19 Mexican Main Dish Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Apr 26, 2024
Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and rich cultural history. From tacos and enchiladas to tamales and chiles rellenos, Mexican main dishes are diverse and delicious. One dish that stands out among the rest is the classic mole. This savory and complex sauce is a staple in Mexican cooking and is often served over chicken or pork. In this article, we will explore the history of mole and share a traditional Mexican main dish recipe that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Mexico.
One of the most popular and delicious ways to enjoy Beer Can Chicken is in a Mexican street taco. The juicy and flavorful chicken pairs perfectly with the traditional toppings of cilantro, onion, and lime. For an extra kick, add some spicy salsa or guacamole on top. These tacos are sure to be a hit at your next Taco Tuesday.
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Skinny Mexican Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
If you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy Beer Can Chicken, try making a skinny Mexican casserole. This dish is packed with all the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine, but with a lighter twist. Instead of using tortilla chips, this recipe calls for baked tortilla strips to reduce the calorie count. Top it off with some low-fat cheese and fat-free sour cream for a guilt-free meal.
For a twist on traditional Beer Can Chicken, try making a Mexican beef barbacoa. This dish is made by slow cooking beef brisket with traditional Mexican spices and flavors such as lime juice, cumin, and chipotle peppers. Serve it on top of warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for a flavorful and hearty meal.
Who says you can't enjoy Beer Can Chicken in a lasagna? This Mexican lasagna recipe combines layers of tender chicken, black beans, salsa, and cheese for a delicious and unique twist on a classic dish. It's the perfect way to use up any leftover chicken and satisfy your craving for Mexican cuisine.
If you love quesadillas, you have to try this Mexican beef quesadilla recipe with Beer Can Chicken. This dish is a fusion of Mexican and American flavors, with tender chicken, seasoned ground beef, and shredded cheese sandwiched between two crispy tortillas. Serve it with some salsa and sour cream for dipping.
This easy Mexican casserole is a great way to use up any leftover Beer Can Chicken. Simply mix the shredded chicken with black beans, corn, salsa, and tortilla chips, and bake it in the oven for a quick and tasty meal. Top it off with some fresh avocado or cilantro for a burst of flavor.
Yes, you read that right – Mexican pizza! This unique recipe combines the flavors of pizza and Mexican cuisine for a delicious and creative meal. Use a pre-made pizza crust and top it with shredded Beer Can Chicken, black beans, corn, and shredded cheese. Bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and serve it with some salsa and guacamole for dipping.
This classic Mexican casserole is a favorite in many households, and it's even better with the addition of Beer Can Chicken. Mix together the shredded chicken with enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and shredded cheese, and bake it in the oven until hot and bubbly. Serve it with some sour cream and sliced avocado for a comforting and flavorful meal.
If you're a fan of Taco Bell's Mexican pizza, you have to try this copycat recipe with Beer Can Chicken. It's made with layers of crispy tortillas, refried beans, seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and shredded cheese. Add some sliced jalapenos for an extra kick of heat.
For a seafood twist on Beer Can Chicken, try making Mexican shrimp. This dish is made by marinating shrimp in a mixture of lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and chili powder, and then grilling them to perfection. Serve them with some warm tortillas and your favorite toppings for a light and flavorful meal.
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Mexican Shrimp
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Medium Shrimp, Chili Powder
This vegan Mexican tortilla casserole is a great option for those looking for a meatless meal option with the delicious flavors of Beer Can Chicken. It's made with layers of corn tortillas, black beans, veggies, and enchilada sauce, and topped with vegan cheese. Bake it in the oven until heated through and serve with some fresh cilantro on top.
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Onion, Garlic Clove, Red Bell Pepper
This Mexican chicken pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines Beer Can Chicken with pasta, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce. Top it off with some crumbled cotija cheese and sliced avocado for a creamy and delicious meal.
