Empanadas, Quesadillas, Tortillas and Tamales are just a few examples of authentic Mexican recipes. These authentic Mexican recipes offer a delectable taste of Mexican culture and culinary experience. A buffet of all-natural spices and seasonings all help to enhance delicious, authentic Mexican recipes. These recipes have been passed from one generation to the next and maintain the authenticity without losing anything in taste and flavor.
Making an empanada
An empanada is simple a pastry crust filled with delicious filling. Filling can be ham and cheese, baked beans, chili or any other filling. For this authentic Mexican recipe, these ingredients are required: 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, milk/ water as needed, 2 tablespoons of vegetable shortening, 2 cups of oil, an oven, 2 dinner knives, a wooden cutting board, a clean glass jar and a frying pan.
Preparation
Combine all the dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking powder) before sifting thoroughly. Use two knives to cut the shortening into the flour mixture until evenly mixed. Add milk or water enough to moisten the dough. The dough should be easy to handle but not sticking to the surface. Add more flour if sticking occurs. Allow the dough to rest for about ten minutes. Then, on a sparsely floured cutting board, roll the dough out until it is thin and use the top of the jar to cut circles in the dough of roughly four diameters. Filling should be pre-prepared and cooled. Put a heaping spoonful of filling in the centre of the circle and then fold it in half, pinching the edges together. Heat the oil and fry empanadas until golden brown. (3 minutes on each side) Drain and serve! In Mexico, this dish can be eaten as breakfast or lunch and can be served with hot or cold beverages.
Veggie quesadilla
Another of the several authentic recipes is a Veggie Quesadilla. A quesadilla is a tortilla sandwiched with delicious filling. To prepare this Mexican staple, the required ingredients are 6 Wheat flour tortillas, 4 tablespoons of Italian dressing, 1 large diced red onion, 1 large diced tomato, 2 diced green chilies, 1 teaspoon of chili powder , a quarter cup of cilantro ( chopped), 3 cups of Jalapeno Monterey Jack grated cheese, a casserole dish, a pastry brush and a microwave oven.
Preparation
Mix half of the dressing with the onion, tomato, chilies and chili powder in a casserole dish. Microwave uncovered for four minutes or until vegetables are tender and the mixture thickens. Stir in cilantro. Sprinkle half of the cheese on one side of each tortilla and cover with three tablespoons of sauce. Fold the tortillas over and brush with remaining Italian dressing. Place the tortillas on a wax paper lined plate inside the microwave oven and cook on high speed for a minute or two or until the cheese is melted. Serve tortillas hot with choice of garnish, for example, guacamole, avocado, sour cream or a simple salsa.
