When it comes to Mexican recipes, it’s the sauce and condiments that set dishes apart. A few simple ingredients can elevate an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. And these easy, streamlined versions of classic Mexican dishes are perfect for busy cooks.
Corn holds a special place in many of the most popular Mexican food recipes, such as tortillas, quesadillas, enchiladas and burritos. Kidney beans and other legumes, as well as squashes like pumpkin and zucchini, are common in Mexican cooking, too. Those staples are joined by herbs and spices including cilantro, mint, oregano and sage. And, of course, chili peppers.
A good Mexican dish has its own unique “sazon,” a blend of spices and other flavorings that make it distinctive, notes Lopez. But rather than trying to mimic the flavors of a restaurant-quality dish, he suggests that cooks simply focus on making the recipe their own. “Use whatever spices and other ingredients you love, but just try to keep it simple and let the sazon naturally come through.”
Tex-Mex dishes are known for their hearty, delicious flavor. And they are very easy to make at home, even for people with little or no culinary experience. “Try to stay away from heavy creams and other rich ingredients, which can overwhelm the taste of a Mexican dish,” Lopez says. “And use less oil when cooking. That way you can still get that great Tex-Mex flavor without all the calories.”
A chilada is a Mexican dish consisting of a warm corn tortilla topped with melted cheese and refried beans, often with salsa and guacamole on the side. Another popular chilada is a taco, which can be filled with beef, chicken, pork or vegetarian fillings. Refried beans, shredded lettuce and crumbled cheese are also commonly used in tacos.
Tacos are easy to make at home, too. And they are a great dish to serve as a party appetizer or as the main dish for a family dinner. Carne asada is one of the most popular carne asada recipes, and it can be made in a variety of ways to suit personal tastes.
Moles are famous in Oaxaca for their complex, time-consuming preparations featuring more than 20 ingredients. But Chopped judge Aaron Sanchez shaves time off the traditional process by replacing the long-simmered mole with two time-saving ingredients: fresh chorizo (which is already spiced) and pozole, an elaborately spiced soup made with hominy that’s traditionally stewed for hours with a variety of meats and vegetables.