Many countries have delicious food, and Mexico is one of them. Mexican street food has experienced rapid development because many people love it and it’s easy to find. Moreover, its taste is beyond doubt.

Why is Mexican Cuisine Popular?

The popularity of Mexican cuisine cannot be separated from the many Mexican restaurants that have emerged worldwide. This opens opportunities for people to taste the cuisine, but more than that, here are the reasons:

1. Full of Flavor

It’s undeniable that Mexican cuisine is rich in flavor. It’s full of spices and aromatics deliberately used to enhance the taste.

2. Healthy

Another reason is its healthiness due to the use of various vegetables and fruits. Fresh ingredients such as chili, cabbage, tomatoes, beans, and others are commonly used.

See also : Healthy Food Ingredients for Busy Days

3. Easy to Make

Mexican cuisine has complex flavors but is easy to recreate. It’s simple to make and this is also one of the factors that make Mexican food popular.

4. Flexible

Mexican food can be used for any occasion. One example is Burrito, which is simple yet contains sufficient nutrients. Despite its simplicity, it’s suitable for traveling and definitely filling.

5. Delicious

Undoubtedly, this is a popular reason because no matter how rich the flavor is, if it’s not delicious, it won’t have many enthusiasts. The main components of Mexican cuisine are savory flavors such as protein, beans, corn, and spices. You can customize it with vegetables and meat according to your preference.

Recipe for Mexican Street Food

Mexican cuisine is not only found in restaurants but also on the streets. Street food recipes tend to be simpler to make. Interested in trying? Here are some recipes:

1. Bionicos

Bionicos are delicious fruit bowls mixed with sweet yogurt, condensed milk, and Mexican crema. This food was originally found in food carts on the streets of Guadalajara, Mexico. It’s topped with granola, raisins, and shredded coconut.

a. Topping Ingredients

• 1/3 cup Mexican crema
• 1/3 cup condensed milk
• 1/3 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

b. Fruit Salad Ingredients

• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1 cup sliced bananas
• 1 cup diced red apples
• 1 cup diced papaya
• 1 cup diced cantaloupe
• ½ cup shredded coconut
• ½ cup raisins
• ½ cup granola

c. Instructions

First, make the topping by mixing all the prepared ingredients in a bowl until smooth.

Next, arrange the fruit salad ingredients in 4 bowls and distribute each fruit evenly (banana, apple, papaya, and cantaloupe). Place strawberries in the middle and sprinkle with granola, raisins, and coconut, then add the topping.

See also : Veganism: Plant-Based Eating Pattern

2. Elote (Mexican Corn on the Cob)

This is a recipe for Mexican-style boiled corn commonly found in street vendors. The ingredients and method are quite simple. After boiling the corn, it’s then grilled by brushing with butter and mayonnaise, and finally topped with salty Cotija cheese.

a. Ingredients

• Corn on the cob
• Butter
• Mayonnaise
• Cheese

b. Instructions

• First, clean the corn and boil it. Then grill the boiled corn on a grill.
• Before grilling, dip the boiled corn in melted butter and coat with mayonnaise.
• Then serve with a sprinkle of Cotija cheese and chili powder if you want to add some color.

3. Churros

This food is familiar and widely found. Churros have a crispy outer layer but are soft inside. They’re fried dough sticks coated with sugar and cinnamon.

a. Ingredients

• Water
• Sugar
• Salt
• Oil
• Flour
• Cinnamon

b. Instructions

• Boil salt, sugar, water, and vegetable oil. Then remove from heat and add to the flour.
• Next, transfer the dough to a pastry bag and shape it into sticks, then cut according to your preference.
• Fry the churro pieces in hot oil until golden brown.
• Drain the churros and roll them in cinnamon sugar before serving.

