Everyone knows how tasty and satisfying Mexican food is – more than 85% of the total U.S. population has tried it – and most households enjoy a variety of tacos, enchiladas or quesadillas on a weekly basis. What you may not realize is that authentic Mexican dishes, like those prepared fresh daily at Aqui es Texcoco, are not only delicious but also very healthy for the whole family!
As opposed to the high-calorie and fatty drive-thru and “Americanized” Mexican food choices, traditional dishes from Mexico include fruit-flavored waters, freshly grilled vegetables, a variety of maize and beans, chiles, fresh herbs and spices, homemade tortillas, rice, and slow cooked meats. Here are just a few ingredients that make authentic Mexican food nutrient-dense and delicious:
Frijoles – Most popular are pinto beans (served whole or mashed and refried) and black beans (generally served whole). Frijol pinto is the common filling for burritos, and is also served alongside rice to accompany most entrees. Delicious frijoles negros can be seasoned with ham hocks, tomatoes, garlic and onions, oregano, chiles and vinegar as a meal in itself or an accompaniment to a main course. 1 cup of pinto beans have fewer calories at 199 – while a cup of black beans is 227, with slightly more protein, and twice the fiber.
Spices and Herbs – Ancho chile powder includes rich and sweet dried fruit flavors; Chipotle (dried and smoked jalapeno) is widely popular and the main ingredient in Adobo marinade. Epazote is used to flavor beans and reduce their digestive discomfort; cocoa adds a rich and warm taste when making Mole (a thick sauce served over meats). And then, there are the fabulous Mexican chiles: chile habanero, serrano, de arbol (bold and smoky choice used in salsas and soups), poblano (chiles rellenos), manzano, pasilla, guajillo, and more.
Rice – A vital staple food for our human race, rice is a cereal grain and also gluten-free and present in almost every Mexican dish – from burritos and consomme to rice pudding. Pure horchata (rice milk) is lighter than regular milk; add a little sweetener (agave sugar or syrup) and serve over ice, sprinkle with cinnamon and you have a refreshing traditional beverage.
Tortillas – Originally created by the Mesoamerican culture, and later given the Spanish name “little cake,” these corn and wheat flatbreads are a staple in Mexico. Much of the Aztec diet was dependent on a variety of chiles, maize, tortillas, and tamales. Essential in a myriad of authentic Mexican dishes such as tostadas, flautas, enchiladas and tacos, tortillas have also grown into a mainstream food the world over. Both wheat and corn tortillas are naturally low in fat and sodium and low in cholesterol.
Huitlacoche – Used anywhere you would include a mushroom, this popular and very authentic Mexican ingredient grows as a fungus on organic corn ears in the rainy season. Huitlacoche is a high source of lysine, the amino acid responsible for building strong bones and muscle, keeping youthful-looking skin and even keeping infections at bay. It is also more effective than oatmeal in reducing cholesterol. This rare and magic ingredient is available in the tacos and quesadillas served at Aqui es Texcoco.
Avocado – Whether sliced alongside consomme and tortillas, or mashed into a tasty guacamole, the avocado is deeply woven into the Mexican culture. Surprisingly, avocados have a very bad reputation of being fattening, when in fact a whole medium-sized avocado has only 275 calories. Though high in fats, they are the healthy kind – like Omega-3 and Omega-6, as well as oleic acid (an Omega-9 monounsaturated fat that actually works to lower any bad-LDL cholesterol). Avocados are also high in dietary fiber, vitamins C and K, folate, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium.
The next time you’re craving Mexican food, go healthy and bring the whole family to Aqui es Texcoco, one of only five San Diego restaurants officially recognized as authentic by the federal government of Mexico! Our healthy children’s menu was developed in partnership with Healthy Kids Choice, California Endowment, Chula Vista Community Collaborative, and San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initiative to help in the fight against childhood obesity.