Lunch

Bibb Lettuce Salad with Grilled Shrimp

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Bibb Lettuce Salad with Grilled Shrimp
Print Recipe
4.15 from 7 votes

Bibb Lettuce Salad with Grilled Shrimp

Bibb Lettuce Salad with Grilled Shrimp from Pati's Mexican Table, Season 7, Episode 9 "The Godmother of Cabo Cuisine"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: cashew, Edith Jimenez, jalapeno, lettuce, pati's mexican table, salad, Shrimp
Servings: 6 to 8 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

Vinaigrette:

  • 1 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped shallot
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger
  • 1 jalapeño stemmed and finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon salt divided, plus more to season shrimp
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Salad:

  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 pound large shrimp shelled
  • 3 heads Boston Bibb lettuce
  • 2/3 cup roasted cashews coarsely chopped

Instructions

To make the vinaigrette:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place the red onion, shallot, ginger and jalapeños in a small baking sheet. Cover with the olive and vegetable oils and sprinkle on 1 teaspoon salt. Place in the oven and roast for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and be sure to reserve the oil from the baking sheet.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the red wine vinegar with the Dijon, honey, black pepper and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Continue whisking well as you drizzle in the oil from the roasted red onion mix. Incorporate all the roasted red onion, shallots, ginger and chile, mix well, taste for salt and add more if need be.

To make the salad:

  • Preheat your grill, or a grill pan, on medium-high heat. Brush with olive oil. Season the shrimp with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Grill for a 2-3 minutes per side, until cooked through.
  • Cut the lettuce heads into 4 quarters and place them on a serving platter. Dress with the vinaigrette and top with the grilled shrimp and cashews.

Notes

Ensalada con Camarones Asados

Chipotle Butternut Squash Risotto

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Chipotle Butternut Squash Risotto
Print Recipe
4.84 from 6 votes

Chipotle Butternut Squash Risotto

Chipotle Butternut Squash Risotto, from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 10 "Los Cabos by Land & Sea"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: butternut squash, pati's mexican table, Recipe, rice, risotto, Vegetarian
Servings: 6 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 butternut squash (2 to 3 pounds) peeled seeded, cut into 1/4” dice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil plus 3 tablespoons
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
  • 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt divided, or to taste
  • 6 to 7 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup requesón or mascarpone cheese
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons sauce from chipotles in adobo
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 1/2 cup finely chopped leeks
  • 1 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 cups Arborio rice
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup grated Cotija cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh epazote leaves
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

  • Set a rack in upper third part of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place the butternut squash on baking sheet, drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle with the chipotle chile powder and 1 teaspoon of the salt and toss. Place in the oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until cooked and very soft. Scrape onto a bowl and set aside.
  • Pour the chicken broth into a saucepan set over medium-low heat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  • While your both comes to a simmer, combine the requeson or mascarpone cheese with the sauce from chipotles in adobo and the maple syrup in a small bowl. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
  • Before moving on, be ready with your roasted butternut squash and chicken broth that should be at a low simmer, if need be, raise heat to medium.
  • Heat ¼ cup olive oil in an extended casserole or Dutch oven set over medium heat. Once hot, add the leeks, onion and ½ teaspoon of the salt, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until softened and wilted. Pour in the water and continue to cook and stir until the water has completely evaporated, the vegetables have become even softer, and they begin to glisten with the oil.
  • Incorporate the rice and stir well to combine with the vegetables and coat in the oil. Add the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, stir, and cook 3 to 4 minutes. The rice should start to smell toasty, but it shouldn’t brown.
  • Pour in the wine, stir, and cook 2 to 3 minutes more until it completely evaporates, then immediately add a large ladleful of the simmering broth. Cook at a simmer until it is absorbed and you can see the bottom of the casserole when you stir.
  • Add the next ladle of broth, along with about a fourth of the roasted butternut squash, simmer and cook until the liquid is absorbed again. Repeat 3 more times, adding another ladle of broth and a fourth of the squash each time, until all the squash has been added.
  • Continue adding broth by the ladleful until the risotto is cooked al dente. Add a cup more broth and stir before you turn it off; it should be quite soupy, yet the broth should be thick.
  • You may have used only 6 cups of the broth or all 7 cups, depending on the heat of your stovetop and the weather where you live. What matters is the rice is still al dente and the consistency still seems a bit soupy.
  • Turn off the heat, top with the butter and the seasoned requeson or mascarpone cheese. Stir well to mix. Sprinkle on the grated cotija and the epazote and cilantro and serve.

Notes

Risotto de Calabaza al Chipotle

Almond, Guajillo and Garlic Flounder

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Almond, Guajillo and Garlic Flounder
Print Recipe
4.25 from 4 votes

Almond, Guajillo and Garlic Flounder

Almond, Guajillo and Garlic Flounder, from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 10 "Los Cabos by Land & Sea"
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: almond, fish, flounder, Guajillo, pati's mexican table, Recipe, seafood, sole
Servings: 4 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 pound flounder or sole fish fillets
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • Freshly Ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
  • 15 garlic cloves peeled and sliced
  • 2 chiles guajillo stemmed, seeded, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup slivered almonds
  • 2 limes halved

Instructions

  • Season the fish fillets with the salt and pepper.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter and 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and bubbles, add the fish fillets in a single layer, without overcrowding the pan (you can also cook them in two batches).
  • Sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Before flipping, run a metal spatula under the fish to make sure there is a layer of butter and oil beneath the fish to make it easier to turn. Flip and cook for 1 or 2 minutes on the other side, until the fish is cooked though and can be flaked with a fork.
  • Place the cooked fish on a serving platter.
  • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil to skillet, scrape the bottom of the pan well. Add the garlic and chiles guajillo, stir, and cook for half a minute before adding the slivered almonds. Stir as it all browns and crisps, no more than a minute. Scrape over the fish. Serve with halved limes and insist that your guests squeeze lime juice over the fish before they eat it.

Notes

Pescado al Ajillo con Almendras y Guajillo 

Tarascan Pinto Bean and Tomato Soup

Posted on by Pati Jinich
tarascan soup
Print Recipe
4.45 from 9 votes

Tarascan Pinto Bean and Tomato Soup

Tarascan Soup Pinto Bean and Tomato Soup, from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 12 "Photographic Food Memories"
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: beans, pati's mexican table, pinto beans, Recipe, soup, Vegetarian
Servings: 6 to 8 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For soup:

  • 1 pound ripe plum or roma tomatoes
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 (about 1 ounce) ancho chile, stem and seeds removed
  • 1/2 cup white onion, coarsely chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt divided, or more to taste
  • 3 tablespoons safflower or corn oil
  • 1 pound cooked pinto beans plus 2 cups of their cooking liquid or 2 14-ounce cans cooked pinto beans plus 2 cups water
  • 3 cups chicken broth vegetable broth or water

For garnishes:

  • 1/2 cup Mexican style cream
  • 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups crumbled tortilla chips or tortilla strips
  • 1 ancho chile stemmed, seeded, diced, deep fried for a few seconds
  • 1 avocado, peeled seeded, meat scooped out and diced, optional

Instructions

  • Place the tomatoes, garlic, and ancho chile in a saucepan. Cover with water, and simmer over medium-high heat for 10 to 12 minutes, until the tomatoes are completely cooked through and ancho chile is rehydrated.
  • Transfer the tomatoes, garlic, and ancho chile to a blender or food processor, along with 1 cup of the cooking liquid, the white onion, and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Puree until smooth.
  • Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the pureed tomato mixture and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it darkens in color and thickens in consistency.
  • Meanwhile, rinse your blender or food processor, then add the pinto beans and 2 cups of their cooking liquid (or water, if using canned beans) and puree until smooth.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and stir the bean puree, broth and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt into the thickened tomato mixture. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the soup has seasoned and has a creamy consistency. Taste for salt and add more if needed. Turn off the heat, as it thickens quickly.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with a tablespoon of the cream and top with some cheese, a handful of crumbled tortilla chips or tortilla strips, a few fried ancho chile crisps and some diced avocado. You can also place the garnishes in bowls on the table to let your guests decide how much of each garnish they want to add to their bowls.
  • The soup itself may be cooled and stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because this soup thickens a bit as it cools, you may need to add some chicken broth or water to thin it out when you reheat it.