4. Birria de Chivo Estilo Jalisco (Mexican Goat Stew)

This dish is made from goat meat soaked in ancho chili sauce using finely ground spices. It’s served with refried beans and corn tortillas and is usually served for special occasions.

a. Marinade Ingredients

• 3 whole cloves
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 inch ginger
• 15 whole black peppercorns
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 3 ancho chilies
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried marjoram
• 4 ½ pounds goat shanks

b. Meat Sauce Ingredients

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 cups water
• 2 pounds ripe tomatoes
• 2 whole cloves
• 3 whole black peppercorns
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried marjoram
• Salt to taste

c. Spicy Sauce Ingredients

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 10 whole black peppercorns
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 30 chiles de árbol

d. Instructions

Boil a pot of water, add ancho chilies, and cook for 5 minutes. Then turn off the heat and let the chilies soak in hot water until soft, about 10 minutes, then drain.

Blend the softened chilies and all marinade ingredients until smooth and strain into a bowl.

Place the goat in the bowl, pour the marinade over it, and cover the goat completely with the marinade. Then cover and refrigerate for about 8 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the goat and marinade to a baking dish and cover with a lid or aluminum foil.

Bake in the preheated oven until the goat is tender, about 3.5 hours. Remove the cover and cook until the goat turns brown, about 15 minutes. Then pour the meat juice into a container, cover, and keep warm.

Boil water and add tomatoes until soft. Then drain and let the tomatoes cool.

Peel the tomatoes and blend with the remaining goat juice, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp marjoram, 2 cloves garlic, 3 black peppercorns, and 2 cups of water. Blend until smooth.

Pour the sauce into a small saucepan, season with salt, and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer until thickened.

Boil chiles de arbol until soft, then puree with 1 clove garlic, 10 black peppercorns, ¼ cup vinegar, and salt until the spicy sauce is smooth and strain. Then serve the sauce with the chopped goat meat.

Those are some reasons why Mexican cuisine is popular and simple recipes for Mexican street food that you can try.

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Often, daily busyness leads to eating whatever is available, which sometimes isn’t good for health. The consequence of consuming unhealthy food can lead to significant weight gain and inevitably affect health.

One drawback of having a hectic schedule is not having time to go to the grocery store to buy various ingredients. But don’t worry; actually, stocking up on healthy food is not that complicated.

Components of Storing Healthy Food for Busy People

There are three components to consider when storing healthy food. These are: 1) pay attention to its shelf life so it can be stored for a long time, 2) quick preparation time, and 3) long-lasting so you can stay focused on work.

Adhering to these three components, you won’t have difficulty finding the right ingredients to maintain a healthy diet even if you’re extremely busy.

Healthy Food Ingredients for Busy Days

To make it easier for you, here are some healthy food ingredients that can be stored at home to be consumed later.

1. Eggs

Eggs are versatile, lean protein sources, so keeping eggs in the fridge is beneficial for busy people and your wallet because they’re not too expensive. If stored properly, they can last for up to 1 month and can be prepared on their own or added to other dishes.

2. Frozen Pesto

Pesto can enhance dishes with flavor. You can make pesto yourself or buy it ready-made at the store and store it in the freezer. Pesto can be used as a topping for pizza, pasta, or even sandwiches.

See also : Veganism: Plant-Based Eating Pattern

3. Potatoes

Potatoes are healthy food ingredients that have a shelf life of 2-3 months. So for those of you who don’t have much time to go shopping, having potatoes at home will be very helpful. Potatoes can be turned into gnocchi, fries, baked potatoes, or mashed potatoes.

Potatoes are easy to prepare and simply seasoned with salt and pepper is delicious. They can even be cooked in advance and stored in the fridge for use within 1-2 days.

4. Boxed Soup

You can make soup and store it in BPA-free boxes or cans at home and freeze it. When you want to eat it, just heat it up, which will be more convenient. However, make sure the soup you make has low sodium and no harmful additives.

Try making soup with healthy ingredients like vegetables. So even on busy days, you can enjoy this soup with a piece of bread.

5. Milk

Have packaged milk on the shelf at home, and for a healthier alternative, you can replace cow’s milk with almond milk. Almond milk can be served with added granola, coffee, or as a smoothie mix. This milk can even be an alternative to meet nutritional needs, especially if you don’t have much time to eat.

6. Salsa

Having a bottle of salsa can be very useful, especially when you don’t have vegetables to serve with dishes. Salsa can be mixed with ground beef, minced meat, or chicken dishes.

