Friday, June 26, 2009

A popular cooking utensil from mexico - Comal

Comal
Comal basically a sort of a pan to facilitate cooking of a variety of dishes. It’s redid from cast iron and is incredibly weighty. Whilst you cook through it you should not shift it at all, similar to what you might be doing by means of a wok or a usual frivolous pan. It may come in encircling shapes or in elongated, oblong shapes. One can still find outsized, rectangular diversity that would fit above two burners on a usual stovetop. The Comal has a somewhat irregular facade dissimilar from a non-stick or stainless steel pan.

Coma and its practice

Comal is said to be just right for grilling carne asada (red meats) and vegetables (alike to how they serve up fajitas in American restaurants much alike Chili's and El Torito.) The Comal put in savor to whatsoever you're catering, while their non-stick counterparts proffer no supplementary flavors. It is also that the utensil of preference for cooking tortillas on. You can in addition employ one to rapidly re-heat tortillas as well. A Comal is adaptable because you could use it on the stove, in the oven or even on a grill. Be watchful because they be inclined to be awfully hot and you will necessitate to utilize a kitchen rag or potholders if you require to budge it through the cooking procedure.

Preparing Comal

As soon as you acquire a new Comal, you don't wish for to utilize it with no "seasoning" it first. "Seasoning" is extremely simple, first you desire to wash the pan with temperate soapy water and dried out it thoroughly. Then lightly coat the pan with vegetable oil or shortening, it will prevent the comal from developing rust spots if it comes in contact with water. Put the Comal in a hot oven, at least 350 degrees and bake it for one hour. Remove it, let it cool then wipe off excess residue. Re-apply the oil then heat for an additional hour, turn the oven off and then let it cool in the oven overnight. Wipe off any residues and your comal is now ready for use.

Concentrated effort and heed for a Comal

By no means put a comal in the dishwasher! After cooking with it, simply wipe down the surface with a rag or a sponge. Use a spatula to scrape off any excess food. If necessary, wash the comal in warm soapy water, but make sure to thoroughly dry it immediately to prevent rust. Every once in a while, rub oil on the surface to keep it well seasoned. The more you use a comal, the more flavor it will impart to your food, so use it often. Let the comal change temperatures slowly, do not expose a hot comal to cold temperateures such as cold water, until it has cooled on it's own. If it does develop a crack, it is best to discard it. If it gets rusty, scrub it with steel wool until the rust is removed, rinse thorougly and repeat seasoning instructions above.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Meaning of Mexican food ingredient's in English

Ingredients are an important part for making various preparations in the different cuisines, it is because of these ingredients the dishes get their unique flavor. The names of the ingredients in Mexican cuisine tend to create a slight difficulty in understanding the names, hance this feed is an effort to pull all the people who want to cook Mexican food but keep on looking at the labels of the bottle in a supermarket

1) Ingredients and Terms at a Glance

The translation shown here are from “Spanish to English”
1.Achiote-Annatto, a spice used in the Yucatan region
2.Ajo-Garlic
3.Al Horno- Oven baked
4.Ancho-Dried poblano chile
5.Antojito-Appetizer
6.Arroz-Rice
7.Azucar-Sugar
8.Barbacoa-Barbecue
9.Cafe-Coffee
10.Calabaza-Squash
11.CamarĂ³n-Shrimp
12.Carne-Meat, usually beef
13.Carnitas-Shredded, fried pork
14.Cebolla-Onion
15.Chimichanga-Deep fried meat burrito
16.Chipotle-Ripe jalepeno, smoked and dried. Can be canned in Adobo sauce.
17.Chorizo-Spicy sausage
18.Crema-A thickened cream similar to sour cream, but not as tangy.
19.Elote-Corn
20.Ensalada-Salad
21.Galletas-Cookies
22.Habanero-Extremely hot pepper
23.Helado-Ice cream
24.Horchata-Rice beverage
25.Huevos-Eggs
26.Leche-Milk
27.Maize-Corn
28.Mariscos –Shellfish
29.Nopales-Cactus
30.Pan-Bread
31.Pan Dulce-Sweet Bread
32.Picante-Spicy hot
33.Pimienta-Black pepper
34.Pollo-Chicken
35.Puerco-Pork
36.Queso-Cheese
37.Relleno-Stuffed
38.Sal-Salt
39.Sopa-Soup
40.Torta-Sandwich

If you find an ingredient in a recipe or a term used in some instructions and have no idea what it is, check this list.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Tripe from the heart of Mexico

Tripe dish

1) Tripe – what is it?
Within the uncomplicated appearance tripe can be said as stomach (or stomachs) of a domesticated animal. Generally primary three stomachs of a cow are utilized and at times of a pig or sheep stomach can also be used. The initial of the cow’s stomach is the "blanket" tripe, following and most favorite is the "honeycomb" tripe and third usable stomach is the "bible" or "book" tripe. The very last stomach of a cow is infrequently used because of its glandular texture.

