mexican beef skewers

From Chef Gabriel Gambou of Arrecife Restaurant in Colima, Mexico, this recipe was published in The Taste of Mexico by Patricia Quintana. Tender barbecued beef skewers are served with a rich and dark sauce made with cascabel chillies (shown here with refried black beans). For the beef, use strips of sirloin or hanger steak, preferably with some…… Continue reading mexican beef skewers

flan

The history of flan begins with the ancient Romans who spread their culinary traditions throughout Europe. Originally a savoury dish, it became popular as a sweet dish of slowly cooked custard with caramelised sugar. Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America brought flan with it and nearly all of Central and South America loves flan in one form or another. It has…… Continue reading flan

blue corn tamales

Tamales originated as early as 8000 to 5000 BC. The Aztec and Mayan civilisations, as well as the Olmec and Toltec before them, used tamales as portable food, often to support their armies, but also for hunters and travellers. Tamales are generally wrapped in corn husks or plantain leaves before being steamed. In Mexico they are a favourite…… Continue reading blue corn tamales

albondigas

These juicy Mexican beef and pork albondigas (meatballs) are enhanced by a smoky and fiery chipotle sauce. For the chipotle sauce put 1 litre (35 fl oz) of tomato passata (sauce) into a saucepan with ½ a cup of canned chipotles in adobo sauce (available from Mexican food stores), 2 teaspoons of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ a…… Continue reading albondigas

ceviche

This ceviche, in Mexican/American fusion style, was made with King Dory, a delicate flavoured fish with reasonably firm white flesh. Sole or Flounder could be substituted. Thinly slice 225gm (½ lb) of the fresh fish of your choice and place in a glass, ceramic or stainless bowl. Pour ¼ of a cup of fresh lime juice over the…… Continue reading ceviche

prawns in almond sauce + mexican rice

Nuts have been used to enrich sauces in Mexican cooking since Pre-Columbian times. Peanuts, or cacahuate, are thought to be indigenous to South America and were widely cultivated in Mexico. Almonds were introduced into the cuisine later, after the Spanish conquest in the 16th Century. This way of cooking prawns (shrimp) is quite simple and absolutely delicious. Soak 1 dried…… Continue reading prawns in almond sauce + mexican rice

chocolate cinnamon cake

Inspired by Mexican chocolate which is made with cinnamon, this cake is better after 2 days if you can wait. In a small saucepan combine 6 tablespoons of good cocoa powder, 1 cup of boiling water and 150g (5¼ oz) of butter and heat until the mixture is melted and glossy. Remove from the heat and place in a mixing…… Continue reading chocolate cinnamon cake