7. Bread

You can choose to store whole wheat bread, which is healthier and can be prepared simply with avocado or eggs, making it a healthy and tasty meal. The preparation process is easy and suitable for combination with anything. So don’t miss out on this food ingredient.

8. Cheese

Cheese contains vitamin D, calcium, and protein. However, cheese also has a high-fat content, so make sure to consume it in small portions. You can choose low-moisture cheeses like parmesan, gruyere, and cheddar. You can shred these cheeses and store them in the freezer. So when needed to make cheesy pasta, eggs, or tuna melt, they can be used immediately.

9. Frozen Berries

For those of you who spend more time outside than at home, storing fresh fruit may seem wasteful. Another option is to store frozen fruit as they can be consumed whenever you want. One of the benefits of frozen berries is their high antioxidant content. One easy way to serve frozen berries is by making smoothies or mixing them with yogurt or oatmeal.

See also : Simple Recipe for Mexican Street Food

10. Pasta Sauce

Pasta sauce is an alternative that can be added to dinner when coming home late from work. Cooked tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene, which protects against cancer. But for a healthier option, don’t just mix sauce and pasta, but also add other ingredients like canned tuna, shrimp, grilled chicken, and others.

11. Canned Tuna

Canned tuna is not only cheap but also rich in DHA and omega-3. Both of these contents can turn off genes in abdominal fat. Add canned tuna to pasta or sandwiches.

12. Frozen Vegetable Mix

Stir-fried vegetables are actually very easy to prepare but take a long time to prepare the vegetables. Therefore, a frozen vegetable mix can be a solution for quick cooking while still healthy. Later, you can cook them as a mix with rice, pasta, or meat.

13. Nuts

Canned nuts are a source of protein and fiber that can help keep your stomach full longer. They can be served as snacks or added protein to them or to salads.

14. Spaghetti

Keeping spaghetti at home can be a lifesaver when you’re too tired to cook after a long day. For a healthier option, you can replace spaghetti with bean-based ingredients. Beans are considered to have high fiber content that can help lower bad cholesterol and make you feel fuller, and they are richer in nutrients compared to conventional spaghetti on the market.

15. Chia Seeds

Another good source of omega-3 for the body besides salmon is chia seeds. One example of how to prepare them is by making overnight oats with a mix of chia seeds. Mix milk, oats, and chia seeds in a bowl, then stir and let sit in the fridge and serve in the morning.

So those are some alternatives for healthy cooking ingredients Nickswilmette.com recommended that can be chosen, especially for those of you who don’t have much time to cook due to impending busyness. Up to this point, you understand that even with a busy schedule, it doesn’t hinder you from consuming healthy food as long as you know what ingredients can be stored for a long time.

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The popularity of veganism continues to rise as many people are switching to a plant-based diet for health and environmental reasons. However, many are still unsure about veganism. Here, we will discuss what veganism is, the myths surrounding it, and its benefits.

Understanding Vegan Food

Veganism is a lifestyle that excludes all animal products. Unlike a vegetarian diet, which may still include animal products like eggs and dairy, veganism does not include any animal products whatsoever. This means no eggs, milk, meat, or even gelatin. By abstaining from these products, vegans aim to reduce their impact on animal welfare and the environment while improving human health.

Core Principles of Vegan Food

The core principle lies in the use of plant-based ingredients. Being vegan is more than just consuming grains, vegetables, fruits, and the like. By focusing on healthy plant-based foods, you prepare yourself to reap many benefits from plant-based foods.

Vegan food is naturally rich in minerals, vitamins, and fiber, which are beneficial for preventing various health issues like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Many people adopt veganism out of concern for the planet and for cost savings.

It’s hard to ignore the impact of animal farming on the environment, such as greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.

See also : Simple Recipe for Mexican Street Food

Benefits of Consuming Vegan Food

Vegan food provides many benefits, not only for individual health but also for the planet. It’s healthier because it usually has less bad stuff like fats and cholesterol. Instead, it’s full of good things like vitamins and fiber that keep you healthy.

