If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, you’ll know that it’s much more than just tacos and guacamole. The vibrant flavors, colorful ingredients, and rich cultural heritage of Mexican cooking make it one of the most exciting and diverse cuisines in the world. And what better way to explore this delicious world than with a collection of must-try Mexican cookbooks?
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 10 of the best Mexican cookbooks, each one filled with irresistible recipes, interesting stories, and expert advice on how to recreate the flavors of Mexico in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, you’re sure to find inspiration in these pages. So roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and get ready to discover the authentic flavors of Mexico with these must-try cookbooks.
♦Our Top Picks
1.
If you’re a food lover with an interest in Mexican cuisine, you won’t want to miss “Food Culture in Mexico.” This fascinating book takes you on a journey through the history of Mexican food traditions, exploring the ingredients and dishes that have been central to Mexican cuisine for centuries, as well as the cultural and societal factors that have shaped the way Mexicans eat. Whether you’re a student of food history or simply a curious cook, you’ll find plenty of insights in this volume.
The book’s chapters provide an in-depth look into the origins of the Mexican diet, the principal foods of Mexican cuisine, and the roles of women in traditional Mexican cooking. Readers will also gain insight into regional and class differences in Mexican cuisine, as well as the customs and traditions associated with eating out and special occasions. Finally, the book addresses the current health concerns related to Mexican food culture, including malnutrition, anemia, diabetes, and obesity.
“Food Culture in Mexico” is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of Mexican cuisine and the cultural, societal, and historical factors that have shaped it. Whether you’re a food historian, anthropologist, or simply a passionate cook, this book will broaden your horizons and inspire you to explore the rich and delicious world of Mexican food.
2.
Rancho de Chimayo restaurant, located 30 miles north of Taos on the high road, is renowned for its traditional New Mexican cuisine and charming ambiance. Surrounded by mountains, this traditional Spanish hacienda offers a delightful experience to everyone who comes to savor its gourmet flavors. For the celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary, the Jaramillo family, who has passed down their culinary skills for generations, published a simple paperback cookbook in 1991. Twenty-five years later, this new deluxe edition has been released, featuring the fully revised and updated version of all recipes, as well as over 20 delicious new dishes. As an additional surprise, this book also contains fascinating historical archive images and stunning full-color food and location photography, which makes it a wonderful keepsake of this special place and a dining companion worth revisiting time and time again.
3.
If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine and looking for a cookbook that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Oaxaca, look no further than Bricia Lopez’s “Oaxaca: Home Cooking from the Heart of Mexico.” Written in collaboration with food writer Javier Cabral and based on the traditional recipes of her family’s landmark Guelaguetza restaurant in Los Angeles, this cookbook offers over 140 authentic yet accessible recipes using some of the purest pre-Hispanic and indigenous ingredients available.
Oaxaca is the culinary heart of Mexico, and Guelaguetza has been the center of life for the Oaxacan community in Los Angeles since it opened in 1994. With “Oaxaca,” readers will have the chance to experience the vibrant and richly varied cuisine of Oaxaca through Bricia Lopez’s own family recipes, passed down through the generations and perfected through years of serving authentic Oaxacan dishes to a diverse and discerning audience.
“Oaxaca” is more than just a cookbook – it is the story of a family’s passion for sharing the flavors, ingredients, and stories of their native Oaxaca with a wider audience. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newcomer to Mexican cuisine, “Oaxaca” will inspire you and introduce you to a world of delicious and authentic flavors that are as essential to Oaxacan life as they are delicious.
4.
Mexican cuisine is as rich and varied as the country’s tumultuous history, a fascinating marriage of native Indian food with the Spanish contribution of wheat, rice, and meats. From the rise and fall of the Olmec and Maya civilizations to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors and the turbulent revolutionary years, the drama of Mexico’s past is vividly reflected in its cuisine. “Mexico: The Beautiful Cookbook” by Marilyn Tausend captures the fascinating culinary heritage of Mexico in one stunning volume.
Featuring a vast selection of authentic Mexican dishes from all 31 states of the country, these recipes are prepared by renowned Acapulco-based chef Suzanna Palazuelos. Many of the recipes in the book are unusual regional dishes that have been passed down through generations by word of mouth, such as garlic chicken from Veracruz and San Luis Potosi’s own version of enchiladas. The book includes traditional favorites like chile en nogada, tamales, pozole, and tortilla soup, as well as contemporary surprises like tequila mousse, cilantro soup, and lobster crepes with pine nut sauce.
