Adobo Seasoning

Authentic Mexican food certainly has its own distinct flavor and below is a list of spices and seasonings typically used to give this flavor, as well as tips and suggestions for use.

Cumin: When you buy taco seasoning or flavoring to the grocery store, cumin is the spice that gives it that special flavor. However, the cumin can also be used in other Mexican dishes such as stews, grilled lamb and chicken. Some of the most popular dishes, cumin is used in Chile are con queso, enchiladas casserole with pork and sauce.

Coriander: Coriander is actually a member of the carrot family and is related to parsley. You may have heard called coriander. Coriander is the most commonly used in salsa, Pico de Gallo, burritos, salads and Mexican sauces.

Epazote (for example EP-ah-ZOE-tay): Also known as Mexican tea, herb epazote is strong and is known for its medicinal properties, such as relieving gasiness often associated with eating beans. However, used in large quantities it is toxic. Epazote is usually found in beans, corn and fish recipes. Like cilantro, epazote has its own distinct flavor and is often an acquired taste. If you find that you do not like epazote, try replacing the Mexican oregano.

Chili Powder: Chili powder is actually a combination of dried chili powder, cumin and oregano. You can find other ingredients in mixtures, but these are the basics. Chili powder is often used, you guessed it, Chile, but it is also ideal for stews, meat and poultry.

Chipotle: Chipotle is actually dried, smoked jalapenos. Chipotle is a popular seasoning to use for sauces, marinades and salsa such as adobo.

Garlic: Garlic is probably the most common seasoning used in Mexican cuisine. In fact, you can add garlic to almost any Mexican recipe for more flavor. garlic powder and fresh garlic are the most common forms of garlic used in recipes.

Onion: fresh or powdered, you can not go wrong with adding the onion about Mexican dish just. In fact, onion and garlic are often used in conjunction with one another and adds a nice flavor.

Mexican Oregano: This plant is a little stronger than its relatively popular, Mediterranean oregano (Oregan) or Greek oregano. Mexican oregano is the best in enchilada sauce, tortilla soup, chicken dishes and egg and cheese dishes such as omelets. Mexico pairs oregano and other seasonings and spices, such as Chipotle, Chile and garlic powder.

other flavors you find in authentic Mexican cuisine are cinnamon, cloves and anise. Cocoa and peanut butter are mixed with other seasonings to Mole. Mole is a thick sauce spread on the chicken a distinctive flavor. Cocoa is also widely used in Mexican and other dishes.

rojo Recada is a mixture of spices and gets its red color from annatto seeds. Cinnamon, cloves, cumin, oregano, garlic and spices are blended together more to make this distinctive seasoning of Mexico.

You can also combine the spices above to create your own Mexican seasoning. Try it on grilled meats, in salsa, and even quesadillas and fajitas and impress your guests with your own Mexican mix.