You might think that Tex Mex, traditional Mexican recipes and Taco Bell style fast food are all pretty similar, if not quite interchangeable, but this is like comparing three different cuisines.
Just like most Chinese people would find westernized Chinese dishes unrecognizable from what they actually eat, Mexicans view a lot of Tex Mex food to be very different from authentic and traditional Mexican recipes and Taco Bell is even more different.
The word “Tex Mex” is used to describe regional American cuisine which blends authentic Mexican dishes with American ingredients and more. Food from both Northern Mexico and Texas is actually a Spanish and Mexican hybrid influence. Dried beef, grilled cow heads and goat highlighted in the Tex Mex dishes on both sides of the Rio Grande because of the wide-ranging cattle ranching.
Popular Tex Mex Dishes
Tex Mex developed further in the twentieth century, using readily available American produce like yellow cheese. Tex Mex cooking uses flavors like cumin, which is almost never found in Mexican dishes but common in Indian food and Tex Mex.
Tortilla chips with salsa or hot sauce is a common Tex Mex appetizer. Popular Tex Mex ingredients include beef, spices, beef and lots of melted cheese. Chili con queso, chili con carne, fajitas, nachos, chimichangas and chili gravy are all Tex Mex entrees, rather than Mexican foods . A combination plate with several of these dishes on it is also an American invention, rather than something you would be served in Mexico.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying Tex Mex food and, in fact, sometimes sharing tortillas with a salsa dip with friends before tucking into a combination plate of chili con carne, fajitas and more is a wonderful way to have dinner. The first Tex Mex restaurants to come on board had an exciting combo of a Wild-West feel with a romantic Latin undertone . Enchiladas, or even a Mexican rice recipe with beans were thought to be standard Mexican fare, accompanied by jugs of margarita or Mexican beer. A new awareness of authentic Mexican food compared to Tex Mex is developing amongst people.
Tex Mex restaurants are found all over the world but they are especially popular in Arizona, California, Texas and New Mexico. A lot of them are adorned in Mexican colors, which are red, green and gold and the tables and booths are made of old fashioned wood. Tex Mex food is certainly delicious and continues to be very popular.
Authentic Mexican Recipes
If you enjoy Tex Mex food, you are going to love traditional Mexican recipes. Tex Mex food is primarily a blend of Mexican food with American and Spanish flavors. Authentic Mexican dishes use a lot of the same ingredients and the focus is on fine meat and fish, fresh produce, fresh herbs and spices. A lot of Tex Mex food is frozen rather than cooked to order, which is a another reason to try authentic Mexican recipes.
A typical Tex Mex meal might combine several flavors on one plate to give you a taste of everything. You might have beef fajitas, chili con carne, nachos and two types of sauce all together, accompanied by refried beans. A Mexican meal will be an appetizer and then an entree, rather than a huge buffet style platter.
Typical Mexican recipes include dishes that you know, like enchiladas, tacos and homemade salsas and ones that you might not have tried, such as Mexican casseroles, soups and layered salads. Mexican food change from region to region and seafood and fish is as popular in some parts of the country as beef is in others.
If you like Tex Mex cuisine, you are going to love authentic Mexican foods. You can make your own traditional mexican recipes at home if you want to try this varied, healthy and delicious cuisine. There are plenty of mouthwatering traditional Mexican recipes to get you started.
Tags: Mexican food, Mexican recipes, Mexican rice, Tex Mex
