Great Mexican cooks are only as good as what’s in their kitchens. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 10 foods that are the backbone of any Mexican meal, whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
The ingredient list goes beyond basics like salt and oil; instead, we chose ingredients that are distinctive yet adaptable and add spark to a range of preparations. A few of these ingredients are harder to find, but we offer suggestions of where to find them.
• Epazote – Also known as the “Mexican tea”; Epazote has a slightly tangy, almost lemony flavor that it is hard to substitute. Just a couple of leaves add incomparable flavor to beans, soups, quesadillas and stews. However, finding fresh Epazote is always a challenge. In Dallas, it can be found at some Mexican markets such as Fiesta and El Rancho or you can order it online. You can substitute with dried epazote; just use ¼ of what you would use if using fresh.
• Dried Peppers– There are seemingly a million chile pepper varieties out there. Ideally, you’d have most of them in your pantry, but unless you cook traditional Mexican dishes every day, that’s not something we would recommend. Instead, have these three varieties always in stock so you can use them to add an extra layer of flavor and heat to your dishes. You can normally find them at Central Market or any Mexican grocery store:
Dry Arbol chile – these beautiful thin, red chiles will not only increase the heat level of any dish, but also add a pleasant, herb-y flavor. You can fry 3-4 pods in 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil for 10 seconds. Let cool and crumble over dish.
Dry Pasilla chile – these dark, wrinkled chiles are a flavorful spice with berry-raisin-cocoa overtones. Fry them the same way as the arbols and add them to tomato-based soups and beans.
Dry Chipotle chile – chipotles are ripe, red jalapeno peppers that have been dried and slowly wood-smoked. They are rich, smoky and sometimes hot. Add them whole or in pieces to pasta dishes, soups and stews.
• Cilantro – this polarizing herb’s taste is a fragrant mix of parsley and citrus (lime-lemon). Add it as a garnish to your pico de gallo, chicken dumpling soup or any saucy meal. You can normally find it at any store.
• Tomatoes – Fresh tomatoes are not only used to create topping salsas like pico de gallo, but also to add texture and flavor to many Mexican dishes. Always have one or two tomatoes at hand. You can quarter them and add them at the end to a stir-fry or any stew. Or you can slice them in thin rounds and serve them as a side with some queso fresco and cilantro on top (some people would call it the Mexican caprese salad)
• Onion – Yes, we know, onion is an essential ingredient for almost any cuisine. But, for Mexican, it is also a great garnish that you can use to top off tacos, enchiladas, chilaquiles and even soupy stews such as Pozole. We recommend using either white or yellow onion. Available everywhere.
• Corn tortillas – Nothing can beat the supple texture and earthy flavor of corn tortillas. While preferably you would buy freshly made ones (such as “El Milagro” sold at Central Market; or the ones from Fiesta), you can also buy commercial brands. Just make sure that the ingredients are corn, water and slaked lime (or corn treated with lime or trace of lime). Corn tortillas have infinite uses, from a garnish for soups to tostadas, tacos and enchiladas.
• Beans – Whether you like them black, pinto or bayos; beans are a Mexican staple. Use them as a side, to enliven your morning eggs or to make molletes (Mexican bruschetta).
• Avocado – This rich, buttery fruit is a must at any Mexican table. They are available year round and can be found at any grocery store. Avocados bring a creamy, delicious flavor to almost any dish, including sandwiches, quesadillas, salads, salsas and tacos.
• Mölli sauces and marinades – Of course we have to recommend always having any, if not all, of our sauces or marinades in the pantry. They are made following the traditional recipes and cooking methods of interior regions of Mexico. Our sauces are the delicious foundation to any dish. Simply brown the meat in a skillet, add sauce, and simmer. Our marinades add exceptional flavor to any meal. Simply coat fish, chicken, pork or beef; marinate in the refrigerator, and cook as desired.
