Why not take your family and friends on a victual trip to Mexico by way of the dining room table? And while you're at it, take a vacation from the greasy grub that often passes in restaurants for Mexican cuisine. Instead, treat yourself to food where the vibrant flavors of lime, chiles, and cilantro create fatless and faultless flavor and sauces are made not with butter but with toasted nuts, seeds, and spices. Here's a small sampling of our delicious and healthy Mexican recipes.
Cheese Please
Abandon the gloppy melted cheese that blankets dishes in lesser Mexican restaurants: A sprinkle of salty Queso Fresco will often do the trick.
Goodbye Fried
For a low-fat alternative to fried tortilla chips, buy baked chips or make them yourself: Simply brush corn tortillas with a little oil, stack, cut into wedges, spread in a single layer on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and any spices you'd like to add, and bake at 375° until crisp, about 12 minutes.
Go for Good Fat
Instead of sour cream or crema, use guacamole to add a rich touch to tacos and burritos: It's just as luxurious, but because it's made with avocados, it contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, which helps raise "good" cholesterol, as well as potassium and vitamin B6. If only dairy will do, experiment with reduced-fat sour cream or try using a dollop of low-fat yogurt for a tangy touch. In recipes that call for lard or butter, try substituting healthy oils, such as grape seed or olive.
Seriously Good Seafood
Catfish Tacos with Tomato and Avocado Salsa
Rick Bayless' Grilled Salmon Vera Cruz with Lemon-and-Thyme-Scented Salsa
Sweet Corn and Halibut Tamales
Seafood Salad with Cilantro Dressing
Healthy Mains
Tortilla Soup with Chicken and Lime
Mexican Meatball Soup with Rice and Cilantro
Chicken with Spicy Tomato Sauce
Super Salsas
Spicy Pineapple, Apricot,and Jicama Salsa
Charred Tomato, Chipotle, and Mango Salsa
Poblano Chilies with Black Beans and Cheese
MORE FROM EPICURIOUS.COM:
-
Recipes & Menus
Epicurious.com's portfolio of dishes for all seasons, cuisines and occasions
-
The Epicurious Editors' Blog
Food News and Views From All Over
-
Everyday Cooking
Delicious menu guides for the busy work week
-
Epicurious Technique Videos
See better approaches to preparing your meals
-
Recipe Slideshows
Assorted galleries featuring pictures and recipes from Epicurious.com