For a traditional Mexican dish with a twist, try making authentic pork carnitas with Beer Can Chicken. This dish is slow cooked until the meat is tender and falls apart, and then served with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings. It's the perfect meal for a weekend gathering or a fun family dinner.
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Salt, Pepper, Ground Cumin, Onion, Bay
If you're short on time, this slow cooker Mexican shredded chicken taco recipe is a great option. Simply place your Beer Can Chicken in the slow cooker with salsa and taco seasoning, and let it cook until tender. Serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for an easy and delicious meal.
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Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken Tacos
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Diced Tomatoes
This one pan Mexican quinoa dish is a great option for a quick and healthy meal. It's made with quinoa, black beans, corn, bell peppers, and shredded chicken, and seasoned with traditional Mexican spices. Serve it with some fresh avocado and lime wedges for a burst of flavor.
This authentic Mexican pozole recipe is a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It's made with hominy, pork, and traditional Mexican spices such as ancho chili powder and oregano. Top it off with some radishes, cabbage, and lime wedges for a colorful and delicious meal.
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Pozole Rojo (Authentic Mexican Pozole)
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt Roast, Guajillo Chilies, Ancho Chilies
This Mexican chicken casserole is a great way to use up any leftover Beer Can Chicken. It's made with layers of shredded chicken, corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, and shredded cheese. Top it off with some sour cream and sliced olives for a tasty and easy meal.
This healthy Mexican casserole is a great option for those looking for a lighter meal option without sacrificing flavor. It's made with lean ground turkey, black beans, corn, and spices, and topped with low-fat cheese. Serve it with some fresh salsa and avocado for a satisfying and guilt-free meal.
For those following a low-carb diet, this Mexican chicken casserole is a great option. It's made with cauliflower rice, shredded chicken, salsa, and shredded cheese, and topped with crushed pork rinds for a crispy texture. This dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for Mexican cuisine without the added carbs.
The History of Mole
The Origins of Mole
Mole, short for "mole poblano", originated in the city of Puebla, Mexico in the 16th century. Legend has it that nuns from the Santa Rosa convent created the sauce to impress the archbishop who was visiting. They combined chili peppers, spices, nuts, and chocolate to create a unique and flavorful sauce that became a staple in Mexican cuisine.
The Evolution of Mole
Over time, different regions in Mexico have put their own spin on mole, resulting in various types of the sauce. Some are made with dried chili peppers, while others use fresh ones. Some include fruits, such as plantains or pineapple, while others use nuts like almonds or peanuts. Each type of mole has its own unique flavor, but they all share the same base ingredients of chili peppers and chocolate.
Mole Today
Mole has become a beloved dish in Mexico and is often served on special occasions, such as weddings and holidays. It has also gained popularity worldwide, with many restaurants featuring their own version of this iconic sauce. Mole has even been recognized as the national dish of Mexico, solidifying its place in the country's rich culinary history.
Traditional Mole Recipe
Now that we've explored the history of mole, it's time to try making it at home. This traditional mole recipe is a labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort.
Ingredients:
5 dried ancho chili peppers, stemmed and seeded
3 dried guajillo chili peppers, stemmed and seeded
3 dried pasilla chili peppers, stemmed and seeded
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup almonds
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup peanuts
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
4 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate
Salt, to taste
Instructions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, toast the chili peppers until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let cool.
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the raisins, almonds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the cocoa powder, cumin, cinnamon, oregano, and cloves. Cook for 1 minute.
Add the toasted chili peppers and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
Return the sauce to the pot and add the chopped chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, to taste.
Serve the mole sauce over your choice of protein, such as chicken or pork, and enjoy with rice and tortillas.
In Conclusion
Mole is not just a sauce, but a representation of Mexican culture and history. By trying this traditional mole recipe, you are not only indulging in a delicious dish, but also honoring the roots of Mexican cuisine. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and enjoy the process of creating this flavorful and authentic Mexican main dish.