Authentic Recipes for Cinco De Mayo
Forget the nachos and tacos! Give your Cinco de Mayo party real Mexican flavor with these traditional dishes.
Cinco de Mayo festivities are just around the corner, so let's bring out the nachos, tacos and margaritas. Right? Wrong! This most Mexican of US holidays, which against popular belief actually commemorates "La Batalla de Puebla" where a handful of poorly armed campesinos defeated the invading French army, should be celebrated with the same recipes used in Mexico for their national holidays. So, this Cinco de Mayo do as the Mexicans do. Ditch the tex-mex for some of these authentic dishes. ¡Qué viva México!
PHOTOS: Real Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
Pozole
Both versions of this traditional Mexican stew, Pozole Blanco and Pozole Rojo, are a must-serve at all Cinco de Mayo tables. The difference between them lies in the meat and the peppers used. For the Blanco (or white) version, the recipe calls for chicken and pork, as well as different kinds of green chiles (or peppers). On the other hand, Pozole Rojo (or Red Pozole) uses only pork and a variety of red chiles. Finish up your fabulous sopa with a good array of cool ingredients like limes, fresh radishes, avocado and cilantro.
Pambazo
This Mexican torta (or sandwich) will knock your socks off! A favorite of street vendors, it combines Spanish chorizo with potatoes and guajillo sauce, and is topped with lettuce, crema and parmesan cheese. See the full recipe experience here.
Tinga
This simple tostada topped with shredded chicken, onions, tomatoes and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce is a typical taco for Cinco de Mayo. Replace the cheese for crema or regular sour cream for a real south-of-the-border taste. Learn how to make it here.
Cochinita Pibil
A staple of any Mexican fiesta table, this mouth-watering pork dish rewards all the hard work you put into it. Once finished cooking, shred the meat and serve over warm corn tortillas, topped with pickled onions and homemade salsa. See a step by step recipe here. ¡Buen provecho!
Speedy Chihuahua and Tequila Sunrise
No Cinco de Mayo party can be complete without its own cocktail. This version of Tequila Sunrise mixes Cointreau, grapefruit juice and white tequila into a delectable concoction to finish up a perfect night. Salud to all!
How will you celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