Notes

Sopa Tarasca

Sanborns’ Swiss Chicken Enchiladas

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Sanborns’ Swiss Chicken Enchiladas
Print Recipe
4.42 from 12 votes

Sanborns’ Swiss Chicken Enchiladas

Sanborns’ Swiss Chicken Enchiladas, from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 12 "Photographic Food Memories"
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: chicken, corn tortillas, Enchilada, Oaxaca cheese, pati's mexican table, Recipe, serrano chiles, tomatillos
Servings: 6 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds tomatillos husked, scrubbed and rinsed, and quartered
  • 2 garlic cloves peeled
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped white onion
  • 1 to 2 serrano chiles stemmed, seeding optional
  • 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped cilantro leaves and upper part of stems
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon canola or safflower oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth, or vegetable broth, or water homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup Mexican style cream, Latin-style cream or heavy cream
  • 12 Corn tortillas
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 3 cups Oaxaca or Muenster cheese, grated

Instructions

  • In a blender, combine the tomatillos, garlic, onion, chiles (start with 1 and add another if desired), cilantro, salt and water. Puree until completely smooth.
  • Heat the oil in a medium saucepan set over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add the pureed tomatillo mixture, being careful as it will sear and splutter. Cover partially with a lid and cook, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and darkens, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the broth, cover partially, and simmer for 5 minutes more. Turn off the heat and stir in the cream. Set aside.
  • Prepare the tortillas for enchiladas by either heating them on a comal or passing them through hot oil.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Pour about 1 cup of the cooked salsa verde into a 9”x13” baking dish. One by one, place a tortilla on a plate or cutting board and arrange about ¼ cup shredded cooked chicken down the middle. Roll up into a soft chubby enchilada and place seam down in the baking dish. Continue with the rest of the tortillas.
  • Pour the remaining cooked salsa verde over the enchiladas and sprinkle the grated cheese on top. Place in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted and begun to lightly brown.

Notes

Enchiladas de Pollo Suizas Sanborns

Spicy Mexican Southern Fried Chicken

Posted on by Pati Jinich
Spicy Mexican Southern Fried Chicken
Print Recipe
4.12 from 9 votes

Spicy Mexican Southern Fried Chicken

Spicy Mexican Southern Fried Chicken, from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 13 "Mex’d Up American Regional Favorites"
Prep Time4 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time4 hours 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: chicken, chiles de arbol, fried chicken, Guajillo, habanero, honey, pati's mexican table, Recipe
Servings: 4 to 5 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 4 chiles de arbol, stemmed
  • 4 guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
  • 1 3-4 pound chicken cut into 10 pieces
  • 3 cups buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup sauce from chipotles in adobo
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt plus more to season the chicken
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper plus more to season the chicken
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup canned sliced habanero chiles

Instructions

  • Heat a comal or cast iron skillet over medium high. Toast the chile de arbol and the guajillo until both sides are slightly charred. Remove from heat and let cool. Once the chiles have cooled, add them to a spice or coffee grinder and finely grind.
  • Add chicken pieces to a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and 1 tablespoon of the ground chile mixture (reserve the rest). Pour the buttermilk and sauce from chipotles in adobo over the chicken and mix gently to combine. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 48 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more the flavors will soak in.
  • When you are ready to cook the chicken, fill a dutch oven or heavy bottomed pan a little less than halfway full with oil and preheat until the temperature reaches 365 degrees Fahrenheit on a fry thermometer (or test the oil by dropping in a small piece of chicken, it should actively bubble around it).
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet with a rack.
  • Add the remaining chile mixture to a large bowl, along with the flour, paprika, salt and pepper, and whisk to combine. Remove the chicken one piece at a time from the buttermilk - shaking off any excess buttermilk - and put it into the bowl with the flour mix, rotating it to coat.
  • Once all the chicken is in the bowl and fully coated with the flour mix, one at a time, place 2 to 3 pieces into the hot oil, depending on the size of your pan. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, then flip and fry for 3 more minutes, or until it is a dark golden brown. Transfer to the sheet pan with a rack and place into the oven. Let the oil return to 365 degrees Fahrenheit and repeat the process with remaining chicken pieces.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. They should all be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If the chicken is not fully cooked, leave it in the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • When chicken is ready to serve, heat the honey in a saucepan or in the microwave. Add habaneros with a little of their liquid and stir together. Place the fried chicken on a serving platter and drizzle the habanero honey over the chicken. Serve immediately with extra habanero honey sauce on the side.

Notes

Pollo Empanizado Mexa

Story Goes… Governor Shrimp Tacos

Posted on by Pati Jinich

The story goes, governor shrimp tacos, or tacos gobernador de camarón, were created in the state of Sinaloa in the early 1990s to surprise governor Francisco Labastida Ochoa, after he told a few friends how much he loved his wife’s shrimp tacos. That bit of information was passed on to the owners of Los Arcos in Mazatlán restaurant, before he headed there to visit.

The chef was given the quest not only try to match the governor’s wife’s tacos, which no one besides the governor had tried, but to beat them. So quite a few taco recipes were developed and tested. When the governor showed up to eat, he liked them so much he named them “tacos gobernador.”

Now, I do not know if that story is entirely true. But, what I do know is, these tacos became so popular you no longer only find them at Los Arcos in Mazatlán. They are all over Sinaloa and beyond. I had them as far away as Los Angeles and Miami.  Yet, I saw the most renditions on the 800 mile drive throughout the entire Baja Peninsula.

I felt more than obliged to offer my take on tacos gobernador, since my travels in Baja are featured on “Pati’s Mexican Table” in my new season premiering in a few weeks (you can watch the trailer here). And I am thrilled to share my recipe with you, as we all love these tacos in my home!

So what’s in tacos gobernador? First, a combination of shrimp and cheese makes them a cross between a taco and a quesadilla. A ton of cheese is really essential.

Second, cooked onion that is often accompanied by other vegetables, typically bell peppers and sometimes poblano chiles. If you ask me what I prefer, hands down, not even a second of hesitation, poblano chiles. I absolutely adore them. I feel lukewarm about green bell peppers to put it mildly. So my take has a combination of slivered onions and poblanos with just a bit of tomato.

Third, the seasonings. Some renditions have no sauce, only salt and pepper. Some have a simple to a more seasoned tomato sauce. I go for a seasoned, very thick sauce that is almost a paste, really. It combines tomato paste, La Costeña chipotles in adobo and the W sauce — Worcestershire — or as we call it in Mexico “salsa inglesa.”

Lastly, you can opt for corn or flour tortillas. There are no strict guidelines here, different from other kinds of tacos.

There are so many reasons why I like these tacos so much. They end up being a complete meal, they are so easy to prepare, they are irresistibly delicious and messy, the cheese creates an inviting crust as it melts… and they have a great story behind them. I do love a good story.

Governor Shrimp Tacos
Print Recipe
4.58 from 7 votes

Governor Shrimp Tacos

Governor Shrimp Tacos recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 7, Episode 1 "Tijuana’s Culinary Revolution" 
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Antojo, Mexican, pati’s mexican table, Shrimp, Sinaloa, Taco
Servings: 6 Tacos
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 white onion slivered
  • 2 poblano chiles stemmed, seeded, slivered
  • 5 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 2 ripe Roma tomatoes cored, seeded, slivered
  • 3 tablespoons sauce from chipotles in adobo
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 1 1/2 pounds (about 11-15) shelled large shrimp cut into large chunks
  • 3 cups shredded Oaxaca, mozzarella, asadero or Muenster cheese
  • 6 to 8 flour or corn tortillas
  • Sliced avocado for garnish
  • 1 Chile Manzano sliced and mixed with the juice of a lime, 1/4 red onion and salt to taste

Instructions

  • Heat the butter in a large nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat. Once it melts and begins to bubble, add the onion and poblano and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, stir, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Incorporate the tomatoes, cook for a minute, and as they begin to soften, add the sauce from the chipotles in adobo, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Stir well, cook for another minute, then add the shrimp and cook just until they change color, about 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off heat and scrape into a bowl to prevent the shrimp from overcooking.
  • On a preheated comal set over low heat, heat the tortillas on both sides for a minute. Add about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese onto each one. Once the cheese begins to melt, add a generous amount of the shrimp mixture, fold in half and continue heating until cheese has completely melted and the tortillas have begun to lightly brown and create a crust.
  • Serve with sliced avocado and Manzano chiles and onion.

Video

Notes

Tacos Gobernador de Camarón

Scallop Aguachile at the James Beard House

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Mexican cuisine is riding such a high wave these days.

Compared to when I first moved to the US, 20 years ago, you can now find all the ingredients you need to prepare Mexican food. People are not only eating Mexican food out, but are bringing it into their home kitchens. There’s the #tacotuesday and the #taconight. Wherever you travel to in the US, there’s Mexican food to be found in airports, restaurants, hotels, fast food chains, and the offerings continue to increase and get better. It seems like the more people get to know Mexican cuisine, the more they want to taste it, to cook it, to explore its depth.

It is such a thrill to be part of this movement. I particularly enjoy traveling through the US to cook whenever I get an invitation. And I was beyond ecstatic when I got the request from the James Beard House in New York City to whip up their Cinco de Mayo dinner. What an honor! But of course, the pressure was on. What theme, which menu, what drinks? So much to share!

To be sure, Cinco de Mayo is not a big celebration in Mexico. It is a somber occasion honored in the state of Puebla, where the Cinco de Mayo Battle took place in 1862. It was a battle between a small Mexican militia against a big French army, and while the Mexicans won, with the odds stacked against them, the French won right back. Yet, move the clock forward a few years and Mexico regained its Independence.

