Mexican food is one of the world’s most beloved cuisines, with a combination of indigenous and European influences that have made many dishes popular around the globe. It’s also a healthy diet and has been shown to help you lose weight and lower your cholesterol levels.

The history of Mexican food dates back to the pre-Hispanic period when the country’s indigenous peoples cultivated corn and other crops, introducing new ingredients like vanilla, chocolate, tomatoes, and chile peppers. In the 1300s, Spain invaded and introduced more European food to Mexico. These new ingredients were used to rework traditional dishes and add new flavor elements.

Some of the staples that were brought by Spain include garlic, olive oil, spices, and dairy products. These were combined with the traditional recipes and cooking methods of the Mexicans to create a delicious array of dishes.

Among the most popular and iconic dishes of Mexican cuisine are tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and tostadas. These are often served as appetizers in Mexican restaurants and can be made with various fillings including meat, cheese, or vegetables.

Tacos

When you think of a taco, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a crunchy deep-fried tortilla shell filled with ground beef, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and hot sauce. In fact, this is how many Americans imagine it when they hear the word “taco.” But if you’re looking for a real authentic taste of Mexican cuisine, it’s important to know what the taco actually looks like inside.

A taco should be topped with salsa and some sort of condiment to help cool your tongue, while the salsa should have a bit of spice. There are different kinds of salsa, but you’ll probably be most familiar with a salsa that has a lot of sourness and a little heat.

Enchiladas

In Mexico, enchiladas are stuffed with a variety of fillings and served with a layer of requeson (a type of ricotta cheese). They can be topped with fresh salsa or guajillo chili sauce.

Sopa de lima

Sopa de lima, or lime soup, is another classic dish from Mexico. The bitter tang of the lime juice balances out the sweetness of chicken and tomatoes for a balanced meal.

Tomatillos

Tomatillos, or green tomatoes, are a popular ingredient in many Mexican dishes. They can be boiled or roasted and paired with pork as in chile verde or as a topping for fish, beef, or vegetarian dishes.

Avocados

Not just a tasty side dish, avocados are a major source of fiber in Mexican cuisine and a healthy addition to any diet. They can be eaten on their own or mashed and mixed with onions, a squeeze of lemon juice and chilli peppers to make the traditional sauce known as guacamole.

Hormigas Chicatanas

This is a dish that might be hard to prepare, but is worth the effort if you’re adventurous enough. This is a beautiful and unique dish that’s a mole de hormigas. It’s a thick, dark sauce made with over twenty different ingredients, including cocoa, almonds, bananas, walnuts, raisins, and tortillas.