In general, Mexican food can be prepared in the same way as your regular meals. Cooking options include frying, boiling, and grilling. Historically, people in Mexico prepared their food in a variety of ways.
A long time ago, indigenous people in Mexico did not have modern conveniences such as ovens. Food would have to be prepared over an open fire pit.
Iron pans and pots would be used to store the meals. It was cooked in a manner analogous to that of a barbeque. The Aztecs steamed and boiled food in xoctli, two-handled clay pots, before the arrival of the iron pots brought by the Spaniards. Food was placed in the pot and heated over a fire. A common method of preparation was frying. This technique is still used in many traditional Mexican dishes today.
Creating authentic Mexican meals in the modern era is a breeze. The time needed to prepare the meals is reduced. For those who prefer to make their own tortillas, there are iron pans that make the process simple. Using a spring form pan to bake a flan is a foolproof method. Masa, a dish that features a specific type of corn that must be ground, required a considerable amount of time and effort to prepare in the distant past. These days, you can buy a metal grinder to help you process the masa.
Many traditional Mexican dishes are ideal for baking in an oven. Prepared foods like meats and vegetables can be cooked quickly and easily. They’re perfect for slow cooking in a pot of water and spices. Tamales can be prepared with less effort in larger steaming pots. Making and steaming a large batch of tamales at once is a time-saver. It’s best to use a large pot because making tamales takes time.
Authentic Mexican cuisine can also be enjoyed by grilling it over a charcoal grill. Barbacoa is a term for a style of cooking that dates back many years. Meat was hung over a pot of boiling water, resulting in a dish of steaming meat. Banana leaves and cacti were used to wrap the meat before it was steamed. Grilling today brings out the full flavor of seasonings and sauces. It has a flavor not dissimilar from when it was originally prepared over open flames. Whenever possible, grill your fajitas.
Ancient natives employed a technique known as metate y mano, which dates back hundreds of years. It was a massive implement fashioned from some kind of stone or lava. The indentation was barely perceptible. The ingredients were mashed using the tool. Besides mortar and pestle, molcajete was another common tool for crushing food. You used a mortar and a pestle. Ability to stir is a must in the kitchen. Wooden spoons have been in use for centuries and continue to be used today. These days, you can choose from a wide variety of types to use in your cooking. Others are thinner and better suited for stirring delicate ingredients like onions and garlic.
The history of Mexican cuisine is extensive. While the processes may be more up to date, the dishes themselves remain traditional. The cooking method greatly affects the final product, both in terms of flavor and texture. Many delicious meals can be made from Mexican ingredients.
