Grilled Mexican Corn with Crema

RECIPE

On the streets of Mexico, people line up at vendor carts to buy giant ears of roasted corn dunked in rich crema Mexicana and sprinkled with chili powder and lime juice. Crema Mexicana is similar to sour cream and can be found in many large supermarkets. If you can't find it, use low-fat sour cream.

Yield
6 servings (serving size: 1 ear)

Ingredients
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 ears corn
Cooking spray
1/4 cup crema Mexicana
6 lime wedges

Preparation
Prepare grill.

Combine first 3 ingredients.

Place corn on a grill rack coated with cooking spray; cook 12 minutes or until corn is lightly browned, turning frequently. Place corn on a platter; drizzle with crema. Sprinkle with chipotle mixture. Garnish with lime wedges.

Nutritional Information
Calories:160 (29% from fat)
Fat:5.2g (sat 2.5g,mono 1.5g,poly 1g)
Protein:5g
Carbohydrate:28.2g
Fiber:4g
Cholesterol:8mg
Iron:0.8mg
Sodium:228mg
Calcium:24mg

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Mexican-Style Eggs

RECIPE

Yield
Makes 2 servings

Ingredients
4 6-inch corn tortillas
1 16-ounce can of refried beans or one 15-ounce can pinto or black beans
1 10-ounce can of red enchilada sauce or one 16-ounce jar salsa
2 to 4 eggs (1 to 2 per person)

Preparation
Heat oven to 250° F. Wrap the tortillas in foil and place in oven.

In a saucepan, over medium-low heat, heat the beans.

In a large skillet, over medium heat, bring the enchilada sauce or salsa to a simmer. Break the eggs into skillet. For runny yolks, leave the tops of the eggs uncovered; for firm yolks, spoon some of the sauce over the top. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Top each tortilla with some of the beans, eggs, sauce or salsa, Cheddar, scallions (if using), salt, and pepper.

Nutritional Information
Calories:512 (0% from fat)
Fat:28g (sat 13g)
Protein:20mg
Carbohydrate:47g
Fiber:10g
Cholesterol:378mg
Iron:4mg
Sodium:558mg
Calcium:153mg

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Mexican Chocolate Streusel Brownies

RECIPE

NOTES: Look for Mexican chocolate in Mexican markets or well-stocked supermarkets. Or, you can omit the streusel.

Yield
MAKES: 32 2-inch brownies (serving size: nutritional analysis per small brownie.)

Ingredients
3/4 cup butter, cut into chunks
9 ounces unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
5 large eggs
1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Mexican chocolate streusel

Preparation
1. In a large bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, stir butter and unsweetened chocolate until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in brown sugar and granulated sugar. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Whisk in vanilla and almond extract. Stir in flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until well blended.

2. Spread batter level in a buttered and floured 9- by 13-inch baking pan. Squeeze handfuls of Mexican chocolate streusel until it sticks together, then crumble into chunks evenly over surface of batter.

3. Bake brownies in a 325° oven until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool in pan on a rack for at least 20 minutes, then cut into 24 or 32 squares (if making up to 1 day ahead, cool completely, then wrap uncut brownies airtight).

Mexican chocolate streusel. In a food processor or a bowl, whirl or stir 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar until well blended. Add 5 tablespoons butter and whirl or rub in with your fingers until mixture forms coarse crumbs. Pulse in 4 1/2 ounces (about 1 1/2 tablets) coarsely chopped Mexican chocolate (some larger chunks will remain), or chop finely with a knife and stir into flour mixture. Use immediately or chill airtight for up to 1 week.

Nutritional Information
Calories:229 (47% from fat)
Protein:2.7g
Fat:12g (sat 6.8)
Carbohydrate:30g
Fiber:1.4g
Sodium:105mg
Cholesterol:50mg

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Mexican Meatball Soup

RECIPE

Studded with zucchini, corn, and tomatoes, our brothy soup is comforting, especially on chilly evenings. Oregano flavors both the liquid and the meatballs.