Along with Ms. Palazuelos’ recipes, “Mexico: The Beautiful Cookbook” also features contributions from other well-known Mexican cooks, making it a comprehensive and authoritative guide to Mexico’s diverse culinary traditions. With stunning photography and a wealth of information on the history and ingredients of Mexican cuisine, this book is a feast for the senses and an invaluable resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich culinary heritage of Mexico.
5.
If you’re a fan of authentic Mexican cuisine, look no further than “México Gastronomia” – the ultimate bible of Mexican home cooking. With over 700 easy-to-follow recipes, this book celebrates the fresh, delicious ingredients of a country whose cuisine is revered around the world.
From tasty tacos to cheesy enchiladas and sweet tamales, these recipes are a true celebration of the vibrant flavors and textures that make Mexican cuisine so beloved. Organized by type of dish and style – including street food, appetizers and salads, soups, seafood, meats, vegetables, rice and beans, sides, breads and pastas, and desserts and drinks – “México Gastronomia” also includes a comprehensive introduction to Mexican culinary history, ingredients, and techniques.
Featuring recipes from some of Mexico’s top chefs working around the world, as well as a list of places to buy authentic Mexican ingredients in Latin America and beyond, “México Gastronomia” is a must-have for anyone passionate about cooking and eating Mexican food. With its easy-to-follow recipes, helpful instructions, and stunning photos, this cookbook transports readers to the heart of Mexico’s rich culinary heritage and inspires them to explore and experiment with the many delicious and versatile flavors of the country’s cuisine.
6.
Vegetarian cuisine has deep roots in the diverse culinary history of Mexico. In this successful collection of recipes by the best-selling author of “México GastronomÃa”, cooks will discover a variety of delicious traditional and modern dishes made with corn, beans, spices, and the incredible abundance of fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, and edible flowers grown throughout Mexico.
In addition to authentic breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and desserts, the book includes a complete chapter dedicated to legumes, those protein-rich superfoods such as chickpeas, beans, and lentils, as well as special sections for breads, beverages, sauces, and basic foods that every fan of Mexican cuisine should master.
With its extensive selection of vegetarian recipes and thorough coverage of Mexican culinary history and ingredients, “México GastronomÃa Vegetariana” is an indispensable guide to meat-free cooking that celebrates the vibrant and delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine.
7.
In “My Mexican Kitchen“, actress and celebrity chef Eva Longoria shares her love for Mexican cuisine and the techniques and flavors she discovered while reconnecting with her Mexican roots during the television show Searching for Mexico on CNN. From long-held Aztec traditions to classic Yucatán dishes, each recipe is a tribute to Mexican food and flavors.
With dishes such as Chicken Enchiladas with Salsa Verde, Pork and Red Chile Tamales, and Cheesy Tacos de Fideo with Chorizo, Eva celebrates the authentic tastes of Mexico. The book also features recipes for Enfrijoladas, White Pozole, Shrimp Aguachile, and Butternut Squash with Coconut Oil and Cayenne, along with insights into the backstory of key Mexican ingredients such as vanilla and agave.
Beyond just providing mouth-watering recipes, Eva delves into the history of maiz and masa, nixtamalization, and the commercialization of corn, as well as into the traditions of tequila production and the cultural significance of margaritas. Her deep passion for cooking and culinary-related history, as well as her pride for her heritage, shines through on every page of this beautiful, meaningful, and delectable cookbook. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Mexican cuisine, “My Mexican Kitchen” is sure to inspire you in the kitchen with its delicious and authentic recipes and its engaging insights into Mexican culinary history and culture.
8.
In “The Maverick Cookbook: Iconic Recipes & Tales from New Mexico“, author Lynn Cline takes readers on a fascinating journey through the history of New Mexico cuisine by profiling 12 iconic figures who played a role in shaping the region’s celebrated food culture. From Doña Tules and Billy the Kid to Georgia O’Keeffe and Dennis Hopper, each chapter offers a glimpse into the lives of these trailblazers, featuring fictional imaginings that capture a moment in time that helped to shape the region’s cuisine.
