1. Mexican Cuisine

2. Aztec Contribution Gardinero = vegetable and grain. Sweet potatoes
Corn
Cocoa
Potatoes
Turkey
Pineapple
Vanilla
Sweet potatoes
Peanuts
Peppers
Squash
Tomatoes
Avocados
Beans

3. Spanish Influence Introduced the oven Started frying in oil
Spanish rice- added tomatoes and chilies to rice
Brought spices; cinnamon and cloves.
Wheat = tortillas
Beef and chicken
Peaches and apricots

4. Nutrition High in- Frying very important in Mexican cooking
Fat
Cholesterol
Sodium
Calories
Vegetables and grain consumption
Frying very important in Mexican cooking
Corn tortillas = 1g of fat
Flour tortillas= 3g of fat
Weight problems
Heart disease

5. STAPLE FOODS Corn Beans Peppers tortillas
¾ of population live on beans and tortillas

6. Mexican food
Tortilla – flat unleavened bread from cornmeal/ wheat flour and water.
1. Enchiladas: shredded meat, onions , garlic, chilies melted cheese and red or green tomato sauce; baked in a tortilla.
2. Tostadas: flat crisp fried tortillas garnished with toppings
3.Quesadillas: filled with meat, beans, cheese, then folded in half; served as a appetizers
4. Burritos: wrapped around bean and meat filling
5. Tacos: crisp shell or soft shell filled with beans , meat, lettuce and cheese. Aka Mexican sandwich
6. Chimichanga: burritos that are deep fried

7. Mexican Food: Beans and Peppers
Beans: staple food
Pinto beans
Black beans
Turtle beans
Cooked until soft, mashed and fried provide protein and fiber
Peppers:
Mild = sweet peppers
Hot = chilies
Bell = most common

8. Mexican Food: Vegetables and Fruit
Served before main dish
Vegetables
Cactus
Beans
Jicama
Tomatillos
Chilies
Artichokes
Sweet potatoes
Choyote = green squash
Fruits
Avocados

9. Mexican Food: Soups and Stews
Wet soup- beans and corn
Dry soup- rice and macaroni
Fish soup- popular in costal regions
Sauces: thick, some have chocolate added
Stews: begin as a sauce- add tomato paste and meat
Mole: chili sauce

10. Mexican Food: Meats Pork Lamb Chicken Turkey
Chorizo- spicy pork sausage
Seafood:
Lobster
Turtle
Shark
Also eat peanuts for protein source

11. Mexican Foods: Spices, seasonings and flavorings
Bell peppers
Jalapenos
Garlic
Onions
Chilies
Chili powder
Salsa
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Cloves
Cumin
Cilantro- most important
Vanilla

12. Mexican Food: Desserts
Very fond of desserts
Flan – caramelized custard
Sopapillas – pastry
Churros- a pastry covered in cinnamon and sugar
Tropical fruit
Mangos
Papayas
Candied sweet potatoes

13. Mexican Food: Beverages
Chocolate drinks- hot, vanilla, almond and cinnamon flavor
Coffee – boiled to thick sugary consistency

14. Mexican Meal Patterns 4 meals a day
Desayuno- breakfast; heavy
Comida – Lunch; between 1pm-3pm, biggest meal
Merienda- Snack; between 5pm-6pm; coffee and breads
Cera – supper; between 8pm-10pm lighter meal