Yield
4

Ingredients
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 small red onion, chopped
2 jalapeño peppers, seeds and ribs removed, chopped
1 zucchini (about 1/2 pound), cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano, or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 quart canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups drained canned diced tomatoes (one 15-ounce can)
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1/2 pound ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten to mix
1 cup fresh (cut from about 2 ears) or frozen corn kernels
1 tablespoon lime juice

Preparation
1. In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and half the jalapeños and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the zucchini,1 1/2 teaspoons of the dried oregano, if using, and 1/4 teaspoon of the cumin and cook, stirring, until the zucchini starts to soften, about 3 minutes.

2. Add the broth, water, tomatoes, 1 1/4teaspoons of the salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper; bring to a simmer. Simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic, the remaining jalapeño, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon of the fresh oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, the bread crumbs, and the egg. Shape the mixture into 24 meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

4. Add the meatballs and corn to the soup and simmer until the meatballs are just done, about 5 minutes. Stir in the lime juice and the remaining 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, if using.

Wine Recommendation: The oregano, jalapeños, and cumin here would give most wines a run for their money, but a lusty red zinfandel is spicy and rich enough to face those powerful ingredients without flinching.

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Mexican Chicken Casserole

RECIPE

Yield
8 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Ingredients
1 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 (4.5-ounce) cans chopped green chiles, divided
1 3/4 pounds skinned, boned chicken breasts
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup evaporated skim milk
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup (2 ounces) tub-style light cream cheese
1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce
12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
Cooking spray
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded reduced-fat extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1 ounce tortilla chips, crushed (about 6 chips)

Preparation
Combine broth and 1 can of chiles in a large skillet; bring to a boil. Add chicken; reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until chicken is done, turning chicken once. Remove chicken from cooking liquid, reserving cooking liquid; cool chicken. Shred meat with two forks, and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 can of chiles and onion; sauté 3 minutes or until soft. Add reserved cooking liquid, milk, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, and enchilada sauce; stir well. Stir in shredded chicken; cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Place 4 tortillas in the bottom of a 2-quart casserole coated with cooking spray. Spoon 2 cups chicken mixture over tortillas. Repeat layers twice, ending with chicken mixture. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and chips. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information
Calories:369 (28% from fat)
Fat:11.4g (sat 5g,mono 3.8g,poly 1.4g)
Protein:35.6g
Carbohydrate:31.3g
Fiber:3g
Cholesterol:79mg
Iron:2.4mg
Sodium:479mg
Calcium:360mg

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Mexican S'mores

RECIPE

Yield
Makes 8 servings

Ingredients
8 cinnamon graham crackers
8 marshmallows4 1.5-ounce milk chocolate bars, broken into pieces

Preparation
Heat broiler. Break the crackers in half to form squares. Place 8 cracker squares on a baking sheet and top each with a marshmallow. Broil until the marshmallows are puffed and lightly browned, about 1 1/2 minutes. Sandwich with the chocolate pieces and remaining crackers. Serve immediately.

Tip: Add a little zing to the Mexican S'mores for the adults: Substitute spiced chocolate bars (try the version from Vosges or Green & Black's) for the plain milk chocolate.

Nutritional Information
Calories:182 (35% from fat)
Fat:7g (sat 4g)
Protein:2g
Carbohydrate:28g
Fiber:1g
Cholesterol:3mg
Sodium:103mg

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Speedy Black Beans and Mexican Rice

RECIPE

Prep: 5 min., Cook: 2 min. This hearty dish is the perfect answer for a meatless main-dish choice and doubles perfectly.

Yield
Makes 2 servings

Ingredients
1 (8.8-oz.) pouch ready-to-serve Mexican rice
1 (15-oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (4.4-oz.) can chopped green chiles
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Toppings: sour cream, salsa, diced tomato, shredded Cheddar cheese

Preparation
1. Cook rice according to package directions.

