Mexican cuisine is truly amazing. It’s a blend of old traditions and thrilling flavors that’s both deep and complex but also has a lively and refreshing side. It’s a whole world waiting to be explored!
If you’re new to cooking Mexican dishes or want to dive deeper into this culinary tradition, consider picking up a Mexican cookbook. Further, it’s a great way to learn more about the food. You’ll discover a wide range of recipes and techniques that go beyond what you might find in your local restaurants or taco spots. So, whether you’re just starting on your Mexican cooking adventure or aiming to gain a better understanding of the cuisine, these cookbooks can be a valuable resource for you. And we have got some of the best ones for you, the ones that will help you well into 2024 as well.
Mexican Cookbooks You Should Get Your Hands On
Southwest Flavors: Santa Fe School of Cooking
In the eagerly anticipated sequel to the original Santa Fe School of Cooking Cookbook, Susan Curtis and Nicole Curtis Ammerman open the door to a world of new recipes, techniques, culinary traditions, and flavors hailing from one of America’s culinary hubs.
For well over fifteen years, those venturing to Santa Fe have discovered that some of the most unforgettable meals in this enchanting city are the ones you prepare for yourself at this foodie haven. Further, Santa Fe-style cooking is defined by its reliance on fresh ingredients, local produce, Native American and Mexican influences, and the beloved green chile pepper.
With “Southwest Flavors,” anyone can now tap into the culinary expertise of some of the top chefs in the Santa Fe area. Additionally, this cookbook is a treasure trove of original recipes that showcase the rich tapestry of traditional New Mexican, Spanish, and contemporary Southwestern cuisine that defines this region.
Santa Fe School of Cooking: Celebrating the Foods of New Mexico
As the Santa Fe School of Cooking marks its 25th year of culinary excellence, it continues to stand as a beacon of expertise in regional New Mexico cuisine. Over the years, the school has earned its reputation as the go-to source for understanding and mastering the art of Southwestern cooking. Through cooking classes, restaurant tours, and special events, the school imparts its culinary wisdom to thousands of students. Further, they teach them how to craft the unique and vibrant tastes of the Southwest, using the freshest local ingredients.
This cookbook is not only full of superb recipes but also has valuable instructions with which you can never go wrong. Moreover, it’s a compilation of knowledge and skills passed down through the years, with contributions from celebrity and guest chefs who have graced the school’s kitchens. Within the pages of this cookbook, you’ll find a rich tapestry of classic recipes that have stood the test of time. It includes favorites like tortillas, enchiladas, and an array of sauces and salsas.
These dishes are sure to please your palate and bring the traditional taste of New Mexico to your table. But the culinary journey doesn’t stop there. Santa Fe School of Cooking offers new riffs on classic ingredients, introducing delightful creations such as:
- Smoked Trout and Roasted Green Chile Quesadillas
- Green Chile Mac & Cheese
- Berry Pudding
- Biscochitos
Farm Fresh Journey: The Santa Fe Farmers Market Cookbook
Douglas Merriam’s cookbook is a heartfelt tribute to the Santa Fe Farmers Market, reflecting his deep admiration for the market and the farmers it showcases. This work is a labor of love that combines stunning photography by Doug with enticing and mouthwatering recipes. However, what shines through most prominently is his profound affection for Northern New Mexico and its dedicated farmers. It’s a passionate endeavor that will continue to nourish readers for years to come, just as the farmers nourish us with their locally grown, wholesome food.
Besides, the stories that accompany the recipes are profiles of the farmers thoughtfully written by Lesley King. These profiles are presented in the same seasonal order they would have appeared in the cookbook, providing a glimpse into the farming practices and the lives of the farmers who have been the backbone of Northern New Mexico’s agricultural landscape in the 21st century.
Small-scale farming is a challenging endeavor, and many of the farmers featured in these profiles are no longer part of the Farmers Market. Their stories, however, are timeless and enduring. Also, these profiles offer a deeper understanding of the realities of farming in the region and serve as an inspiration for the next generation of young farmers.
Supporting a local Farmers Market is not just about purchasing food; it’s about sustaining someone’s livelihood and fostering a healthier way of life for the farmers and the planet.
Foods of the Southwest Indian Nations
All thanks to the renowned photographer and Native American food expert Lois Ellen Frank for this book. She is a member of the Kiowa nation and invites you on a culinary adventure that celebrates the rich taste and traditions of the Southwest Indian Nations. In this beautifully photographed book, she shares over 80 recipes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also align with the principles of healthy eating that resonate with modern lifestyles.
Further, the journey to create this cookbook spanned four years, during which she visited various reservations in the Southwest. Her mission was to document the time-honored techniques and recipes that have been passed down through generations. Collaborating with a culinary advisor and Navajo Nation tribesman Walter Whitewater, a chef based in Santa Fe, Frank has taken these traditional recipes and made them accessible to modern palates and kitchens.
From Stuffed Tempura Chiles with Fiery Bean Sauce to Zuni Sunflower Cakes and Prickly Pear Ice, these recipes offer a delightful journey through the culinary heritage of the Southwest Indian Nations. With a wealth of information and guidance, this cookbook empowers you to recreate and celebrate the flavors of Native American cooking in your kitchen.
Taco Table
Another one by the acclaimed chef Lois Ellen Frank, the ultimate Taco recipe Cookbook you’ve been waiting for. This is a kitchen essential, offering over 30 easy and straightforward recipes that will turn your dining table into a taco extravaganza.
As a James Beard Award Winner, Frank’s expertise shines through in this collection of mouthwatering taco recipes. Besides, the recipes are easy to follow, ensuring that even novice cooks can whip up delectable tacos. From classic meat-filled options to creative and flavorful vegetarian choices, there’s something for everyone!
Comida Sabrosa: Home-Style Southwestern Cooking
This is your passport to the authentic flavors of New Mexico, offering a collection of mouthwatering recipes that have made the state famous.
The authors, both natives of New Mexico, have lovingly curated their mothers’ cherished recipes, presenting them in a format that’s equally accessible to kitchen veterans and novices. With detailed instructions and helpful drawings, “Comida Sabrosa” guides you through the essential techniques of Southwestern cooking. Learn how to roast and peel green chiles, and master the art of stringing a ristra of red chiles! Also, the cookbook provides step-by-step illustrations for creating tamales, a beloved Southwestern delicacy.
While this Mexican cookbook celebrates the traditional methods of Southwestern cooking, it recognizes the need for convenience in today’s busy kitchens. It acknowledges using frozen and canned ingredients, store-bought salsas and tortillas, and powdered chiles, catering to the modern cook’s time constraints.
One standout feature of this cookbook is its diverse dessert section, which goes beyond the usual offerings found in Southwestern cookbooks. In addition to classic favorites like natillas and empanadas, you’ll discover recipes for a delightful array of crisp and spicy cakes, cookies, custards, and pastries.
Wrapping It All Up
With these in hand, you’re on the right path to start cooking Mexican food. Save from one thing: where do you get the ingredients from?
There are not a lot of places that offer you authentic spices or anything you need for these dishes. You’re lucky Made in New Mexico is one of the few with everything you need. Order now!