Now, for whatever reason, which many have unsuccessfully tried to explain, Cinco has become the biggest Mexican-themed party abroad. I was bewildered at first when I started getting invites to Cinco de Mayo parties from our American friends. But then, of course, happily joined the excitement of the Cinco train. Listen, if there is an open door to celebrate anything and everything that we love and are proud of about Mexico, and share our food, cuisine and culture: count me in!

menu from the dinner at the James Beard House

Photo courtesy Clay Williams (@ultraclay)

As a Mexican immigrant, to be invited to the James Beard House, such a prestigious place and institution, made me feel proud and like my food is worth it. But, it also made me feel like Mexican food has really started to earn its rightful place in the eyes of the culinary world of the US.

You can see the menu above. Because I really couldn’t choose a Mexican region to focus on, I opted for what I called a Mexican culinary compass: different foods from different places from Mexico, a few childhood favorites, and a couple new dishes from my kitchen. Carnitas from Michoacán, caldo de camarón from Acapulco, gorditas from Oaxaca…

The first course of the formal sit-down dinner menu, after the cocktail hour, was a scallop aguachile inspired by the coastal region of the Sea of Cortez.

The team from the James Beard House is a joy to work with. We prepped the day before, as it was a long menu! Then my production team and I got so excited with the occasion that we decided to make it part of an episode of the next season of Pati’s Mexican Table, which will premiere in September 2018.

Pati Jinich plating her classic scallop aguachile at the James Beard House

Photo courtesy Clay Williams (@ultraclay)

But meanwhile, I leave you with the scallop aguachile recipe. It is SO GOOD. And it could not be simpler. It helps break so many myths about Mexican food. Not all Mexican food is fried, or laborious, or covered in cheese, or severely spiced up, or takes forever to prepare. In fact, most Mexican food is healthy, soulful, delicious, nutritious. It gives beautiful ingredients, like the plump, silky and sweet fresh sea scallops a chance to shine by just dressing them beautifully, lightly and kindly.

scallop aguachile

Photo courtesy Clay Williams (@ultraclay)

Mexican cuisine is indeed riding such a high wave today. And I can see the high tide ahead, with the wave getting even bigger and higher. So excited and honored to have the possibility to continue to ride it and bring the fruits of this journey to your shore.

Print Recipe
4.80 from 5 votes

Scallop Aguachile

The first course from Pati's Cinco de Mayo dinner at the James Beard House in New York was a scallop aguachile inspired by the Mexican coastal region of the Sea of Cortez.
Prep Time15 minutes
Resting Time15 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Aguachile, Ceviche, jalapeno, lime, Scallops
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large fresh scallops
  • 1/4 cup lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red onion slivered
  • 1 serrano or jalapeño chile thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or more to taste

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil, onion, serrano and salt. Whisk and let sit for at least 15 minutes, or cover and refrigerate up to 12 hours.
  • When ready to serve, remove lime juice mix from the refrigerator. Slice the fresh scallops thinly and horizontally, up to 1/8” width. Spread on a platter. Whisk the lime juice sauce and pour in its entirety over the scallops, arranging so that the onion and chile are spread evenly throughout. Serve immediately.

Notes

Aguachile de Callo de Hacha

Ensalada de Navidad

Posted on by Pati Jinich

My first formal job, after switching careers from political analysis to cooking, was as chef and cooking instructor of the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington DC.

This was 2007. A year before, I had created a curriculum that aimed to open, one class at a time, a window into Mexican cuisine, history and culture for anybody living north of the border. What I didn’t know, when I began preparing it, was that classes were to be for a crowd of 100 people, on a stage, wearing a microphone, and having a big screen at my side. I thought it would be small cozy classes for 8 to 10 people in the kitchen. As much as I had culinary training and had done extensive research on Mexican culture and cuisine, I did not have any speaker or media training.

I was a bit frozen when I got up on that stage the first couple times. So much so that, for months, before putting the boys to bed each night, instead of telling them bedtime stories, I practiced teaching the classes with them. You bet they know how the recipe for chicken tinga goes!

One of the first demo/dinners we did was themed December Holidays in Mexico City. One of the dishes was this absolutely gorgeous Christmas Salad. Oh how I have loved, since then, sharing all the things about my native country with my new home country. But if you see this clip, taken from the “How I Got to Now” episode of my new season of Pati’s Mexican Table (now available on Amazon, as well as your PBS stations), you can hear my voice tremble a bit…

This salad is emblematic of Mexican cuisine. It has unexpected ingredients, unexpected tastes, unexpected textures. It is nutritious and healthy. It is not overly laborious. It is rich. It is fresh. It is generous. It is colorful! It is deeeeeelicious! As I said that day and still say today… in Mexico we have no taco salads. But, oh boy, do we have some amazing ones! Take a peek at the incredible ingredients and combinations that have come from Mexico’s kitchens and are now at your fingertips to enrich your daily life.

This year was the 10th anniversary of my live cooking demos and dinners at the Mexican Cultural Institute. It is my 10th year there as its resident chef. It is my 10th year working with the same amazing cooking team and the fabulous staff and the Institute’s leadership. And we have attendees who have not missed a single event in these 10 years! I couldn’t be more honored and proud. I hope to be able to continue this journey along with all of you as the years pass.

I end this post, the last one of 2017, with lots of love and gratitude for letting me into your home, via this blog, my recipes or because you tune in to my show.

Siempre,

Pati

Pati Jinich ensalada de navidad
Print Recipe
4.67 from 3 votes

Jicama, Beet, Orange, and Caramelized Peanut Christmas Salad

This salad is emblematic of Mexican cuisine. It has unexpected ingredients, unexpected tastes, unexpected textures. It is nutritious and healthy. It is not overly laborious. It is rich. It is fresh. It is generous. It is colorful! It is deeeeeelicious!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: beets, Christmas, Ensalada, Jicama, Mexican, Mexico, Navidad, oranges, Peanuts, salad
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium jicama (about 1 1/4 pounds), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick sticks
  • 3 pounds beets cooked, peeled, and quartered (*see note)
  • 3 oranges peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
  • 1 cup caramelized peanuts coarsely chopped

Instructions

  • Combine the vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Slowly add the oils in a thin, steady stream, mixing with a whisk or a fork until emulsified.
  • Place the jicama, beets, and oranges in separate bowls and toss each with about one third of the vinaigrette. Arrange the ingredients in a pattern on a large platter. I like to do parallel stripes, and I often start with beets in the center, placing jicama on one side and oranges on the other. Sprinkle on the caramelized peanuts and drizzle any remaining vinaigrette on top.
  • * Note: To cook beets, cut off the greens and most of the stems, leaving about 1 inch. Don’t scrub them or cut off the thin root, or they will bleed their juices, sweetness, and color as they cook. Place them in a pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and cook until tender. Medium beets (about 2 inches in diameter) cook in 30 to 35 minutes. For this salad, you want them crunchy, so don’t overcook. Drain, let cool completely, then peel and cut.

Notes

Ensalada de Navidad

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tamales

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Just when you think you completely understand something, life proves you wrong. Does that happen to you? It happens to me all the time, especially when it comes to food.

A cuisine as rich and diverse as Mexico’s needs for us to make an effort to preserve what has been passed on. But, you also have to keep an open mind to new ideas that may in turn become classics.

In that sense, I find the kitchen to be one of the most humbling places because food is always growing and evolving and taking you along, if you let it. You get to constantly learn, apply what you learn, share it, and then start all over again.

Take tamales for example. I have made countless kinds from all regions of Mexico and from different historical times. I have wrapped them in dried and fresh corn husks, banana leaves, hoja santa leaves…practically any and every edible leaf I know of in Mexico. I have learned to make them with raw masa, with masa colada, with rice flour masa, with normal wheat flour masa and even with no masa! I have done savory and sweet, with fillings that range from picadillo to marzipan and beyond. You name it, I have probably tried it.

I thought I had the tamales from the city of Oaxaca nailed down. Then, a few months ago, as we were filming Season 6 of Pati’s Mexican Table there, I was amazed to try a new tamal at Criollo, Chef Luis Arellano’s new restaurant. Its masa was made with pumpkin and filled with sweet refried beans laced with piloncillo. The only way to describe it is brilliant!

Back in my kitchen, I was inspired by the possibility of not only flavoring the masa, but enriching it with a starchy vegetable to lend taste, consistency and color. I came up with this sweet potato tamal filled with savory refried beans.

When the time came to test and play around with it, I was reminded of how important it is to appreciate the lessons that have stood the test of time. In the case of tamales: to review our technique for steaming, for assembling, for achieving a good masa. So we can still call our new creation something worthy of the name TAMAL.

Given the addition of the starchy sweet potatoes, I ended up having to test the idea quite a few times to achieve a very fluffy, yet tasty masa.

In the end, I am very happy with this one! The masa is puffy and moist, and its barely sweet flavor contrasts nicely with the savory, earthy taste of the refried beans. I also took the liberty of drizzling them with crema and topping with salty queso fresco.