And when we choose plant-based foods, we’re also helping our planet. Making vegan food takes less water, land, and energy compared to raising animals for meat. Plus, it helps cut down on the pollution that harms our Earth. So, by eating vegan, we’re not only keeping ourselves healthy but also doing our part to take care of the environment for the future.

1. Health: When done correctly, a vegan diet provides a wealth of nutrients like vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. This not only improves overall health but also reduces the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
2. Sustainability: Vegan diets tend to be more environmentally friendly than diets containing dairy and meat. This is because vegan diets require less energy and water resources and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Animal Welfare: Choosing to consume vegan food eliminates support for farming practices that involve exploitation and potential cruelty to animals.
4. Food Innovation: Adopting a vegan diet can spur culinary creativity by encouraging the exploration of various plant-based ingredients and cooking techniques. This opens the door to creating various dairy and meat alternatives.

Debunking Vegan Food Myths

Dispelling myths about vegan food is important because veganism is often misunderstood.

1. Lack of Protein

This is a common misconception. While meat is a protein source, many plant-based foods also contain protein. Foods like quinoa, tofu, beans, and lentils are excellent protein sources. There are plenty of high-protein vegan foods available, and a well-planned vegan diet can easily meet protein needs.

2. Calcium Deficiency

This myth arises from the belief that dairy products are the only source of calcium. However, many vegan products are rich in calcium, including plant-based milk and green vegetables like broccoli, kale, and grains.

3. Always Healthy

While a vegan diet can be very healthy, it’s not automatically so. Like any other diet, a vegan diet needs to be balanced and varied to ensure adequate nutrition.

4. Boring Food

This myth is far from the truth because there are plenty of options for grains, vegetables, fruits, and nuts that make vegan diets interesting and diverse. Additionally, there are many innovative vegan products available now.

5. Expensive

While some specialty vegan products can be expensive, staple foods like beans, grains, vegetables, and fruits are economical options. Moreover, with the growing popularity of veganism, more affordable vegan products are becoming available in the market.

Various Vegan Food Creations

As mentioned earlier, vegan food options are abundant nowadays, making plant-based eating not only delicious but also diverse.

1. Meatless Meatball Sandwich

Make meatballs by mixing eggplant and mushrooms and serve them on whole wheat bread. This sandwich is aromatic and will surely surprise anyone who cooks it, as it contains no meat.

See also : Healthy Food Ingredients for Busy Days

2. Lentil Soup

Add vegetables like sweet potatoes, scallions, and kale to a pot. The abundance of liquid in it will be very filling and nutrient-rich. If you’re fully vegan, you can skip the use of parmesan.

3. Cauliflower Alfredo Fettuccine

The main ingredients of alfredo sauce are heavy cream and cheese. However, a vegan version can be made using cauliflower sauce, which is healthier. You can combine cauliflower with coconut milk and yeast to create a creamy and dairy-free sauce. To make it more appealing, add parsley and lemon zest.

4. Broccoli Pesto Pasta

This flavorful pesto is made using roasted broccoli (stalks and florets), salt, olive oil, arugula, lemon juice, lemon zest, almonds, and pepper. Although pesto requires cheese, you can replace it with nutritional yeast, which is vegan-friendly.

5. Eggplant Curry

Eggplant’s meat-like texture makes it an ideal ingredient in vegan and vegetarian dishes. Add green beans to increase protein and curry powder for flavor. To ensure this dish is fully vegan, use plant-based yogurt instead of cow’s milk yogurt.

So when asked, “What is vegan food or veganism?” You can easily answer. Veganism is a lifestyle that prioritizes plant-based ingredients and avoids the use of animal products for health, ethical, and environmental reasons.

Adopting this lifestyle doesn’t mean limiting flavor or eating patterns. This is because the variety of plant-based ingredients makes this food delicious, diverse, and filling.

So get creative with plant-based foods, as exploring different cooking methods and ingredient variations will make plant-based eating anything but boring. Awareness of this lifestyle encourages people to seek alternative food sources to replace dairy and meat products. In fact, some plant-based dishes taste similar to meat or chicken. So, are you interested on becoming vegan? Or you prefer just stay the same?

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