2. Combine black beans and green chiles in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 90 seconds. Stir in rice and cilantro. Serve immediately with desired toppings.

Note: For testing purposes only, we used Rice-A-Roni Express Heat & Serve Mexican Rice.

Mexican Beef 'n' Rice: Substitute 1 lb. cooked lean ground beef for black beans. Substitute 1 cup salsa for green chiles. Prepare recipe as directed omitting toppings. Serve with corn chips or in lettuce leaves, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

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Buttermilk-Mexican Chocolate Pound Cake

RECIPE

Prep: 15 min.; Bake: 1 hr., 10 min.; Cool: 1 hr., 45 min. Instead of using Mexican chocolate in this recipe, we developed the same flavor profile using more common ingredients--semisweet chocolate and cinnamon. If you prefer to use Mexican chocolate, look for it with the hot drink mixes or on the Hispanic food aisle.

Yield
Makes 12 servings

Ingredients
1 (8-oz.) package semisweet chocolate baking squares, chopped*
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1/2 cup chocolate syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
Garnish: powdered sugar

Preparation
1. Microwave chocolate baking squares in a microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 minute and 15 seconds or until chocolate is melted and smooth, stirring every 15 seconds.

2. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes or until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating 5 to 7 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until yellow disappears after each addition. Stir in melted chocolate, chocolate syrup, and vanilla until smooth.

3. Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan or a 12-cup Bundt pan.

4. Bake at 325° for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 to 15 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack, and let cool 1 hour and 30 minutes or until completely cool. Garnish, if desired.

2 (4.4-oz.) packages Mexican chocolate, chopped, may be substituted for semisweet chocolate baking squares. Omit ground cinnamon, and proceed with recipe as directed. For testing purposes only, we used Nestlé Abuelita Mexican Chocolate.

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Mexican Eggs with Beans

RECIPE

Yield
4 Servings

Ingredients
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 (15 oz.) cans pinto beans, drained
1 1/3 cups shredded Cheddar
4 large flour tortillas
8 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 ripe plum tomatoes, diced in 1/4-inch pieces
1 cup jarred green salsa (salsa verde)

Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add pinto beans and mash coarsely with a potato masher or a fork. Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Keep warm.

Meanwhile, heat 1/2 Tbsp. oil in a nonstick, 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tortilla and cook for 1 minute per side until heated through and pliable. Transfer to a foil-lined baking sheet. Spread one quarter of bean mixture on top of tortilla; keep warm in a 250°F oven. Repeat with remaining tortillas and bean mixture, adding another 1/2 Tbsp. oil to skillet as needed.

Add 1/2 Tbsp. oil to skillet and then add 4 eggs. Cook to your liking. Transfer 2 eggs onto each of 2 tortillas; season with salt and pepper and sprinkle diced tomato on top. Cook and serve 4 more eggs in same manner. Serve tortillas with salsa.

Nutritional Information
Calories:806
Fat:37g (sat 14g)
Protein:38g
Carbohydrate:80g
Fiber:13g
Cholesterol:469mg
Sodium:1mg

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Mexican Bulgur Salad with Citrus-Jalapeño Vinaigrette

RECIPE

Yield
4 servings (serving size: 1 1/2 cups)

Ingredients
1 cup uncooked bulgur or cracked wheat
1 cup boiling water
1 1/2 cups diced zucchini
1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)
3/4 cup (3 ounces) diced Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño peppers
3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons minced seeded jalapeño pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Lime wedges (optional)

Preparation
Combine the bulgur and boiling water in a large bowl. Cover; let stand 30 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Add zucchini and next 4 ingredients (zucchini through beans); stir gently. Combine orange juice and next 5 ingredients (orange juice through cumin); stir with a whisk. Pour juice mixture over bulgur mixture; toss gently. Serve salad at room temperature or chilled. Garnish with lime wedges, if desired.

