| Some cooking methods used in Mexico may be | | | | tender it falls to pieces. The meat is then used for |
| familiar to you already, but there are a few with which | | | | carnitas, tacos, and many other recipes. |
| you may be less familiar. You have probably fried, | | | | The Ever Popular Grilling Method |
| boiled, and grilled lots of meals, but have you ever tried | | | | Grilling is a popular method of cooking in Mexico. The |
| a steaming bucket? Do you know what a molcajete | | | | open flame adds so many flavors to the dish. Many |
| is? | | | | meats are marinated in spices and peppers and then |
| The Use of Steam for Cooking | | | | grilled so they can be used in various recipes. Grilling |
| Steaming is often used in Mexican cooking. A dish | | | | and roasting increases the flavor of tomatoes, garlic, |
| known as barbacoa is steamed. The meat is wrapped | | | | onions, chilies and tomatillos. The flame kisses the |
| in a banana or cactus leaf before being suspended | | | | ingredients, caramelizing the sugars and creating |
| over a boiling pot in a deep pit to steam. Steaming | | | | delicious flavors. |
| buckets were used to steam tamales. This popular | | | | Stewing is a traditional method of cooking that has |
| Mexican dish is made of a filling surrounded by masa, | | | | been used in Mexico since time immemorial. The long |
| which is wrapped in corn husks. Special kettles are | | | | cooking times needed for proper stewing were |
| now made to make tamales that can cook many at | | | | common. At times, the vegetables and meats were |
| the same time. Sweating is a technique used to skin | | | | cooked separately and then combined for further |
| fresh chilies. Onions and chilies are often soaked to | | | | simmering before serving. Today, this is often done in a |
| help remove some of their heat. When soaked in milk | | | | Dutch oven. In days gone by, this was done in a clay |
| or a combination of water and vinegar, the chilies | | | | cazuela. |
| become milder in flavor. They need to soak from 30 | | | | When you want to try some quick authentic Mexican |
| to 60 minutes. | | | | recipes, think about what methods may appeal to you |
| What about the molcajete? A molcajete is a small | | | | in your own kitchen. Learning new techniques is fun |
| mortar and pestle used to grind ingredients like herbs | | | | and expands your abilities in the kitchen. Do not be |
| or corn. A larger version, known as a metate y mano, | | | | afraid to make a mistake or two. Your family will love |
| is made of stone. It has a slight concave surface on | | | | trying new things that you make in the kitchen, |
| which to grind corn. Before corn masa could be | | | | especially if you are making Mexican food. |
| purchased, every family used one of these to prepare | | | | As you will learn, there is so much to study with |
| their own masa. | | | | Mexican cuisine. The cooking methods and diversity of |
| Mexican cooks often simmer and boil their food. | | | | flavors create a lifelong study on their own. Dig right in |
| Vegetables and meat may be placed into a pot to | | | | and get started. |
| slowly cook all day long. By dinner time, the meat is so | | | | |