Are you looking for the best Mexican restaurants in your area? Since you probably prefer authentic Mexican food, you’ll be pleased to know that one out of every ten restaurants in the United States has Mexican food on their menu. This makes Mexican food at the top of the list as the most popular international cuisine in this country.
Mexican cuisine is believed to have been derived from traditional Mayan food. This means that its origins go back approximately 2000 years. There have been other influences on Mexican food because of the country’s location to the United States. You may, for example, have heard of Tex-Mex. This fusion of Mexican and Texan ingredients first appeared within the 1940s.
Salsa, as you may be aware, has become a more popular condiment than either ketchup or mayonnaise. There are so many different types of salsa available, too. In addition to what is often considered to be a traditional red salsa made with tomatoes, there is also a green sauce made with tomatillos, which resemble little green tomatoes. Many restaurants may offer salsa made with other fruits, such as mango. Chips served with salsa and guacamole is a favorite snack or appetizer in the United States.
Did you know that tortillas have become more popular than hotdog buns? Whether people are choosing corn or flour tortillas, they have outsold hotdog buns since 2010. This isn’t surprising as they make a great wrap for breakfast and other types of burritos as well as an accompaniment to beans, rice, and soup.
Enchiladas are a favorite Mexican dish, and these were firstintroduced to the United States during 1885. The concept of using tortillas for a wrap is credited to the Aztecs, however. The word, “enchilada,” means, “in chile.” Enchiladas, as well as other Mexican dishes, are covered with different types of moles, or sauces. As with other types of cuisine, the type of sauce used will depend on the dish. Here are the seven different types of Oaxacan moles:
- Amarillo
- Chichilo
- Coloradito
- Manchamantel
- Negro
- Rojo
- Verde
Each one of these moles has a distinct flavor profile. Negro, for example, is a rich, black sauce made with chocolate. Verde is a spicy, bright green sauce made with a variety of ingredients. Just a few of these are pepitas, tomatillos, jalapenos, and the distinct spice, epazote. It’s important to note that each one of these moles has a long list of ingredients that provide their distinct flavor.
Since you’re looking for the best Mexican restaurants in your area, you’re not alone. Roughly 75% of people in the United States want to experience new flavors that are associated with international cuisines. Bolder flavors and unfamiliar foods are much sought after by about 66% of the people within this country. When you dine at the best Mexican restaurants, you’ll be sure to experience something new.