Nutritional Information
Calories:371 (28% from fat)
Fat:11.4g (sat 4.8g,mono 4.6g,poly 1.1g)
Protein:17.6g
Carbohydrate:55.1g
Fiber:11g
Cholesterol:17mg
Iron:3.2mg
Sodium:413mg
Calcium:207mg

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Mexican Black Bean and Spinach Pizza

RECIPE

Yield
4 servings (serving size: 2 slices)

Ingredients
1 (10-ounce) Italian cheese-flavored thin pizza crust (such as Boboli)
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
2/3 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup bottled salsa
1/2 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Preparation
Preheat oven to 375°.

Place pizza crust on a baking sheet; bake at 375° for 5 minutes or until crisp.

Mash beans with a fork; combine beans and next 4 ingredients (beans through garlic) in medium bowl, stirring to combine. Spread bean mixture over crust, leaving a 1-inch border. Spoon salsa evenly over bean mixture; top with spinach and cilantro. Drizzle with hot sauce; sprinkle with cheeses. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or until crust is lightly browned.

Nutritional Information
Calories:408 (27% from fat)
Fat:12.3g (sat 4.8g,mono 1.3g,poly 1.1g)
Protein:22.2g
Carbohydrate:51g
Fiber:8.3g
Cholesterol:23mg
Iron:5.5mg
Sodium:979mg
Calcium:488mg

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Mexican Meatballs

RECIPE

Yield
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
1 pound ground pork
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1 large egg
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 16-ounce jar salsa

Preparation
Heat oven to 400° F.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large, preferably ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and jalapeño and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat; let cool.

In a large bowl, combine the pork, bread crumbs, egg, salt, pepper, cumin, and onion mixture. Shape into 12 meatballs.

Wipe out skillet, add the remaining oil, and heat over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 7 minutes total.

If not using an ovenproof skillet, transfer the meatballs to a baking dish. Pour the salsa over the top. Bake until cooked through, about 25 minutes.

Tip: If you're in the mood for soft tacos, set out corn or flour tortillas and shredded cheese with the meatballs. Otherwise simply serve them over rice.

Nutritional Information
Calories:471 (63% from fat)
Fat:33g (sat 11g)
Protein:2g
Carbohydrate:18g
Fiber:2g
Cholesterol:141mg

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Mexican Butternut Squash Soup

RECIPES

Try serving this zesty soup with quesadillas.

Yield
4 servings (serving size: 1 3/4 cups)

Ingredients
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 cups cubed peeled butternut squash (about 3/4 pound)
2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup sliced seeded poblano chile or 1 (4.5-ounce) can chopped green chiles
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
4 cups FreshVegetable Broth or water
1 (15.5-ounce) can white hominy or whole-kernel corn, drained
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro

Preparation
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add squash and next 6 ingredients (squash through chili powder); sauté minutes. Add broth and hominy; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 35 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in lime juice and cilantro.

Nutritional Information
Calories:161 (20% from fat)
Fat:3.5g (sat 0.5g,mono 1.9g,poly 0.8g)
Protein:3.8g
Carbohydrate:31.7g
Fiber:6g
Cholesterol:0.0mg
Iron:2.2mg
Sodium:389mg
Calcium:76mg

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Mexican Recipes Introduction

If you live outside of Mexico and frequently dine at Mexican restaurants, you might have the impression that their cuisine consists of tacos, burritos, nachos, and enchiladas. Although those dishes are popular in many parts of Mexico, they have just as diverse cuisine as many other large countries throughout the world depending on the region.

In fact, many of the popular foods served throughout are partly due to fruits and vegetables that are native to Mexico and other parts of Latin America. Tomatoes and chocolate get their names from a language native to central Mexico. That's right, tomato-based spaghetti sauce and Belgian chocolate can give thanks to Mexican influence.

Here you can learn how to cook Mexican food by yourself from many popular Mexican recipes. Just do it and enjoy the great taste now!

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