2) How is Tripe Prepared? :-
Classification of tripe to be suitable for eating, it must be systematically cleaned. A butcher must also eliminate further bit of chubby and peroxide it, therefore making it look more appetizing. The stomach is boiled temporarily so that the coating can be peeled off. Lining of the stomach is the definite part that is used. Clean tripe is a brownish/greenish khaki color. Yet it doesn't appear rather as tasty, unbleached and uncooked tripe will have more savor. When you get the tripe home it is important to rinse the tripe thoroughly until the water runs clear and there is no residual grittiness. Tripe requires to be cooked for a long time in order to become tender. Simmering it for 2-3 hours is usually sufficient.

3) Tradition in Mexican Cuisine:-
Tripe in Mexico is used for loads of dishes but the most admired one is Menudo which is a soup made with hominy and honeycomb tripe.

4) Gastronomic convention:-
Tripe has been used in almost every country around the world in all kinds of dishes from main dishes to cold salads. In Italy you can enjoy "Trippa alla Fiorentina" in tomato sauce and in Belgium "Tripes a Djotte" a tripe sausage encased in large intestines. Even the well known "Andoille" sausage from France is tripe. In the Southern US it is deep fried in a buttermilk batter.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Mexican Spices

When you think of delicious mexican cuisine, if you happen to enjoy great Mexican food, spices are definitely going to be part of your meal. A good spices by today's standered, is often a spice that is dried and put into the can. Purchasable at your local grocer, that spice is going to offer a flavour similar to the fresh and authentic taste you would except. Infact, many people simply do not know what it is to have the fresh and authentic taste of some of the most delicious flavour in the world.

There are many Mexican food spices available today. The most common are probably chilli powder, cumin and oregano. However, there are many other type of spices available with a long range of benefits and taste.

Oregano grown and harvested in Mexico is absolutely divine.This earthy spice add it earthiness to any meal. Many people may be familiar with Mediterranean oregano which adds immense flavour to the Italian cuisine, but the oregano from mexico is in the class all of its own and no less appreciated.

Cumins just happens to be one of those herbs that have been around since the beginning of time. The origin is believed to be in the middle east, but the reality is no one can know for sure. The bitter taste adds a toasty flavour popular when it is come to the cuisine of Mexico. Cumin is extremely hearty herbs with just a little bit going a long way.

Everyone has heard about chilli powder, and this is a blended mix often considered a staple when it come to n Mexican food spice. This blend of oregano, cumin and chilli can be added to just about anything offering a spicy taste of perfection. Most often, chilli powder is used to spice up meat, but many families love this flavour in vegetable too.

Another spice similar to chilli powder would be Chipotle. What is Chipotle? Chipotle is a dried jalapeno that has also been smoked to perfection. Chipotle is definitely popular, and you will find this spice goes great in many salsa ans sauces. Also, Chipotle is a primary spice found in the marinade Adobo.Of course, not all Mexican food spices are well recognized as chipotle, chilli powder, cumin and oregano.

Epazote is an authentic spice from Mexico that should be used sparingly. In large enough quantities, epazote can be poisonous.However, epazote is also used to flavour beans and it will also the intestinal side effects of alarge dose of delicious bean. Choosing to eat the best in authentic Tex-Mex or Mexican cuisine will often you lead.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Mexican Cooking Equipment

There are a lot of equipments being extensively used in Mexican cuisine and they could be listed as under :-
Tortilla Press - Tortillero
Tortilla Press - Tortillero
formerly ready from wood, they are also prepared of cast iron. It consists of two large round plates or blocks of wood that you set a ball of masa and press as one to structure a tortilla. You might run athwart aluminum versions but they tend to break.

Mexican Pottery Pots - Barro or Olla
Mexican Pottery Pots - Barro or Olla
Barro factually means "mud" but normally means "clay," and olla means "pot." Ollas are large, cavernous clay pots just right for simmering beans, stews and soups. The clay heats squarely and is just right for all-day cooking over a direct flame. The clay can be breakable and susceptible to swift temperature changes. Cooking in the clay pots imparts an basic flavor to the dish.

Griddle - Comal
Griddle - Comal
Huge encircling griddle frequently made of clay, aluminum or cast iron but the more contemporary ones regularly have a non-stick finish. They are used to warm tortillas, and roast chilies and vegetables. They can range in size from a large dinner plate to 2 feet in diameter.

Hand Grinder - Metate y Mano
Hand Grinder - Metate y Mano
A bulky instrument more often than not made of stone or lava rock. It consists of a outsized stone surface, faintly concave, sitting on 3 short legs. It is typically about the size of a great, rectangular platter. There is a hefty cylinder of stone that is rolled on the surface to pulverize or mix the items placed on it. Every now and then the legs are longer, allowing the user to sit in front of it.