Pati Jinich sweet potato black bean tamales
Print Recipe
4 from 5 votes

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tamales

I thought I had the tamales from the city of Oaxaca nailed down. Then, a few months ago, as we were filming Season 6 of Pati’s Mexican Table there, I was amazed to try a new tamal at Criollo, Chef Luis Arellano’s new restaurant. Its masa was made with pumpkin and filled with sweet refried beans laced with piloncillo. The only way to describe it is brilliant! Back in my kitchen, I was inspired by the possibility of not only flavoring the masa, but enriching it with a starchy vegetable to lend taste, consistency and color. I came up with this sweet potato tamal filled with savory refried beans.
Prep Time1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Total Time2 hours 25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: black beans, pati's mexican table, queso fresco, sweet potato, Tamales
Servings: 12 tamales
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 2/3 cups corn masa flour or masa harina (such as Maseca)
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 24 dried corn husks
  • 2 cups refried beans
  • 1 cup Mexican crema
  • 1 cup queso fresco crumbled

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Wrap the sweet potatoes in aluminum foil. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until completely cooked and soft. Remove from the oven. When cool enough to handle, cut open and scoop out the cooked pulp into a bowl. Set aside to cool.

To make the tamal masa:

  • Place the lard or vegetable shortening and 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a mixer, and beat over medium speed until very light, about 1 minute. Reduce speed to low, add baking powder and sugar, and take turns adding the corn masa flour and the broth. Raise speed back to medium and continue beating another 6 to 7 minutes, until the dough is homogeneous. In batches, add the cooled sweet potato pulp and continue beating for another 5 to 6 minutes, until the masa looks fluffed up.

To assemble the tamales:

  • Soak the dried corn husks in hot water for a couple minutes, or until they are pliable, and drain. Lay out a corn husk with the tapering end towards you. Spread about 1/3 cup masa into about a 2” to 3” square, the layer should be about 1/4” thick, leaving a border of at least 1/2” on the sides. Place about 2 teaspoons of refried beans in the middle of the masa square.
  • Pick up the two long sides of the corn husk and bring them together (you will see how the masa starts to swaddle the filling) and fold them to one side, rolling them in same direction around tamal. Fold up the empty section of the husk with the tapering end, from the bottom up. This will form a closed bottom and the top will be left open. Gently squeeze from the bottom to the top to even the filling out without pressing to hard. As you assemble all the tamales, place them as upright as you can in a container.

To prepare the tamalera or steamer:

  • Place water in the bottom pan of a steamer, so that water is under the steamer basket or rack, and bring it to a simmer. Line the steamer with one or two layers of soaked corn husks.

To cook the tamales:

  • When you have all tamales ready, place them as vertically as you can, into the prepared steamer with the open end on top. If there is space left in the steamer, tuck in some corn husks, so the tamales won’t dance around. Cover with more corn husks, and steam covered with a lid for 55 minutes to an hour. You know the tamales are ready when they come easily free from the husks. They will still be moist, and as they are released from the husks – you will see the moisture, like when you remove good moist muffins from their paper baking cups.
  • Finished tamales will stay warm for about 2 hours in the steamer. They can be made ahead several days before and stored in refrigerator, well wrapped. They can also be frozen for months. In either case, reheat in a steamer. For refrigerated tamales, it will take about 20 minutes and about 45 minutes for frozen tamales.
  • You can serve with a spoonful of Mexican crema and crumbled queso fresco on top.

Notes

Tamales de Camote con Frijol

Sopes

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich sopes
Print Recipe
5 from 5 votes

Sopes

Sopes recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 10 "How I Got to Now"
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: cotija, queso fresco, refried beans, sopes, Tomatillo Salsita
Servings: 12 sopes
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

To make the Sopes:

  • 2 cups masa harina or corn tortilla flour such as Maseca
  • 2 cups water more if needed
  • Pinch kosher or coarse sea salt

To serve:

Instructions

  • Heat a comal or skillet over medium heat until very hot.

To make the sopes:

  • Combine the masa harina, water and salt, kneading in a revolving motion with your hands. Knead for a couple of minutes, until dough is smooth and has no lumps. If it feels too dry, add a bit more water.
  • Divide the dough into 12 balls, each about 2-inches in diameter. Line the bottom of a tortilla press with circles cut from a thin plastic bag (like the ones from the produce section of your grocery store). One at a time, place a ball of dough onto the plastic lining the bottom of the tortilla press, and top with another layer of plastic. Press down to make a flat disk as thick as a pancake, about 1/4-inch thick (much thicker than a tortilla). You can also flatten and form them by hand. Repeat with all 12 balls.
  • As you make them, place each sope on the hot comal or skillet. Let them cook about one to two minutes on each side, until opaque and speckled, and they can be flipped without sticking.
  • Take them off the comal and place them on a chopping board. Using a kitchen towel to protect your fingers, make a rim around each sope by pressing and pinching with your fingers along the edges. Return them to the comal or skillet, and let them cook for one or two more minutes per side, until thoroughly cooked.
  • If eaten the same day, they may be kept wrapped in a clean kitchen towel. If not, wrap them in a kitchen towel or paper towel, and store inside a closed plastic bag in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days, afterwards they will turn too hard. Reheat on hot comal or skillet for a couple minutes before eating. They can also be frozen and kept for months.

To serve:

  • Once the sopes have been thoroughly cooked and warmed, place on a platter and add a generous tablespoon of refried beans, shredded lettuce, crumbled cheese, chopped onion and Quick Roasted Salsita. Salsa may be left on the side for people to add as much as they like.

BLT with Chipotle Goat Cheese Spread

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich BLT sandwich with chipotle goat cheese spread
Print Recipe
4.34 from 6 votes

BLT with Chipotle Goat Cheese Spread

BLT with Chipotle Goat Cheese Spread recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 13 "More Than Just a Meal" 
Cook Time5 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: bacon, BLT, chipotles in adobo, Eggs, goat cheese, pati's mexican table
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Chipotle Goat Cheese Spread
  • 8 slices white bread lightly toasted
  • 12 thick slices of bacon cooked until crispy
  • 1 head Bibb lettuce rinsed and drained
  • 1 ripe beefsteak tomato cut into slices
  • 8 eggs cooked sunny side up

Instructions

  • Spread the Chipotle Goat Cheese Spread onto one side of 8 slices of toast. On four of the pieces of toast, add 3 slices of bacon, two leaves of Bibb lettuce, a thick tomato slice, and 2 sunny side up eggs. Top each sandwich with the remaining toasts.

Notes

Sándwich de Tocino, Lechuga y Tomate con Dip de Queso de Cabra con Chipotle

Corn Soup with Queso

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Print Recipe
4.63 from 8 votes

Corn Soup with Queso

Corn Soup with Queso recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 8 "In Search of La Mixteca"
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Corn, epazote, pati's mexican table, queso fresco, serrano chiles
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup white onion finely chopped
  • 1 to 2 serrano or jalapeño chiles stemmed and finely chopped
  • 4 cups fresh corn kernels from 5 to 6 ears of corn or substitute with thawed from frozen
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 1/4 cup fresh epazote leaves chopped, or substitute with cilantro
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup diced queso fresco

Instructions

  • In a soup pot set over medium-high heat, melt the butter with the oil. Once it sizzles, add the onion and chile and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until completely wilted and beginning to brown.
  • Add the corn and salt, stir, and cook for another 3 minutes. Add the epazote or cilantro and stir.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Then cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 7 to 8 minutes. Turn off the heat.
  • Pour the soup into bowls and serve hot. Top with queso fresco.

Notes

Sopa de Elote con Queso 

Mole Verde with Pork and White Beans

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich mole verde with pork and white beans
Print Recipe
4.50 from 6 votes

Mole Verde with Pork and White Beans

Mole Verde with Pork and White Beans recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 7 "The Art of Mole"
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time2 hours
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: beans, Mexican, Mole, pork, stew, tomatillos, verde
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the Pork and Beans:

  • 4 pounds country style ribs cut into 2-inch chunks, no bones
  • 1 head of garlic cut in half lengthwise
  • 1 white onion halved
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 10 black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 1 pound dry small white beans such as navy beans

For the Mole Verde:

  • 2 pounds tomatillos husked and rinsed
  • 1 to 2 serrano or jalapeño chiles stemmed
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup white onion coarsely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 4 cups of pork broth reserved from cooking the pork, divided
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh epazote leaves and upper parts of stems
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves and upper parts of stems
  • 3 to 4 teaspoons fresh hoja santa leaves torn into pieces, or substitute 1 teaspoon dried and crumbled, or skip
  • Chopped white onion to garnish
  • Thinly sliced radishes to garnish
  • Quartered limes to squeeze to garnish

Instructions

To cook the pork and beans:

  • Place the pork, garlic, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns and salt into a large soup pot. Cover generously with water. Set over high heat and bring to a rolling boil. Skim off any foam that forms on top, then cover, reduce heat to low and cook until meat is tender, about an hour. Take off the heat. Remove the pork chunks and place in a bowl, set aside.
  • Strain the pork cooking liquid into a large bowl. Set aside 4 cups to use for making the mole verde, and pour the rest of the liquid back into the soup pot. Set over high heat, incorporate the beans, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for an hour or until tender. Remove from the heat and set aside.

