Cinco de Mayo, Spanish for “Fifth of May”, is an annual celebration held on May 5th to celebrate the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5th, 1862. The observance in the United States first started in California in 1863 in response to the resistance to French rule in Mexico.
In a 2006 study in the Journal of American Culture reported that there were more than 150 official US celebrations of Cinco de Mayo in 21 different states.
Los Angeles’ Fiesta Broadway has been billed as the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the world, which it most certainly was at its peak in the 1990s when it attracted crowds of 500,000 or more. In recent years attendance has seen a dramatic decrease.
Plan Your Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
This recipe roundup showcases some of the best authentic Mexican recipes for Cinco de Mayo or any other night you’re craving Mexican cuisine. There’s something for everyone:
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In the U.S., the holiday has morphed into a heritage and cultural celebration of Mexico. So, what better way to celebrate this beautiful culture than with the best of Mexican recipes, fiestas, mariachi music, and perhaps a margarita.
Chilaquiles a Mexican Breakfast Recipe
Serve it with eggs, sour cream and avocado and you will be making this dish more than you would like to admit.
Fresh green poblano peppers add a little heat, the savory filling a bit of sweetness, the white walnut sauce topped with sparkling red pomegranate a delightful citrus crunch.
Once assembled, the filled enchiladas are topped with the remaining sauce and baked until the sauce begins to bubble. They're then served over a bed of lettuce and often garnished with jalapeños, shredded cheese, or tomatillo salsa.
This dish is very strong in flavor, and some people might want to dilute it a bit. Ideal candidates are white rice and pico de gallo. Shred the pork and mix into or serve on top of white rice and pico.
The king of all Mexican sandwiches can be stuffed with a variety of fried meats, avocado, queso, chipotles and red sauce, this sandwich is super versatile while also being super delicious.
The actual tostada (the toasted corn tortilla) is the base of the recipe and is topped with refried beans, cheese, meat, lettuce, and other toppings. They are a popular menu item at any Mexican restaurant and they are SO easy to make!
Tamales are much simpler to make than you might think! They can be filled with meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, chilies or any preparation according to taste, and both the filling and the cooking liquid may be seasoned.
These fish tacos are incredible as an appetizer or as a main course. Delicious battered fish strips accompanied with pico de gallo, cabbage and a creamy white sauce.
Now you can make your own Queso Fresco instead of purchasing it. When made for the evening meal, it is often prepared in the early afternoon and let drain until dinner. This type of cheese is highly perishable, it can be refrigerated for up to one week.
Churros are a delicious cinnamon-sugar coated fried pastry dough dessert. They are surprisingly simple to make at home and are the perfect party treat.
When choosing your tequila, quality is key. Opt for a blanco made from 100% blue agave. Although many people reach for premade sour mix, using fresh lime juice will result in a vastly superior drink.
Mexican food is so vibrant, both in taste and color. You could eat it every day without ever getting tired of it, given the countless Mexican flavors, ingredients, dishes, and ways to prepare them. Having said that, traditional and authentic Mexican food is not always easy to find—and it can be quite different than what we are used to.
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Long before he was a Hollywood star, Danny Trejo used to joke with his mom that they should open a restaurant. A few arrests, a couple boxing championships, and more than 300 movies later, Hollywood’s favorite bad guy did just that with Trejo’s Tacos. His unexpected journey from ex-con to actor to Narcotics Anonymous/Alcoholics Anonymous counselor to successful restaurateur is a true rags-to-riches story.
