Cinco De Mayo Recipes You Have To Try In 2021
Cinco De Mayo, or the fifth of May, is an annual holiday celebrating the Mexican Army’s military victory in 1862. In recent decades, the holiday has become more of an American tradition celebrated in the United States. This holiday is typically celebrated with parades, music, food, and of course, parties. With the holiday coming up soon, here are 10 Cinco De Mayo recipes you have to try!
1. Chicken Enchiladas
Another cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, enchiladas, are tortillas rolled around a filling and covered in sauces. The contents of the enchilada may vary to fit your taste. In this case, chicken enchiladas are the type we’re preparing. They can be slightly more difficult to prepare than other dishes. To prepare, cook the chicken breast in a large saute pan and cover it with cumin, garlic powder, or other various spices. Then, pull apart the chicken into strips and add back into the pan with tomatoes, onions, or your choice of other vegetables and seasonings. Then, pour the chicken mixture into tortillas and fold them over. Place these enchiladas in a pan to bake in the oven. After this, you can garnish with your choice of garnish, such as sour cream or cilantro, before serving.
2. Arroz Con Leche
Arroz Con Leche, also known as Mexican Rice Pudding, is a quick and easy dish to prepare if you’re running behind on your party preparations. To prepare, simply combine water, rice, and a cinnamon stick in a saucepan to boil. Once the rice is tender, strain out the liquid and cinnamon stick before returning the rice to the saucepan. Stir in three different types of milk: condensed milk, whole milk, and evaporated milk. Continue cooking until the mixture becomes thick and place into a bowl for serving. You can add other garnishes, such as raisins or ground cinnamon, for serving.
3. Margaritas
Margaritas are a classic frozen alcoholic drink that is sure to get your Cinco de Mayo party going. Simple and easy to prepare, your margaritas can be traditional or take on your own personal flair. To prepare, simply combine tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and sugar into a cocktail shaker. Shake well and pour. You can garnish your classes with coarse salt, lime, lemons, grapefruit, or any other choice of fruit. Of course, you can alter the recipe to try different liqueurs and fruit flavors. These can be served with or without ice as well.
4. Tacos
Tacos can be found in just about every Mexican or American restaurant in the United States. The ingredients of tacos vary greatly based on personal taste. If you’d like, you can make the popular birria tacos or opt for simpler chicken or beef tacos. To prepare, simply cook your choice of meat, whether it be chicken or beef, in a skillet over medium heat. Once fully cooked and drained, place the meat in your choice of tortilla, flour or corn, and add your own toppings. Toppings can include shredded cheese, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, chives, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, and many more.
5. Chalupas
Although similar in shape to tacos, chalupas are fried tortillas, completes with salsa, and garnished with other toppings. You can buy your chalupa bread, or you can prepare your own homemade bread. To prepare, cook a mixture of ground beef, flour, chili powder, salt, paprika, onions, and water in a skillet. Stir often until the mixture becomes paste-like. After that, add to bread and garnish with toppings such as sour cream, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, salsa, or hot sauce.
6. Elote
Elote, also known as Mexican Street Corn, is perfect for any barbecue, cookout, or party. After grilling the corn for about 15 minutes, you’ll add mayonnaise, chili powder, cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime juice. This dish can serve as its own entree or a side dish to the main course.
7. Churros
Churros, a delicious Mexican desert, can be found at almost every fair or amusement park in America. They would make a great addition to your party menu, perfect for when your guests are craving something sweet. To prepare, add water, butter, and sugar into a pan to bring them to a boil. Then add flour, salt, and vanilla and mix until the mixture becomes thick. After removing the pan from the heat, add eggs and mix. Then bring some vegetable oil to a boil in a separate pot. Put your churro mixture into a piping bag. If you don’t have one, just place it in a Ziploc bag and cut away one corner of the bag. Then squeeze the churro mix into the hot vegetable oil, making each one a few inches long. Let them fry before taking them out and coating them in cinnamon sugar. Serve with a side of chocolate sauce for optimal taste.
8. Chicken Quesadillas
One of the most popular Mexican dishes, chicken quesadillas, is a delicious dish for any party or dinner. There are many different ways to prepare this dish, so you can stay with the classic quesadillas or change up the recipe for something unique and flavorful. To prepare, simply place a tortilla topped with cheese in a hot skillet, crisping the tortilla and melting the cheese before folding it in half. Flour tortillas and corn tortillas are both acceptable options. You can add your choice of toppings, such as ground beef, onions, lettuce, peppers, sour cream, or chives.
9. Guacamole
Guacamole is perhaps one of the most popular Mexican dishes. This avocado-based dip is sure to be present at any barbecue, party, or event. It has even become a great part of American cuisine. Used as a dip, spread, condiment, or salad ingredient, guacamole is versatile and delicious. To prepare restaurant-worthy guacamole, simply combine avocado, lime juice, onions, cilantro, salt, and jalapeno into a bowl and mash together. Although this is a relatively simple guacamole recipe, you can spice it up by adding tomatoes, garlic, or other savory spices. Serve with a side of tortilla chips!
10. Chips and Salsa
Of course, salsa is another classic Mexican dish that has now permeated every aspect of American cuisine. To prepare the perfect homemade salsa for your party, chop up some jalapenos, onions, and cherry tomatoes before covering them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. After that, bake those vegetables in the oven for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. After that, combine some tomatoes, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, cumin, and red pepper in a blender. Add those roasted vegetables from the oven to the blender as well and blend well. Add more salt and pepper for taste as you go. Serve with amble tortilla chips for the perfect Cinco De Mayo party.