To make the mole verde:

  • Place the tomatillos and chiles on a baking sheet and set under the broiler until they are completely charred, soft and mushy, anywhere from 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Place the roasted tomatillos and chiles along with the garlic, onion, salt and pepper in the jar of a blender. Remove and discard the stems from the whole cloves, and add the tops or “berries” (may have already been crumbled) into the jar as well. Add 1 cup of the reserved pork broth and puree until completely smooth.
  • Heat the oil in a large casserole over medium-high heat. Once hot, but not smoking, add the tomatillo puree. Cover partially with a lid and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened considerably and has deepened in color.
  • In the jar of the blender, place the epazote, parsley and hoja santa along with remaining 3 cups of broth, and puree until completely smooth. Add to the casserole with the sauce and stir. When it comes to a simmer, add the reserved pork chunks and beans.
  • Continue cooking at a medium simmer for 25 minutes or until meat is completely coming apart and mole verde has thickened again. Serve and let people garnish as they please with onion, radishes and squeezes of lime.

Notes

Mole Verde con Puerco y Frijol Blanco

Marinated Pork

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich cesina or marinated pork
Print Recipe
4 from 7 votes

Marinated Pork

Marinated Pork recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 13 "More Than Just a Meal"
Prep Time45 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: apple cider vinegar, cecina, guajillo chiles, pati's mexican table, pork
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 12 guajillo chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound pork cutlets thinly sliced
  • Vegetable oil to grill

Instructions

  • Place chiles on an already hot comal or skillet set over medium heat. Toast for about 1 minute per side, flipping as they toast. Place in bowl and cover with boiling hot water. Let them soak until they plump and rehydrate, for about 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Place the re-hydrated chiles and 1 cup of their soaking liquid in the blender, along with the garlic, vinegar, oregano, marjoram, thyme, salt and pepper and puree until completely smooth. Pour into a container and set aside. It can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to a couple months.
  • One by one, or two by two, place the meat slices on a chopping board in between sheets of parchment paper. With a meat mallet, pound until very thin, until you can see the paper under the meat, but it is not completely breaking apart thin, about 1/8-inch thick.
  • Once you are done, one by one, generously brush with the marinade on both sides of the meat to completely cover. You may cook immediately or refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours.
  • When ready to cook, set the charcoal or gas grill, outside, to medium-high heat. Or to cook indoors, place a grill pan over medium-high heat. When hot, brush with vegetable oil. Grill the meat for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until completely cooked.

Notes

Cecina 

Oaxaca Style Refried Beans

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Print Recipe
4.25 from 12 votes

Oaxaca Style Refried Beans

Oaxaca Style Refried Beans recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 9 "Oaxaca Breakfast: Messy & Delicious"
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 5 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: black beans, epazote, pati's mexican table, queso fresco, refried beans
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 pound black beans rinsed
  • 1 white onion halved
  • 1 tablespoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • A couple sprigs fresh epazote or cilantro
  • 5 dried avocado leaves
  • 3 dried chiles de arbol
  • 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup white onion finely chopped
  • For garnish queso fresco
  • For garnish ripe avocado

Instructions

  • Place the black beans and the onion in a large soup pot or casserole and add enough water to cover by at least 2- to 3-inches. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat and cover with a lid, leaving it slightly open. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for an hour to an hour and 15 minutes – making sure there is always sufficient water (if you need to add a cup, make sure it is boiling hot).
  • Once the beans are cooked and tender, add 1 tablespoon salt and a couple sprigs of fresh epazote or cilantro. Cook for another 15 minutes. Turn off heat.
  • In a hot comal or skillet set over medium heat, toast the avocado leaves and chiles de arbol for a couple of minutes until fragrant and browned, flipping as they toast. Remove from the heat. Break the leaves into pieces. Remove the stem from the chiles and break into pieces without discarding the seeds.
  • Working in batches if necessary, add the cooked beans and at least 1 1/2 cups of their cooking liquid (or add water if need be) to the jar of a blender, as well as the avocado leaves and chiles. Puree until a little chunky.
  • In a large skillet or casserole set over medium-high heat, heat the lard or vegetable oil. Once hot, but not smoking, add the chopped onion. Cook until translucent and edges are beginning to brown, about 6 to 7 minutes. Incorporate pureed beans and reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they thicken to your liking. I cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes.

Notes

Frijoles Oaxaqueños

Sweet and Sour Mexican Style Fish

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich pescado agridulce or sweet and sour Mexican style fish
Print Recipe
4.72 from 7 votes

Sweet and Sour Mexican Style Fish

Sweet and Sour Mexican Style Fish recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 8 "In Search of La Mixteca"
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: canela, cinnamon, fish, olives, tomatillos
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 cup white onion slivered
  • 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 pound ripe Roma tomatoes diced
  • 1 pound tomatillos husked and rinsed, diced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt plus more to season fish
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground ceylon cinnamon or canela
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/4 cup sliced manzanilla olives stuffed with pimientos
  • 2 pounds halibut filet skin on, cut into 6 pieces

Instructions

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and cook for a couple minutes, until it starts to wilt. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Incorporate the tomatoes, tomatillos and sprinkle in the salt, sugar, allspice, and cinnamon. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
  • Incorporate the almonds and olives and continue cooking for another 7 to 8 minutes. Turn off the heat.
  • Season fish with salt to taste. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large casserole set over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the fish skin side down and cook for one to two minutes, until the skin begins to brown.
  • Scrape the chunky sauce over the fish, cover the casserole and reduce heat to low. Cook for 10 minutes. I like to serve it over rice or steamed potatoes.

Notes

Pescado Agridulce

Almendrado with Chicken

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Print Recipe
4.25 from 8 votes

Almendrado with Chicken

Almendrado with Chicken recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 7 "The Art of Mole"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: almonds, canela, capers, chicken, cinnamon, olives, pati's mexican table, Pickled Jalapeños, raisins
Servings: 4 to 5 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1/2 large white onion cut into pieces
  • 6 cloves garlic unpeeled
  • 2 pounds (about 7 or 8) roma tomatoes
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 12 black peppercorns
  • 1 1-inch stick ceylon cinnamon or canela
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 3-pound chicken cut into serving pieces (wings removed for later use and breasts cut in half)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 2 cups chicken broth divided
  • 1 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup black raisins
  • 1/2 cup manzanilla olives stuffed with pimiento sliced
  • 1/4 cup capers chopped
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeño rajas or slices

Instructions

  • Place onion, garlic and tomatoes under the broiler, or on an already heated skillet, griddle or comal set over medium heat. Roast or char for about 10 minutes, flipping in between, until ingredients are completely charred, cooked and mushy. Set aside and peel the garlic cloves when cool enough to handle.
  • In a small skillet set over medium heat, toast the cloves, peppercorns and cinnamon stick for a couple minutes, moving and flipping them around to toast evenly. Set aside. Toast the oregano for 10 to 15 seconds and remove from the heat.
  • In the jar of a blender, place the charred onion, peeled garlic and charred tomatoes, along with the tops from the whole cloves (discard the stems), the peppercorns, cinnamon and oregano. Puree until completely smooth.
  • Heat the oil in a large casserole set over medium-high heat until very hot, but not smoking. Season the chicken with the salt and brown the chicken pieces for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You may need to do this in batches in order to not to crowd the casserole. Once you have removed all the chicken, immediately pour the tomato sauce into the hot oil and cover, as it will splatter. Reduce heat to medium.
  • Add a cup of chicken broth to the blender and puree for a few seconds to get all the remaining thick sauce out of the blender, pour into the simmering sauce and cover again. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Incorporate the remaining cup of chicken broth, almonds, raisins, olives and capers. Add the browned chicken pieces, cover and reduce heat to low and cook for 20 more minutes.
  • Remove the lid and add the pickled jalapeño slices. Increase heat to medium and cook for another 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken. Serve with rice.

