that has been used in food preparation in Mexico for generations. Cooking foods for long periods of time were a common way to get all the goodness from the food. Sometimes, the meat and vegetables were stewed separately before being combined later. This can be done today in a Dutch oven, but traditionally in Mexico, they used a clay cazuela.
You can also use some quick Mexican recipes that will have you eating dinner before you know it. Not every dish needs to be cooked all day long. Do not be afraid to try some new techniques now and then. Learn about new cooking methods and adapt them to your needs. Incorporating new cooking techniques can increase your cooking skills and it is a lot of fun to try new foods.
As you will learn, there is so much to study with Mexican cuisine. The cooking methods and diversity of flavors create a lifelong study on their own. Dig right in and get started.
Mexican food makes a great change from our usual staples and if you want to surprise your family with something different tonight it’s great. Mexican food is nutritious and flavorful and sure to be a favorite. easy Mexican recipes are as easy to make as they are tasty. As the mom of four boys Mexican food is a favorite in our home.
http://www.MexicanFoodRecipes.org When it has to be Real Authentic Mexican Food
Article Source: What You Need to Know about Mexican Cooking Methods
