Are potatoes ever used in Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes?
In various Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants in the US, all of the dishes seem to be made from a limited selection of ingredients. Although potatoes originated America, I never see potatoes in any of the dishes.
- Are there any Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes that call for potatoes?
- Is there a reason why potatoes are seldom used with these dishes?
Best Answer
Potatoes are very popular in some parts of Mexico. When I lived in Guadalajara, potato tacos were common, usually deep-fried. Diced (and possibly pre-cooked) potatoes with some seasoning added to a soft taco shell, then the entire thing fried together until crispy. After frying, such tacos (whether with potatoes or other filling) were cracked open to add lettuce or salsa or whatever other toppings/fillings might be desired, or salsa might be poured over the top, and eaten with a fork.
One of my favorite local dishes was gorditas, which are basically a double-thick tortilla split at the middle (like pita bread) and stuffed with a filling of choice, and grilled. Diced and cooked potatoes were a common choice, often with beans or cheese as well.
Potatoes are also common in Mexico prepared much the same as they are in the U.S.: Baked, or as french fries, or the ever-popular potato chip. Always with a Mexican flair, usually in the form of extra spicy seasoning or sauces added.
I also had a "Breakfast taco" in Austin, Texas a couple months ago, which had potatoes. So there is some tex-mex food with potatoes, but I think this is probably not as common as it is in true Mexican cuisine. But then, Tex-Mex has never been a very close substitute for true Mexican food :)
My best guess as for why potatoes are not common in Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants in the U.S. is that potatoes are not considered an exotic/exciting enough food/flavor to be considered "special" by most people who frequent such places.
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Quick Answer about "Are potatoes ever used in Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes?"
Potatoes are very popular in some parts of Mexico. When I lived in Guadalajara, potato tacos were common, usually deep-fried. Diced (and possibly pre-cooked) potatoes with some seasoning added to a soft taco shell, then the entire thing fried together until crispy.What are two ingredients that are generally used in Tex-Mex cuisine and not Mexican?
Another major distinction is the spices used to flavour the dishes. Cumin is used a lot in Tex Mex, but it's not as common in traditional Mexican foods. These more traditional recipes use oregano, chili peppers, epazote, cacao. and cilantro instead.What is the difference between real Mexican food and Tex-Mex?
Typically, when you say Mexican food, you are referring to the cuisine of an entire country from different regions. However, when you say authentic Mexican food, you just want cuisines that use only Mexican ingredients. On the other hand, Tex-Mex is a type of Mexican food with a narrower set of base ingredients.What are traditional Tex-Mex foods?
Examples of Tex-Mex food include fajitas, nachos, and any dish that uses beef, black beans, canned vegetables, wheat flour, or yellow cheese. These ingredients are not popular south of the Rio Grande or the Mexican border. This means Tex-Mex food is available in numerous places in Atlanta.What are the main three ingredients used in most Mexican cooking?
But, keeping in mind the country's unique culinary traditions, it's fair to say that Mexican cuisine depends on three core staples: corn, beans, and chiles.My opinion on Mexican and TexMex Food
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Answer 2
Mexico City is rather high and not too dry so, not surprisingly, ate Tacos con papas on the street.
They were basically a seasoned mash in corn tortillas. What I remember most was the pretty colorful mix of diced bell-peppers in a basket pushed towards me when I got my order. Funny how quiet it got when I loaded up and took the first bite: you guessed it -habenero! Delicious nonetheless even with the top of my scull blown off.
Chorizo and potato, I remember our local SoCal Mexicans enjoying at breakfast...
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