Notes

Almendrado con Pollo

Marinated Pork and Creamy Slaw Ciabatta Sandwich

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich
Print Recipe
4.34 from 6 votes

Marinated Pork and Creamy Slaw Ciabatta Sandwich

Marinated Pork and Creamy Slaw Ciabatta Sandwich recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 13 "More Than Just a Meal"
Cook Time2 minutes
Total Time2 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: cecina, pati's mexican table, pork, Sandwich
Servings: 1 sandwich
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Cecina grilled
  • 1 ciabatta roll, or one 3-inch piece of ciabatta bread halved and toasted
  • 1/2 cup Creamy Slaw
  • 6 slices ripe avocado

Instructions

  • Add a couple slices of warm Cecina to the bottom half of a toasted ciabatta roll. Top with Creamy Slaw and the avocado slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

Chapata con Cecina y Ensalada Cremosita de Col

Caramelized Pasilla Brisket

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich caramelized pasilla brisket
Print Recipe
4.80 from 10 votes

Caramelized Pasilla Brisket

Caramelized Pasilla Brisket recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 10 "How I Got to Now"
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: ancho chiles, beef, braised, brisket, carrots, pasilla, potatoes, stew, tomatillos
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces (about 5 to 6) dried pasilla chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 3 pounds beef brisket trimmed
  • 2 teaspoons kosher or coarse sea salt divided
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 pounds tomatillos husked, rinsed, quartered
  • 1 large white onion cut into chunks
  • 10 garlic cloves peeled
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 4 ounces (or 1/2 cup) grated piloncillo or brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes halved
  • 1 1/2 pounds carrots peeled and cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
  • Greens of your choice for salad
  • Freshly squeezed lime juice and olive oil to dress the salad

Instructions

  • Pre-heat the oven to 350°F.
  • Heat up a comal or skillet over medium heat, then toast the pasilla chiles for about 1 to 2 minutes, flipping with tongs as they toast. Remove from heat and place in a bowl.
  • Season the meat with 1 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Heat oil in a large casserole or roasting pan set over high heat. Brown the meat for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Add the toasted pasilla chiles, tomatillos, onion, garlic, chicken broth, piloncillo, the remaining teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Make sure chiles are covered with the broth.
  • Cover and seal tight with a lid or aluminum foil. Place in the oven and braise for 3 to 3-and-a-half hours, or until meat is tender. Remove from the oven. Remove the meat and place on a chopping board.
  • In a pot with salted boiling water, cook the potatoes and the carrots for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender. Drain and reserve.
  • Pour all the remaining contents of the roasting pan into the jar of a blender and puree until completely smooth. Pour the sauce back into roasting pan.
  • Slice the meat against the grain into about 1/2 to 3/4-inch slices and return it to the roasting pan. Add the potatoes and carrots, cover everything with the sauce. Cover the dish and return to oven for another 30 minutes. Remove the lid or aluminum foil, return to the oven and cook uncovered for another 30 minutes.
  • Toss the greens of your choice with lime juice and olive oil to taste. Serve the brisket with the side salad.

Notes

Brisket en Salsa de Chile Pasilla

Three Cheese Chicken Pasta

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Print Recipe
4.91 from 10 votes

Three Cheese Chicken Pasta

Three Cheese Chicken Pasta recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 12 "Cheesy"
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: ancho chiles, cheese, chicken, cotija cheese, Muenster cheese, Oaxaca cheese, pasta, pati's mexican table, queso anejo
Servings: 8 to 10 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 garlic cloves minced or pressed
  • 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon kosher or coarse sea salt plus more for salting the water
  • To taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 pound dried spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cubed Oaxaca cheese
  • 1 cup cubed asadero or muenster cheese
  • Fresh cilantro chopped, for serving
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso añejo or cotija for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat.
  • In a medium bowl combine the garlic, chili powder, oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add chicken to the bowl and toss until chicken is coated in the rub.
  • Once the water is boiling, cook the spaghetti until al dente, or according to package instructions. Strain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
  • In a large casserole set over medium-high heat, melt the butter with the oil. Once it melts, add the chicken and cook until all sides are browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the flour and continue to brown for another 30 seconds.
  • Pour in the milk and cream, scraping the bottom and sides of the pan to remove browned bits. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water – or more if desired. Let the liquids come to a simmer and reduce until they begin to thicken.
  • Add the Oaxaca and muenster cheese, saving the cojita for the topping. Once the cheese is slightly melted, take off the heat and stir in pasta. Stir until the pasta is completely coated and the cheese is melted. Serve hot. Garnish with a sprinkle of cilantro and cotija cheese.

Notes

Pasta con Pollo a los Tres Quesos

Pickled Poblano Rajas Tuna Melt

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich poblano rajas tuna melt
Print Recipe
4.50 from 6 votes

Pickled Poblano Rajas Tuna Melt

Pickled Poblano Rajas Tuna Melt recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 13 "More Than Just a Meal"
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time7 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: pati's mexican table, Poblano, Sandwich, tuna, tuna melt
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 7-ounce cans of tuna in water or oil drained
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • To taste kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 8 slices rye bread lightly toasted
  • 2 Pickled Poblanos stems removed and sliced into strips
  • 4 thick slices muenster cheese or 8 thin slices

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, mash the tuna with a fork until well shredded. Combine it with the mayo, lime juice and salt to taste.
  • Pre-heat the broiler, or you can use toaster oven.
  • Divide the tuna mixture between four slices of bread. Divide the poblano strips on top of the tuna, and top with the cheese. Place under broiler, or in the toaster oven, until the cheese is melted.
  • Place the remaining slices of toasted bread on top to close the sandwiches and serve.

Notes

Sándwich de Atún con Rajas de Poblano en Escabeche

Bacon Cheese Dogs with Avocado Relish

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Print Recipe
4.50 from 6 votes

Bacon Cheese Dogs with Avocado Relish

Bacon Cheese Dogs with Avocado Relish recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 12 "Cheesy"
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: Avocado, bacon, cheese, Hot Dog, Mexican, Oaxaca, Pickled Jalapeños, queso, relish
Servings: 2 hot dogs
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the avocado relish:

  • 1 large (about 3 ounces) tomatillo husked, rinsed, cut into small dice
  • 4 scallions white and light green parts thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves and upper parts of stems chopped
  • 3 pickled whole jalapeños chopped, plus 2 sliced for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon brine from pickled jalapeños
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • 1 ripe avocado halved, pitted, cut into small dice
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish or more to taste

For the hot dogs:

  • 2 slices bacon
  • 2 hot dogs
  • 2 cups Oaxaca cheese shredded
  • 2 hot dog buns

Instructions

To make the avocado relish:

  • In a medium bowl, add the tomatillo, scallions, cilantro, chopped pickled jalapeños, pickled jalapeño brine, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Mix well. Incorporate the avocado and toss gently with a spoon to combine. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the prepared horseradish. Set aside.
  • On a cutting board, roll one slice of bacon around each sausage link. Place the tip of the hot dog over one end of the bacon slice, then roll the sausage around on the diagonal so that the bacon wraps around it and covers it entirely.

To make the hot dogs:

  • Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the bacon-wrapped hot dogs and cook, turning every couple minutes, until crisped and browned on all sides. Remove from the heat. When cool enough to handle, cut a slit lengthwise down the middle of each, without cutting completely through.
  • Raise heat to medium-high. Add two piles of about 1 cup shredded cheese onto the skillet and top each with a hotdog, slit-side down. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese has completely melted and browned creating a cheese crust.
  • Meanwhile, open the buns but try not to separate the tops from the bottoms. Lightly toast the buns in the toaster or griddle. Spread a generous tablespoon of the horseradish mayonnaise onto each bun.
  • When bacon cheese hot links are ready, using a spatula, flip onto the bun, cheese side up. Top with a generous amount of the avocado relish, garnish with the pickled jalapeño slices and serve.

Notes

Hot dogs con Tocino, Queso y Aderezo de Aguacate

Coloradito Chicken and a New Season

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Oaxaca is a place I have been to countless times, but always leave wanting to go back.  No wonder I was eager to bring the crew, so they could experience all that I kept telling them about. And mostly, so they could help me capture it to bring to you.

My series director, Dan, must have been dizzy from me telling him how things are “different” in Oaxaca so many times. There is something in the air, and there is something in the way the light hits Oaxaca. It makes everything you think is familiar gain a completely different dimension. Maybe that is why Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s main cradles of art.

The blue in the sky seems a deeper shade of blue. The green in the plants, mountains and herbs looks more intense and has more saturated hues of green. When you wake up in the morning and open a window, the air smells fresher and feels more crisp. The sun shines brighter. And the word “diverse” has never had a better match.

Oaxaca is one of the – or the – most ethnically and culturally diverse places in all of Mexico. It has eight defined and distinctively different regions and 18 ethnic communities – each with their own culture, cuisine, language and pre-Hispanic forms of self governance and organization for life and society.

To put it simply, as my dad would say, Oaxaca is another world.

One of the common sayings related to Oaxaca is “the land of 7 moles.” But, the irony is that there are many more moles than that. There are dozens and dozens of them. Each mole has so many different versions, depending on the cook, the family or the town.

Here, I am sharing a Coloradito Mole with Chicken. I tested it many times at home to get the exact taste I experienced in the city of Oaxaca. So many times that Sami, my middle son, would joke “coloradito, mami, coloradito?” every time he walked in the kitchen and saw a large pot simmering.

Silky, delightfully sweet, savory, tangy, and with a light spice, it is a small window into the beautiful complex layers that Oaxaca has all around.

