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The Basics Of Mexican Cooking
from: DietFitnessCenter.comMexican cooking is a great way to enjoy food from another culture. For those individuals who do not know much about Mexican cooking, there is some basic information and tips for how to cook these specialty dishes.
The first step in Mexican cooking is having basic Mexican staples in the pantry. Ancho Chiles, which are dried Poblano Chiles, are perfect for marinades or chili because of their flavor. Cilantro is best used when fresh for salsa or guacamole. It is recommended to keep Cilantro wrapped in a damp towel. Dried Guajillo Chiles are spicier than Ancho Chiles, but are still good over fruits, vegetables, soups, or stews. Jicama, which is a root vegetable much like a potato, is great in slaws and salads or as a snack by itself. Masa Harina comes from dried grain corn cooked with lime and then ground into a paste. The paste then gets dehydrated into flour which is the Masa Harina. This flour is used to make tortillas. Queso Anejo is cheese from cow's milk that adds salt to dishes. Serrano Chiles which add kicks of flavor to dishes.
Homemade tortillas are the basic component to most Mexican cooking. Hot off the griddle, these tortillas then get other basic ingredients like fire roasted chiles, griddle roasting dried chiles, or tomatoes under a broiler or in a skillet. These basic ingredients provided the basis for most salsas, marinades, spicy condiments, and stews. These basic ingredients receive other ingredients like Cilantro, Onion, and Radishes to complete the dish.
Individuals can learn how to make their own homemade tortillas for great Mexican cooking. Individuals should purchase some Masa Harina, add to it water, and knead the dough until it becomes soft. Divide the dough into twelve equal parts then roll the parts into balls. Individuals will need a tortilla press. Cover the press with plastic wrap place the ball of dough into the center and press. Turn the handle from side to side to flatten the dough. Open the press turn the dough one half turn and close the press again. Place the tortilla into a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook fifteen to thirty seconds then flip the tortilla and cook another thirty seconds. Flip again and cook thirty to forty five seconds.
One basic recipe is chicken marinated with red chiles or marinade adobo. The marinade contains red chiles, garlic, other spices, and vinegar. Individuals should sauté the chiles over medium heat for about two minutes. Then the chiles need strained through a sieve to create a sauce. Place the chile sauce over chicken and potatoes then roast.
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