These Mexican Dishes Have Their Roots in Indigenous Cuisine

Photo by Jarritos Mexican Soda on Unsplash

Mexico is one of the gastronomical capitals of the world, a rich tapestry of native and European traditions that have fused together to create a number of dishes full of flavor which tell a story of the country’s complicated history.

The native people who occupied the Mexican territory before the arrival of European conquerors might have had their civilizations demolished and/or completely altered by the arrival of the conquistadores, but you can still find traces of their culture in the country’s food. Here are some dishes whose roots can be found in indigenous cuisine.

Tamales

Tamales are a Mexican favorite, consisting of a cornmeal pocket full of meats and/or vegetables that have been steamed inside of a husk. This dish actually dates all the way back to cultures that inhabited Mexico from 8000 to 5500 BC and continue to be prepared to this day.

Mole

The word mole comes from the Nahuatl word mōlli, meaning “sauce.” This traditional sauce, prepared with chili peppers, chocolate, and spices, existed in some form before the arrival of Europeans to the area but did not contain chocolate until after Mexico was conquered.

Pozole

When you ask any person from Mexico what they consider to be “comfort food”, one answer that you will undoubtedly hear is pozole. This hominy stew is like Mexico’s chicken noodle soup and references to it can be found in Aztec texts that predate the arrival of Europeans to the territory.