Mexican Spices

What is the fastest way to turn a boring dish into an amazing Mexican dish? You guessed it - add spices. Mexican herbs and spices have an amazing taste and can instantly jazz up any dish in a flash. Check out all the main herbs and spices used below.

Secrets to Mexican Herbs and Spices 101
By Christine Szalay Kudra

The herbs and spices used in Mexican cuisine are what truly give you the Mexican flavor you are craving. Without these spices, Mexican food would be bland. These herbs and spices bring out the goodness that we have come to expect from Mexican cuisine. If you truly want to make Mexican food, it pays to know about the spices.

The Best Known of the Mexican Spices

Probably the most well known seasoning in Mexico is chile powder. This is made by mixing many different chilies that have been dried and ground. Chilies are also used fresh or roasted. Chipotle is made from jalapeno peppers that have been smoked and dried. Ancho is made from a chile with a sweet, fruity flavor. Many commercial chile powders that are found at the store are made of a combination of chilies, salt, oregano, garlic, coriander, and cumin.

Epazote is used in bean dishes. This tall green herb is also known as Mexican tea. It adds flavor and helps relieve digestive issues that beans can cause. Epazote is potent, so only add a leaf or two to your dishes. Large quantities of epazote can be toxic.

Color and Flavor All in One

If you need a distinctive flavor or a yellow coloring to a dish, use annatto seeds. They are often added to sauces and rice dishes. The seeds are soaked for at least an hour in water before use. The water can also be used in cooking. The crushed seeds are often used in marinades.

Almost as Well Know as Chile Powder

Cilantro is an herb that looks a lot like flat leaf parsley. In reality, they are the leaves of the coriander plant. Cilantro is always used fresh. The flavor is a bit pungent and it adds a nice tanginess to a recipe. It works well in salsas, rice, beans, moles, stews, and soups. Cilantro brightens up the flavor of many dishes.

The seeds of the cumin plant are often used in Mexican cooking. Cumin seeds can be used ground into powder or whole. It is often used with chile powder to create a nice balance in the flavors. Soups, stews and many other dishes are better after you add cumin. Azafran, also known as safflower or Mexican saffron, adds flavor and color to a dish, making it a beautiful yellow. This spice is used sparingly because it can be bitter. It is frequently added to rice or seafood.

Traditional Mexican Food and Its Wonderful Flavor

If you pay attention to traditional Mexican food, you will notice that these spices are used a lot along with oregano and thyme. For a truly Mexican flavor, look for Mexican oregano instead of the more common Italian oregano. It has an earthier flavor. This herb can be found in some specialty herb catalogs. It is unlikely that you will find it at the grocery store or in a local nursery unless you live in an area with a large Mexican population.

Familiarize yourself with the flavors of Mexico by studying the herbs and spices they commonly use in their cooking. You cannot get an authentic flavor without them. Make the most of your Mexican recipes by learning how to use these spices correctly. Your recipes will turn out much better once you understand the nuances of these seasonings.

Mexican food makes a great change from our usual staples and if you want to surprise your family with something deliciously different tonight. Traditional Mexican food is nutritious and flavorful and sure to become a family favorite. Mexican recipes are as easy to make as they are great tasting. As the mother of four boys I can tell you Mexican food is a favorite in our house.

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Article Source: Secrets to Mexican Herbs and Spices 101