6 traditional dishes to celebrate the patriotic festivities

We are just a few months away from starting the celebrations for the Independence Day, so it is advisable to start planning our menu for the shout on September 15th. At Kiwilimón, we tell you a little more about the most traditional dishes of Mexican cuisine and help you put together a menu for the big day. Chiles en NogadaThis 2021 will be the year of chiles en nogada, as it marks 200 years since its creation. This iconic dish is ideal for celebrating patriotic festivities, as visually it reminds us of the Mexican flag and the struggle for independence. It is said that chiles en nogada was created by Augustinian nuns at the convent of Santa Mónica, Puebla. According to legend, Agustín de Iturbide was passing through Puebla after signing the Treaties of Córdoba, and it was then that chiles en nogada was prepared using all kinds of local ingredients and topped with nogada, parsley, and pomegranate. If you want to prepare chiles en nogada to celebrate the patriotic festivities, you need to gather the following ingredients: Garlic, onion, tomato, beef and pork, almonds, raisins, plantain, pine nuts, clove, cinnamon, pepper, creole peach, pear, panochera apple, acitrón, poblano peppers, eggs, flour, walnut, milk, goat cheese, sugar, salt, pomegranate, and parsley. PozoleThis dish is another must-have for celebrating Independence Day, as it is comforting and best enjoyed with family. Regarding the origin of pozole, it is very ancient, dating back to pre-Hispanic times. According to information published by the federal government, before the arrival of colonizers, pozole was prepared with meat and corn, although it also had a more macabre version, as various studies suggest our ancestors added human meat to the pozole. Another story recounts that during the celebrations in honor of the god Xipe Tótec, Emperor Moctezuma ate a plate of pozole that contained the thigh of a prisoner. However, during colonization, human meat was replaced by pork, as it is said to have a very similar taste. In our country, there are about 20 recipes for pozole, although the most popular are red, white, and green pozole. It is always accompanied by lettuce, radishes, lime juice, onion, and tostadas. Remember that at Kiwilimón you can find countless recipes to prepare the most delicious pozole. TostadasTostadas are always a good idea to celebrate September 15th and 16th, as they are very filling and easy to prepare. According to the Secretary of Agriculture, the types of Mexican tostadas we know today come from our ancient indigenous cultures, as these ancestors toasted the tortillas over the fire and then accompanied them with beans and chili. With the arrival of the colonizers, the tostada recipe was modified, and ingredients such as chicken, cheese, cream, lettuce, salsa, among others, were added. Nowadays, there are many recipes to prepare delicious tostadas for all tastes, some of the most popular are:Tostada de Tinga de PolloShrimp TostadaTostada de PataTuna TostadaNo matter which is your favorite, at Kiwilimón you will find the best tostada recipes. TacosThe taco is undoubtedly the king of Mexican food, as it is delicious, versatile, and economical. So popular is it that it is estimated that there are more than 20,000 varieties of this Mexican dish. According to the Secretary of Agriculture, the taco has its origins in pre-Hispanic times, where the taco became a way to transport food. Regarding the origin of the word taco, some versions suggest that it comes from the Nahuatl tlahco or quauhtaqualli. One of the legends surrounding the taco states that Emperor Moctezuma used tortillas to hold his food, thus shaping the first Mexican tacos. On the other hand, experts say that workers carried their food wrapped in tortillas, which may also have given rise to the taco. Years later, Hernán Cortés would celebrate the first taquiza, according to Bernal Díaz del Castillo. Today, the most popular tacos are:Tacos al PastorSuadero TacosBasket TacosCrispy TacosBarbacoa TacosEnchiladasIf you want to celebrate Independence Day in style, but without spending much and not spending hours in the kitchen, then enchiladas are the perfect option. Enchiladas are a very easy and quick recipe to cook, as they are made with tortillas, salsa, cream, cheese, and other ingredients. The origin of enchiladas dates back to pre-Hispanic times, as the word chillapitzalli, which means enchilada flute, is mentioned in the Florentine Codex. Currently, the most popular enchiladas are:Swiss EnchiladasGreen EnchiladasPotosina EnchiladasMining EnchiladasMole EnchiladasPambazosAccording to chef Lesterloon Sánchez, the origin of pambazo dates back to the colonial period. In those years, the so-called “pan basso” began to be produced, a product made with low-quality flour, which was very economical. Years later, the name and recipe for pambazos would evolve. In Mexico City, the pambazo is a bread covered with a chili sauce, filled with a stew of potatoes with chorizo, and topped with cream, cheese, lettuce, and salsa. In Veracruz, the pambazo is smaller and filled with different stews, although the most popular is the one filled with beans and chorizo.