Try it at home and join me for the new season that is about to premiere! Check your local listings here.

pati jinich coloradito chicken
Print Recipe
4.25 from 8 votes

Coloradito Chicken

Here I am sharing a Coloradito Mole with Chicken. I tested it many times at home to get the exact taste I experienced in the city of Oaxaca. Silky, delightfully sweet, savory, tangy, and with a light spice, it is a small window into the beautiful complex layers that Oaxaca has all around.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Ancho, chayote, chicken, Chiles, Coloradito, green beans, Guajillo, Mole, Oaxaca, Pollo, Tomato
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe plantain
  • 6 ancho chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 5 guajillo chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 1 pound (or 3 to 4) ripe Roma tomatoes
  • 5 cloves garlic unpeeled
  • 1 1/2-inch thick slice of white onion
  • 1 1-inch-long stick ceylon cinnamon or canela (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ceylon cinnamon)
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 6 black peppercorns
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds
  • 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons raisins
  • 1 tablespoon grated piloncillo or dark brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons kosher or coarse sea salt divided
  • 1 3-pound chicken cut into 8 serving pieces (wings removed for later use and breasts cut in half)
  • Vegetable oil for cooking the chicken
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 3-ounce bar of Mexican chocolate broken into pieces
  • 1 pound chayote squash peeled and sliced into 1-inch strips
  • 1 pound green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Tortillas or rice to serve

Instructions

  • Pre-heat the oven to 400°F. Place the plantain in a baking dish lined with aluminum foil and make a couple of 1/2-inch slits on its skin. Bake until completely cooked through, about 40 minutes. Remove from the oven, when cool enough to handle, peel and slice. Set aside.
  • Heat a comal, griddle or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, toast the ancho and guajillo chiles for about 30 to 45 seconds per side, until fragrant and lightly toasted. Place chiles in a saucepan along with the whole tomatoes, cover with water and set over medium-high heat. Simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until the chiles are rehydrated and plumped up, and the tomatoes are cooked and mushy.
  • On the same comal, griddle or skillet, char the unpeeled garlic cloves and the onion slice, until completely charred and softened, about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping a couple of times in between. Set aside to cool. Peel the garlic when cool enough to handle.
  • On a small skillet set over medium heat, toast the cinnamon stick for a minute or two until fragrant, flipping once. Next, toast the cloves and peppercorns for a minute, moving them around the entire time. Toast the almonds for a couple of minutes, until lightly browned, as well as sesame seeds. Lastly, toast the oregano for 5 to 10 seconds.
  • As each ingredient is finished being toasted, place it in the jar of the blender: the cinnamon, garlic, onion, cloves, peppercorns, almonds, sesame seeds, and oregano. Add the rehydrated chiles, cooked tomatoes and 1 cup of their cooking broth, and the plantain to the blender, as well. Incorporate the raisins, sugar and 1 teaspoon salt, and puree at least for a couple minutes until completely smooth. If your blender is on the smaller side, puree it in batches.
  • Set a large casserole over medium-high heat and heat enough oil to have about 1/8-inch of depth. Season the chicken with the remaining teaspoon of salt. Once the oil is hot, brown the chicken pieces in batches, making sure to not crowd the casserole. Cook until they have created a crust on the skin and are easy to flip, about 3 minutes per side. Place the finished pieces in a large bowl.
  • Once you are done browning the chicken, reduce the heat to medium-low. Carefully, and using the casserole’s lid as a shield (there will be splatters), pour the mole sauce into the oil. Stir and cover with the lid, leaving it slightly open, and cook for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally (still protecting yourself with the lid), until the sauce is very thick and seasoned. Add the chicken broth, chocolate pieces, and the browned chicken pieces, and cook for another 20 minutes. Add the chayote squash and green beans, give it a good stir, and cook until vegetables are cooked yet tender, another 10 minutes.
  • Serve with tortillas and/or rice.

Notes

Mole Coloradito con Pollo

Coloradito Chicken

Posted on by Pati Jinich

pati jinich coloradito chicken
Print Recipe
5 from 7 votes

Coloradito Chicken

Coloradito Chicken recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 6 “Women of Oaxaca”
Prep Time50 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: almonds, ancho chiles, canela, chayote, chicken, Chocolate, guajillo chiles, mexican chocolate, Mole, pati's mexican table, piloncillo, Plantains, raisins, sesame seeds
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe plantain
  • 6 ancho chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 5 guajillo chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 1 pound (or 3 to 4) ripe Roma tomatoes
  • 5 cloves garlic unpeeled
  • 1 1/2-inch thick slice of white onion
  • 1 1-inch-long stick ceylon cinnamon or canela (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ceylon cinnamon)
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 6 black peppercorns
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds
  • 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons raisins
  • 1 tablespoon grated piloncillo or dark brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons kosher or coarse sea salt divided
  • 1 3-pound chicken cut into 8 serving pieces (wings removed for later use and breasts cut in half)
  • Vegetable oil for cooking the chicken
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 3-ounce bar of Mexican chocolate broken into pieces
  • 1 pound chayote squash peeled and sliced into 1-inch strips
  • 1 pound green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Tortillas or rice to serve

Instructions

  • Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the plantain in a baking dish lined with aluminum foil and make a couple of 1/2-inch slits on its skin. Bake until completely cooked through, about 40 minutes. Remove from the oven, when cool enough to handle, peel and slice. Set aside.
  • Heat a comal, griddle or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, toast the ancho and guajillo chiles for about 30 to 45 seconds per side, until fragrant and lightly toasted. Place chiles in a saucepan along with the whole tomatoes, cover with water and set over medium-high heat. Simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until the chiles are rehydrated and plumped up, and the tomatoes are cooked and mushy.
  • On the same comal, griddle or skillet, char the unpeeled garlic cloves and the onion slice, until completely charred and softened, about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping a couple of times in between. Set aside to cool. Peel the garlic when cool enough to handle.
  • On a small skillet set over medium heat, toast the cinnamon stick for a minute or two until fragrant, flipping once. Next, toast the cloves and peppercorns for a minute, moving them around the entire time. Toast the almonds for a couple of minutes, until lightly browned, as well as sesame seeds. Lastly, toast the oregano for 5 to 10 seconds.
  • As each ingredient is finished being toasted, place it in the jar of the blender: the cinnamon, garlic, onion, cloves, peppercorns, almonds, sesame seeds, and oregano. Add the rehydrated chiles, cooked tomatoes and 1 cup of their cooking broth, and the plantain to the blender, as well. Incorporate the raisins, sugar and 1 teaspoon salt, and puree at least for a couple minutes until completely smooth. If your blender is on the smaller side, puree it in batches.
  • Set a large casserole over medium-high heat and heat enough oil to have about 1/8-inch of depth. Season the chicken with the remaining teaspoon of salt. Once the oil is hot, brown the chicken pieces in batches, making sure to not crowd the casserole. Cook until they have created a crust on the skin and are easy to flip, about 3 minutes per side. Place the finished pieces in a large bowl.
  • Once you are done browning the chicken, reduce the heat to medium-low. Carefully, and using the casserole’s lid as a shield (there will be splatters), pour the mole sauce into the oil. Stir and cover with the lid, leaving it slightly open, and cook for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally (still protecting yourself with the lid), until the sauce is very thick and seasoned. Add the chicken broth, chocolate pieces, and the browned chicken pieces, and cook for another 20 minutes. Add the chayote squash and green beans, give it a good stir, and cook until vegetables are cooked yet tender, another 10 minutes.
  • Serve with tortillas and/or rice.

Notes

Mole Coloradito con Pollo

Meatballs in Guajillo Sauce

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Print Recipe
4.46 from 11 votes

Meatballs in Guajillo Sauce

Meatballs in Guajillo Sauce recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 5 "From Pueblo to City"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Albondigas, epazote, guajillo chiles, meatballs, tomatillos, turkey
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 6 guajillo chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 2 pounds tomatillos husked and rinsed
  • 3 garlic cloves peeled
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher or coarse sea salt divided, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons canola or safflower oil
  • 1 1/4 cups finely chopped onion divided
  • 2 pounds ground turkey breast
  • 1/2 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 sprigs of fresh epazote or cilantro sprigs, or substitute 4 dried leaves

Instructions

  • Heat a casserole over medium-high heat. Once hot, toast the guajillo chiles, turning often, until toasted deeply browned and you can smell the chile fumes, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatillos and garlic, cover with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until the tomatillos are thoroughly cooked, their color has changed from a bright green to olive, and the guajillos have plumped up and rehydrated, about 12 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatillos, garlic, chiles and 1/2 cup cooking liquid to a blender. Allow to cool slightly, add 1 teaspoon salt and puree until completely smooth. Drain the water from the casserole or soup pot, rinse and dry, and return to the stove.
  • Add the oil and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 cup of the chopped onion and cook until tender and the edges have just begun to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatillo puree, cover partially as the thick sauce will splash and splutter, and simmer for about 7 to 8 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and darkened.
  • Meanwhile combine the ground turkey with the breadcrumbs, egg, remaining 1/4 cup onion, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Mix together well.
  • When the tomatillo puree has cooked down stir in the broth, scraping the bottom and sides of the casserole to incorporate any sauce sticking to the bottom and sides of the pan.
  • Place the ground turkey mixture and a small bowl of water next to the casserole. Wet your hands, and start shaping the turkey into approximately 1 1/2-inch balls. Gently drop the balls into the sauce as you form them. When all the meatballs have been added to the sauce, add the sprigs of epazote or cilantro and simmer over medium heat, uncovered, for 35 minutes. Serve.

