Do you want to spice up your life? No problem. Mexico is your answer! Read about Mexico and the corn people.
Everyone who is in Mexico for the first time, will ask himself the question: “How is my mouth going to survive this country?” A country who serves so many different kinds of chillies that you can pick a new one every other day. Yes, that’s right. Mexico has over 150 different kinds of chillies. And yes, you are going to have a hard-burning time, if you really want to go local.
They put chillies in their sauces, over their tacos, and in their burritos. They cook the meat in it and even spice their beers up with chillies. More than often you will see an old local woman chewing on some green veggie. Maybe it’s a bell pepper? Or some weird kind of cucumber snack? Think again. It probably will be a chilli.
Can anyone pass me the sauce?
That said, you don’t have to burn your mouth if you prefer less spicy food. Simply ask for a “no spicy” meal, solves almost all the problems. And honestly, Mexicans like to be in control. You will notice a good local taco restaurant when it offers a lot of sauces on the table. Mexicans like to mix and match. The meal will be served in a basic way, maybe cooked with some flavours, but not too overwhelming. When the meal reaches your table, you will be your own boss. You can decide if you want to put that chilli-sauce on it or not. How friendly is that?
The Corn People
And nice they are! Did you, for example, hear about the wonderful Mayan people? The Mayans were one of the ancient cultures who lived in Mexico before the Spanish conquered the country. Nowadays there are still some of them living in Mexico. Their story tells that they called themselves “Corn People”. They believed that the Corn God created the first human out of corn. And now, hundreds of years later, corn is still one of the main ingredients in Mexico.
Tortilla? Taco? Burrito? Ehh?
Over the years, they got really creative with their use of corn. On the side of the street, you can find the corn on a stick, in small baskets full of mayo and sauces or widely spread over their nachos. Also, they turn corn dishes magically in a tortilla, burrito, quesadilla, tostada, gordita, and more… It all may seem kind of similar, but for the Mexicans, it’s a world full of differences. And when you stay a little longer and try some different types on the menu, surely you will find your favourite!
Can I get something else, please?
Although it sometimes seems like that there are only tortillas on the menu, the Mexican kitchen serves so much more than that. They can cook delicious meals in corn leaves, or go crazy shopping for a barbecue party where everyone is invited. On the burning plates, they will prepare big pieces of fresh meat or be getting local with the green cactus which you can find in the surrounding deserts.
On parties, they love to bring up the heat with some soup. From chicken, pork, lime, and beans the women of the house make the tastiest liquids. Fresh fish can be caught all over the coastal area and will turn fried, baked, cooked or even fresh with some lime on your plate. Oh, and let’s not forget: who doesn’t love their guacamole with a good portion of nachos?
Why make it simple, if you can make it extraordinary?
One thing for sure about the Mexican cuisine is that it is never simple. Just some bread with cheese? No way. They always have to add some tomatoes, avocado, lemon, salad, and sauces. Just a beer?
I don’t think so. They even put sauces in that one. You can say a lot about Mexican cuisine, but for sure it is never simple and always extraordinary. All the Mexican dishes are made full of love and creativity. You will end up licking your lips and graving for more.
Jolande Louis is from Mijn Reisparadijs, click here to read more about her travel experiences.
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