Food
is one the best reasons to visit Mexico. Mexico has been strongly
influenced by foreign countries like Spain, France and North
America producing a rich blend of dishes that are famous around
the world. Even within Mexico the cuisine is delightfully diverse
and the types of food available vary greatly from region to
region.
Food in Mexico plays an integral part in parties, rituals,
festivals and any personal celebrations. Comida is the main
meal of the day and is approached with relish and respect for
the time and work that went into making it. The main meal starts
off with a soup course, called the sopa aguada. The next course
would be either a rice or pasta preparation called sopa seca.
The main dish is next which may consist of a chicken, pork or
beef dish these are invariable served with beans. Fresh homemade
fruit juice is generally served along with the comida.
Mexico is famous for its avocados, beans, corn, squash, jicama,
tomatoes, chocolate, papaya, guava, vanilla, a variety of spices,
and of course, chili peppers. Some varieties of chili peppers
native to Mexico include bell peppers, pasilla, habanero, ancho,
pimentos, serranos, fresno and jalapeños. Mexico has
three traditional sauces or dips. The world famous Salsa is
generally an uncooked mixture of tomatoes, onions and chile.
Guacamole is made of mashed avocado and spices. Mole is a rich,
dark brown sauce served hot with meat.
Mescal,
Tequila and margaritas are the traditional Mexican beverages.
Mescal is originally from the State of Oaxaca, is a strong,
pale liquor distilled from agave and is bottled with a worm
inside. Margarita is a drink made of tequila, citrus liqueur
and limejuice. It is served with crushed ice in a glass with
a salt rim. Women however prefer flavored waters that they serve
in big earthenware bowls placed in a large basin full of ice,
decorated with banana leaves and flowers. These would include
tamarind water, pitahaya, tascalate with chocolate, etc.
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