Accompanying each chapter are original recipes that use authentic ingredients and traditional techniques of the era, capturing the essence of the cuisine during each historical period. From roasted chile enchiladas to green chile stew and piñon nut bread, readers can taste the flavors of New Mexico’s past and learn how the state’s culinary traditions continue to evolve.
Guy Ambrosino’s stunning photographs bring the recipes to life, capturing the timelessness of the foods featured in the book and inspiring home cooks to recreate the dishes in their own kitchens. Named one of The 30 Most Exciting New Fall Cookbooks in 2015 by Epicurious.com, “The Maverick Cookbook” is a celebration of the rich history and culinary heritage of New Mexico, sure to inspire readers and delight food lovers everywhere.
9.
“Three World Cuisines: Italian, Mexican, Chinese” offers a fascinating exploration of the parallel culinary histories of three of the world’s most influential cuisines. Beginning with a comprehensive theory of cuisine and a look at the domestication of crops in each region, author Ken Albala goes on to delve into the political, social, and technological developments that shaped the cuisines of Italy, Mexico, and China.
Throughout the text, Albala compares and contrasts the internal logic of the cooking styles and techniques used in each cuisine, providing insights that will resonate with both students and food enthusiasts. Chapters on grains and starches; vegetables; fruits and nuts; meat, poultry, and dairy products; fish and shellfish; fats and flavorings; and beverages offer a detailed examination of each cuisine, highlighting the unique ingredients, dishes, and techniques that define them.
In addition to providing an in-depth look at the history and evolution of Italian, Mexican, and Chinese cuisine, Albala also challenges the notion of authenticity and presents compelling evidence that cuisines are constantly evolving and adapting over time. Complete with over 150 authentic recipes, “Three World Cuisines” offers a fundamental understanding of cooking techniques that will inspire readers to explore the rich flavors and cultural heritage of these three iconic cuisines.
10.
“Cocina Mexicana” is a delightful cookbook that offers a fresh and authentic take on Mexican cuisine, inspired by the experiences of author Adriana Cavita. Raised in a small village in Mexico, Adriana was instilled with a love of cooking by her grandmother, who ran a street-food business. Traveling extensively throughout the country, Adriana discovered the deeply-rooted and varied cooking traditions of each region, and became fascinated with the care and attention that went into preparing seemingly simple dishes.
This collection of recipes showcases Adriana’s diverse culinary experiences, with recipes ranging from the northern, more rugged dishes of Baja Fish Tacos and Birria, to the flavor-packed central dishes like quesadillas and Pollo en Adobo, and finally to the southern regions of Yucatan and Oaxaca, known for their Tlayudas con Carne Asada. Adriana also introduces the basics of Mexican cooking, such as salsas, corn dough, tostadas, and moles, and includes a selection of tantalizing Mexican cocktails featuring the popular tequila and mezcal.
The recipes in “Cocina Mexicana” not only offer a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine but also tell a story of Adriana’s heritage and the people who taught her the art of cooking. With a focus on traditional cooking methods and an emphasis on using fresh, flavorful ingredients, this cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to explore the vibrant and diverse world of Mexican cuisine.
In conclusion, these 10 must-try Mexican cookbooks offer a diverse array of recipes and techniques to explore the rich culinary heritage of Mexico. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, these resources provide a delicious and enjoyable way to discover authentic flavors and elevate your cooking skills.
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What are some features to look for when selecting a Mexican cookbook to discover authentic flavors?
When searching for a Mexican cookbook to discover authentic flavors, it is important to look for features such as a focus on traditional cooking methods, a wide range of recipes from different regions of Mexico, and an emphasis on fresh, flavorful ingredients. It may also be beneficial to look for cookbooks written by well-known Mexican chefs or food writers with a deep understanding of Mexican cuisine.
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Are there any digital resources available to discover authentic Mexican flavors?
Yes, there are many digital resources available for those looking to discover authentic Mexican flavors. Online food blogs, cooking videos, and forums can offer a wealth of information and inspiration for cooking Mexican food at home. Social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest are also great sources for discovering new recipes and cooking techniques. Many Mexican cookbooks are also available in digital formats, making it easy to access authentic flavors from the comfort of your own home.