Mortar and Pestle - Molcajete y Tejolote
Mortar and Pestle - Molcajete y Tejolote
A petite wood, stone or clay bowl with an extended cylinder of the alike material that is rounded on each end. Tiny quantity of spices or food is positioned in the bowl and the end of the cylinder is used to smash the item against the sides of the bowl in a circular suggestion to pulverize it. To outlook or purchase a molcajete go.

Mexican Pottery Dishes - Cazuelas
These bulky clay dishes are ideal for simmering mole and other sauces because the clay heats very evenly removing burnt spots. Cazuelas are one-dimensional, more often than not 5-7 inches deep and rounded like a bowl. They time and again have handles for conveniently managed over open fire. The outsides are occasionally painted with bright beautiful colors. The inside is glazed and the clay imparts a wonderful flavor to the dish. to view or purchase a Cazuela go.


Molinillo Wooden Whisk or Stirrer
A cylinder of wood that is spun between the hands in a cup of hot chocolate to produce a foam on the top. They can be simple or highly decorated. To view or purchase a molinillo go.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Mexican cooking on a Budget- despicable conduct to Create a Delicious Menu

Mexican fare is especially budget-friendly by way of lots of ingredients being naturally low in cost. If you make use of these tips, you too can enjoy delicious homemade Mexican provisions stable on a constricted budget.

Buy in form

Even though you may have to pay out a modest more up front, you spirit except plenty of currency if you buy in better quantities. For example if you buy a 1 lb bag of rice for $2, you may be gifted to get a 3 lb bag for $4. So you get three times the quantity of rice, for solitary twice the cost.

Stock-up throughout Sales

Incalculable items have sustained ending dates such as beans, rice, canned goods. These bits and pieces desire continue 6 months to ended a year, so whilst they go on sale, purchase enough to last you 6-8 months, and at that time they motivation a large amount apt go on retailing over again so you can re-stock.

Advertisements help a lot

Ensure out the grocery accumulation ads each one week to retrieve the paramount prices. Whilst you see a great price, go get it. This may indicate you own to go to more than one store, but since you're stocking up, it choice cost you with a reduction of in the long run to buy items with the lowest out of compartment cost.

Make frequent Use of Coupons

You can cut your grocery finances in partially if you use coupons. A variety of provisions twofold or triple coupons on a expected base (a quick organize to your limited grocer resolve let you know.) If you bloc your coupons by means of confined sales, you can get things for definitely a few cents or steady free. A few examples- Guerrero just untaken a printable coupon for $1 off any Guerrero product. My community grocery mass had them on vending for $1 each, so I was able to get 2 correspondence for free. La Victoria had a coupon in the regional manuscript for $2 off any enchilada sauce. A couple of weeks later on it went on sale for $2 and I was able to get them for free. I also buy multiple Sunday papers, so I once a little is discounted or limitless along with coupons, I can really provide up. Visit our guide to Coupons to understand more.

Produce Co-ops a little areas may encompass a produce co-op, everywhere you pay a flat fee (usually $10-$15) and it follows that you collect up the pre-selected produce at the designated locality all 2 weeks, or maybe uniform weekly. The co-ops get the make as of local farmers at a great price, so the amount of yield determination change both schedule (depending on could you repeat that? is in season) and be supposed to go on 1-2 weeks. You can rummage around online to see if your theme has one.

Farmer's souk

Farmer's Markets are a great area to get fresh, citizen ingredients. Fruits, vegetables and speciality breads and more can be found for much cheaper than grocery lay up prices.

Investigate and tell somebody to a Plan

Hit upon out all of your produce options (co-ops, farmer's markets or local farms) and brew a plan to visit one or two. Indent a few Sunday papers, or propose to make a expedition to the tabloid machinery each Sunday. Decide how to organize your coupons (there are hundreds of ways, just search online for more information) and graph on pointed through the amass ads. Just the once you get organized, you can plan on spending 1-2 hours each week getting your coupons, clipping them and organizing them. I fair clip the ones I believe I willpower use and therefore own the relaxation of the inserts in execution file folders in a crate. at that moment I use ticket Mom's voucher file if I lack to glance for a particular coupon.

Safe and sound way - Freeze

This is any more up-front cost, but acceptably significance it in the elongated run. If you have a grave freezer, you can buy meat (one of the mainly steep ingredients to facilitate we use on a expected basis) when it's on a skillful sale, and store it for later. When impose a sanction beef is on rummage sale for .99 cents a lb, I buy 15 lbs and freeze it. If you humbug afford a new one, examination your local classifieds, Penny Saver, Craigslist or Free cycle to get one for cheap or free.

Demand for payment Online Money-Saving and voucher Sites

A number of times, you get worn to this way of shopping, you willpower salvage at least 50% of your usual bill. as a rule weeks I bail out 75-80% on my cuisine and I mostly shop from my own pantry. I individual go to the store for the cheapies and freebies. It takes some count to get a good domestic animal of coupons to be successful from, but it bidding happen. You can also safety check online sites such as the Grocery Game or Slick Deals to relief you put aside even more money.