Traveling Table Series: Mexico
Welcome to this month’s Traveling Table series, where we invite you to explore Mexico’s rich flavors, history, and culinary traditions. Mexico is a country known for its vibrant food culture, infused with the spices of ancient civilizations and European influences.
Mexican Cuisine and Culture: A Tapestry of Heritage
Mexico is a vibrant tapestry of culture, art, music, and heritage. From ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Maya to modern-day celebrations, Mexican culture is infused with a deep sense of tradition and a love of life. The spirit of “La Familia” and “La Comunidad” (family and community) is central to Mexican life, reflected in the warmth of its people, the bustling plazas, and lively festivals.
Festivals and Traditions in Mexican Cuisine and Culture
One of the most significant celebrations is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a holiday that honors deceased loved ones with colorful altars, marigolds, and sugar skulls. This celebration, held on November 1st and 2nd, is a blend of Aztec rituals and Catholic influences, representing the Mexican view that death is a natural part of life. Throughout Mexico, families gather to remember their ancestors with offerings, music, and laughter, celebrating life in a profound way.
Mexican Art and its Role in Cuisine and Culture
Mexican art is a captivating fusion of indigenous traditions and Spanish influence. Known for its bold colors and rich symbolism, Mexican folk art is often rooted in religious themes, nature, and community life. Talavera pottery, with its intricate blue and white designs, is a popular art form that originated in Puebla. Huichol yarn paintings and beaded art from the indigenous Huichol people depict visions of nature and spirituality using vibrant colors and intricate designs, reflecting the spiritual connection of the Huichol with their surroundings.
The influence of world-renowned Mexican artists like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera continues to impact art and culture around the globe. Kahlo’s introspective and often surreal self-portraits are celebrated for their emotional depth and exploration of identity, while Rivera’s sweeping murals capture the struggles and triumphs of Mexican history, often featuring working-class heroes and Indigenous figures.
Mexican Culinary Staples in Cuisine and Culture
Mexican music is as diverse as its cuisine, ranging from mariachi and ranchera to son jarocho and norteño. Mariachi is perhaps the most internationally recognized, with its bold horns, stringed instruments, and soulful voices that evoke romance, heartache, and celebration.
Traditional Mexican dance is also an expressive art form, with styles like folklorico and jarabe tapatío (the Mexican hat dance). Folklorico dancers wear colorful, ruffled dresses and perform choreographed steps that tell the story of Mexico’s diverse regions, from the rhythmic foot-stamping of the northern states to the more graceful movements of Veracruz.
Architecture and Ancient Ruins
Mexico is also known for its incredible architecture, spanning thousands of years from the ancient pyramids to colonial churches and contemporary buildings. The Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan’s Pyramid of the Sun and Moon are testaments to Mexico’s advanced ancient civilizations. These ruins attract visitors from around the world, eager to connect with the deep history embedded in these sites. In the cities, colonial architecture with ornate cathedrals and colorful buildings reflects Spain’s influence, creating a beautiful juxtaposition with the modern architecture rising in cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara.
Mexico Today: A Blend of Old and New
Today, Mexico continues to blend tradition with innovation. From the bustling art scene in Mexico City to the coastal beauty of Tulum, Mexican culture is thriving, with a renewed focus on environmental sustainability, indigenous rights, and cultural preservation. Mexican artisans continue to craft with care, musicians infuse traditional sounds with modern beats, and chefs innovate classic recipes to create unforgettable dishes.
Mexican Culinary Staples
Mexican cuisine is all about fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a mix of textures. Common staples include corn, beans, avocados, tomatoes, and chili peppers, which are foundational to dishes like tacos, tamales, and enchiladas. For today’s table, we’ll highlight a few classic recipes that capture the heart of Mexican cooking and pair them with complementary wines.
Recipe #1: Tacos al Pastor with Pineapple Salsa
Originating from central Mexico, Tacos al Pastor were influenced by Lebanese immigrants who introduced shawarma-style cooking. This delicious street food classic features marinated pork, cooked to a tender-crisp, then topped with a refreshing pineapple salsa.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- Marinade: 2 tbsp achiote paste, 2 tbsp vinegar, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 garlic clove, salt to taste
- Pineapple salsa: 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice
Instructions:
Marinate the pork for at least two hours, then cook it over high heat on a skillet or grill until slightly crispy. Serve in warm corn tortillas and top with fresh pineapple salsa.
Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the spices and sweetness of the pineapple salsa, bringing out the smoky flavors in the pork without overpowering them.
Recipe #2: Chicken Enchiladas with Mole Sauce
Mole, a thick and flavorful sauce with a blend of spices, chocolate, and chili peppers, is one of Mexico’s most celebrated contributions to culinary arts. Chicken enchiladas coated in mole sauce are a savory and sweet delight.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- Mole sauce: 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tbsp peanut butter, 1 chipotle pepper, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, salt
- Corn tortillas
Instructions:
Simmer all mole ingredients until smooth and rich in flavor. Coat the shredded chicken with mole sauce, wrap in tortillas, and bake until heated through.
Wine Pairing: An earthy Tempranillo complements the richness of the mole, highlighting the sauce’s chocolate notes and balancing the spice with its smooth tannins.
Recipe #3: Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Elote, or grilled corn on the cob, is a popular street food that embodies the vibrant spirit of Mexican cuisine. It’s charred and then topped with a mixture of mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- Chili powder, lime wedges
Instructions:
Grill the corn until charred. Brush with mayonnaise, sprinkle with cotija cheese and chili powder, and serve with lime wedges for extra zest.
Wine Pairing: A Chardonnay with a bit of oak brings out the creaminess of the cheese and mayo, while the citrus notes amplify the lime’s brightness.
Mexican Wines
While Mexican cuisine is well-loved around the world, Mexican wines are a hidden gem. Most wines are produced in the Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California, where the Mediterranean climate is ideal for grape growing. The most popular grape varietals are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Tempranillo.
Tequila and Mezcal: A Mexican Spirit Showcase
No journey to Mexico is complete without experiencing tequila and mezcal. Tequila, made from the blue agave plant in Jalisco, offers a smooth, citrusy taste that works well in cocktails or on its own. Mezcal, meanwhile, is smokier and made from various types of agave, often roasted in underground pits. Try a Tequila Paloma or sip a neat Espadín Mezcal to fully appreciate the complexity of these spirits.
¡Salud!
We love food! As you might have noticed from our perfectly paired coursed dinners or our Instagram. This is why we’ve started to share these recipes with you. So you to can share in our joy of food, and that exquisite moment when you taste the perfect wine with the dish you cooked!
Alternatively, join us for dinner. Not everyone likes to cook, we know this. Come in and see our new menu. Our chef has created some fun twists on classic dishes so that everyone can find something they like. Book your reservation today by calling us at (417)882-0399 Sip, Smoke, Savor friends! Happy cooking, and we’ll see you soon!
