A Mexican cookbook is an excellent addition to any kitchen. From the classics to contemporary dishes, this cuisine is brimming with bright flavors and techniques that add vibrancy to a variety of meals. The recipes from top chefs like Enrique Olvera of Pujol in Mexico City and Cosme in New York, Chopped judge Aaron Sanchez, and Food Network host Marcela Valladolid are sure to please the whole family.

Many of the best mexican recipes include a variety of meats and seafood. Popular tacos and burritos rely on tender beef, usually shredded rather than ground, while short ribs get royal treatment marinated in citrus, chiles and herbs and then grilled. Carnitas, pork shoulder cooked until meltingly tender in a braising liquid of chiles and aromatic herbs, is another standby used in tacos, burritos and enchiladas and paired with mole sauces.

These mexican recipes also showcase a range of vegetables, legumes and grains. Refried beans, a staple of American Tex-Mex cuisine, are often prepared with pinto beans, but black or red beans may be substituted. Vegetables such as corn, squash and carrots are common in Mexican cooking and are often used to add sweetness or a fresh flavor to main courses. In addition to beans and veggies, tortillas are a major component of many Mexican meals. The tortillas are usually made from corn flour but wheat and rice are also used. The tortillas can be served as a main course, in tacos and other handheld foods or folded into a burrito with other fillings and then topped with salsas or guacamole.

Fruit desserts are also popular in Mexico, largely because of the abundant produce available across the country. Plantains, bananas and mango are the most commonly used fruits but oranges are also a favorite. Recipes for these dishes are often infused with sweet spices such as cinnamon and chocolate.

Mexican cooking often features a wide selection of drinks and snacks to complement the main course. A popular beverage is the margarita, which is a tequila-based cocktail garnished with lime juice, triple sec and crushed ice. Other popular drinks include sangria and the ever-present guacamole.