Southwest Food
The Southwest region of the United States is an area comprised of a perfect fusion of
Native American, Mexican, and Spanish cultures. Even contemporary Southwestern
cuisine is deeply rooted in these cultures' traditions, offering food lovers a uniquely
perfect mix of bold spices and mild ingredients.
The Heritage of the Southwest
In the Southwestern United States, typical ingredients used in native dishes include
chillies, corn, tomato, squash, beans, and avocados. Spanish settlers of this region
adapted the various farming techniques original to the Navajos, Aztecs, and other
Native American tribes and eventually, the settlers included cattle and pigs into their
typical diets.
There are quite a few Southwestern dishes credited to the Spanish settlers of this
area. For instance, the Spanish were responsible for the classic and tasty red-
wine/fresh fruit combo beverage known as Sangria that originally came from their
wine grape plants. Meat-laden dishes and thick stews are staples of South-western
cuisine. Some parts of the South-west included roasts, hearty soups, and crock pot
meals made from the freshwater fish and wild game hunted by the natives.
Southwestern Styles
South-western cuisine as a whole encompasses a wide scope consisting of many
regional traditions. Some examples of subdivided Southwest food include Cal-Mex,
Tex-Mex, Sonoran Style, and New Mexican Style. The popularity of Southwestern
dishes began to climb after the closing of the infamous Mexican-American War. Ever
since it reached the national level, it has even influenced the tastes of Americans
everywhere.
Out of all the different South-western cooking styles, the most popular is Tex-Mex.
This type of food meshes common ingredients found in both traditional American and
Mexican meals and places a heavy emphasis on melted cheese, beef, spices, tortillas,
and beans to create well-known dishes like fajitas and chili con queso. Another style
of cuisine is the New-Mexican. This style was developed in Mexico before the country
succumbed to US acquisition. In many dishes, green chilies are utilized, giving the
New-Mexican style a unique flavor.
The Popular Southwestern Ingredient -- Chilies
When it comes to South western US food, it is all about heat, spice, and flavor, which is
why native chefs embrace chilies in almost every dish they create. There are more
than 200 varieties of chillies currently known and all have been used in Southwestern
meals for several thousand years. The potency of a chili can range from mild to
overwhelmingly hot, depending on the type. Despite the popular belief, a chili's color
is not a determinant of its spicy factor. It is in actuality the capsicum, which is located
inside of the chili and contains the its ribs and seeds. It is common practice to remove
the capsicum in order to reduce a powerful chili's heat.
Broad Yet Distinctive
The cuisine of the Southwest is inspired by a variety of diverse cultures and although it
encompasses such as broad scope, the many regional styles give this regional food
distinctive character that is an extension of each Southwestern culture. It is its
combination of colors, flavors, smells, and spices that give Southwestern food a
particularly interesting and satisfying flair.
The Versatile
Mexican Food -
Empanadas
Empanada is a word, which means
"wrapped in bread" in Spanish and
these delicious little
pastries are made by
wrapping a round dough
pastry in half over a
filling to make a
semicircle. Empanadas
make tasty snacks at any
time of the day and are
popular throughout Latin
America as well as in Spain.
Looking Into
Mexican Food
History
Historically, Mexican food is one of the
most loved cuisines amongst American
eaters all over the U.S. and has spread
to other countries as well. Of course,
depending on the amount of heat or
fats in a particular Mexican dish, it may
cause a problem for some of the more
delicate digestive tracts. And that brings
us to the point of healthy eating and
Mexican food.
Austin Tex Mex:
Seven
Restaurants that Can't be
Missed
Tex Mex cuisine is something that can't
be missed if you're visiting Austin. If you
live in this diverse and exciting city,
you've probably found some great spots
to enjoy this unique form of cuisine. For
those not in the know, Tex Mex food
takes the best of Mexican food with the
best of Southern-American food for a
tasty blend of flavors.
Eating out - first
impressions
First impressions count and anyone
choosing to eat out will invariably judge
a restaurant as much on
its appearance as its
menu or prices. Bistro
and café owners in
particular must ensure a
décor and building fabric
that is both warm and
inviting to casual passers
by.
Recommended
refurbishment works
Painting UPVC doors
Painting UPVC windows