Notes

Albóndigas en Salsa de Chile Guajillo

Mexican Grilled Steak Salad

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Print Recipe
4.67 from 9 votes

Mexican Grilled Steak Salad

Mexican Grilled Steak Salad recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 4 "The Mezcal Trail"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: carne, carrots, flank steak, pati's mexican table, Pickled Jalapeños, potatoes, Salpicon, vinaigrette
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the salad:

  • 2 to 3 pounds flank steak
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or more to taste
  • To taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 (about 1/2 pound) medium carrots peeled, halved lengthwise and sliced
  • 3 (about 1 pound) medium red potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 pound green beans ends trimmed, cut diagonally into thirds
  • 1 cup peas fresh or thawed from frozen
  • 6 radishes halved and cut into matchsticks
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves and upper part of stems chopped
  • 1 ripe avocado halved, pitted, meat scooped out and sliced
  • To taste pickled jalapeños
  • To taste chipotle chiles in adobo sauce

For the vinaigrette: (If you like salad juicy double the vinaigrette!)

  • 1/3 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1/3 cup olive oil plus more to grill the meat
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced or pressed
  • 2/3 cup red onion slivered

To serve:

  • 1 head romaine lettuce leaves rinsed and chopped
  • Warm corn tortillas for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat the grill over medium-high heat. Brush the flank steak with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the meat for 5 to 6 minutes per side for medium (about 145 degrees Fahrenheit on a meat thermometer). Let rest for 5-10 minutes, then thinly slice against the grain and set aside.
  • Bring salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cook the carrots for about 3 to 4 minutes until tender, remove with a spider or slotted spoon and place in a bowl. Repeat with the potatoes and green beans, adding them to the same bowl with the carrots. Lastly, cook the peas for just one minute, then drain and place in the bowl with the other cooked vegetables.
  • In a bowl, whisk the vinegar with the oils, salt, pepper, sugar and garlic, until emulsified. Add the onion and let macerate for at least 15 minutes. You may cover and place in the fridge for up to a couple weeks. Shake before using. If you like your salad very juicy and dressed, double the vinaigrette!
  • Dress the lettuce with some of the vinaigrette and place on an extended platter. Pour some of the vinaigrette on to the cooked vegetables, incorporate the radishes and cilantro, mix well and place on lettuce. Place the sliced meat on top, add the avocado, dress with more of the vinaigrette. Add some of the pickled jalapeños and chipotles in adobo on the sides of the plate or to your liking. Serve with warm corn tortillas on the side.

Notes

Salpicón de Carne

Oaxacan Chicken with Oregano and Garlic

Posted on by Pati Jinich

oaxacan chicken with oregano and garlic
Print Recipe
3.79 from 14 votes

Oaxacan Chicken with Oregano and Garlic

Oaxacan Chicken with Oregano and Garlic recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 3 "A Queen in the Land of Gods"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: chicken, garlic, oregano, pati's mexican table
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 30 garlic cloves
  • 1 cup fresh oregano leaves
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
  • To taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 3-pound chicken cut into 10 serving pieces breasts cut in half
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Using a food processor or molcajete, process or mash the garlic, oregano, olive oil, lime juice, salt and pepper until coarse and well mixed, yet not completely pureed.
  • Rub the garlic mixture all over chicken and place skin side down on a non-stick baking sheet. If you don’t cook right away, you may marinate the chicken up to 24 hours, covered in the refrigerator.
  • Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and reduce temperature to 375 degrees. Flip over the chicken pieces, pour the chicken broth on the bottom of the sheet, and return to the oven for 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife.

Notes

Pollo Oaxaqueño con Orégano y Ajo

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tamales

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich sweet potato and black bean tamales
Print Recipe
4 from 8 votes

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tamales

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tamales recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 2 "History of Oaxaca Cuisine"
Cook Time1 hour 45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: masa, mexican crema, pati's mexican table, sweet potato, Tamales
Servings: 12 to 16 tamales
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 2/3 cups corn masa flour or masa harina (such as Maseca)
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 24 dried corn husks
  • 2 cups refried beans
  • 1 cup Mexican crema
  • 1 cup queso fresco crumbled

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Wrap the sweet potatoes in aluminum foil. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until completely cooked and soft. Remove from the oven. When cool enough to handle, cut open and scoop out the cooked pulp into a bowl. Set aside to cool.

To make the tamal masa:

  • Place the lard or vegetable shortening and 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a mixer, and beat over medium speed until very light, about 1 minute. Reduce speed to low, add baking powder and sugar, and take turns adding the corn masa flour and the broth. Raise speed back to medium and continue beating another 6 to 7 minutes, until the dough is homogeneous. In batches, add the cooled sweet potato pulp and continue beating for another 5 to 6 minutes, until the masa looks fluffed up.

To assemble the tamales:

  • Soak the dried corn husks in hot water for a couple minutes, or until they are pliable, and drain. Lay out a corn husk with the tapering end towards you. Spread about 1/3 cup masa into about a 2” to 3” square, the layer should be about 1/4” thick, leaving a border of at least 1/2” on the sides. Place about 2 teaspoons of refried beans in the middle of the masa square.
  • Pick up the two long sides of the corn husk and bring them together (you will see how the masa starts to swaddle the filling) and fold them to one side, rolling them in same direction around tamal. Fold up the empty section of the husk with the tapering end, from the bottom up. This will form a closed bottom and the top will be left open. Gently squeeze from the bottom to the top to even the filling out without pressing to hard. As you assemble all the tamales, place them as upright as you can in a container.

To prepare the tamalera or steamer:

  • Place water in the bottom pan of a steamer, so that water is under the steamer basket or rack, and bring it to a simmer. Line the steamer with one or two layers of soaked corn husks.

To cook the tamales:

  • When you have all tamales ready, place them as vertically as you can, into the prepared steamer with the open end on top. If there is space left in the steamer, tuck in some corn husks, so the tamales won’t dance around. Cover with more corn husks, and steam covered with a lid for 55 minutes to an hour. You know the tamales are ready when they come easily free from the husks. They will still be moist, and as they are released from the husks – you will see the moisture, like when you remove good moist muffins from their paper baking cups.
  • Finished tamales will stay warm for about 2 hours in the steamer. They can be made ahead several days before and stored in refrigerator, well wrapped. They can also be frozen for months. In either case, reheat in a steamer. For refrigerated tamales, it will take about 20 minutes and about 45 minutes for frozen tamales.
  • You can serve with a spoonful of Mexican crema and crumbled queso fresco on top.

Notes

Tamales de Camote con Frijol

Tasajo

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich tesajo
Print Recipe
4.38 from 8 votes

Tasajo

Tasajo recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 1 "One Day in Oaxaca"
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time2 hours 40 minutes
Total Time2 hours 50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: beef, flank steak, meat, pati's mexican table, tasajo
Servings: 6 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds flank steak
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons kosher or coarse sea salt
  • Vegetable oil for cooking

Instructions

  • Cut the flank steak against the grain into slices of about 1/4-inch thick, or as thin as you can. One by one, place the slices between two sheets of parchment or wax paper. Use a meat pounder to pound them very thin, less than 1/8-inch, or until you start to see the bottom sheet of paper through the meat (but not so thin that it is completely breaking apart).
  • As you move along, place the pounded slices on a cooling rack set on top of a large sheet pan or chopping board. Once done, sprinkle 1 1/2 teaspoons salt on one side. Flip over and sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
  • Leave to air dry and cure for at least 3 hours and up to 8 hours. (Alternately, you can leave at room temperature for 2 hours and refrigerate for the remaining time.)
  • When ready, pre-heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, brush the meat with vegetable oil and cook in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Rest under aluminum foil until ready to use.

Arroz con Chepil

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Print Recipe
4.84 from 6 votes

Chepil Rice

Chepil Rice recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 5 "From Pueblo to City"
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: arroz, Chepil, jalapeno, pati's mexican table, rice, serrano chiles
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cups jasmine white rice or extra long white rice
  • 1/2 cup white onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 to 2 serrano or jalapeño chiles finely chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 1 cup chepil or chipilin leaves or substitute for baby watercress

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the rice and cook, stirring often, until it becomes milky white, crackles and feels heavier as you stir it in the pan, about 3 minutes. Make room in the center of the pan, add the onion, garlic and chile, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring and mixing with the rice, until the onion begins to soften.
  • Add the chicken broth and salt and stir once. Raise the heat to high, bring to a rolling boil, add the chepil leaves, stir, cover and reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Simmer 12 to 15 minutes, until most of the liquid has been absorbed but there is still some moisture in the pan. The rice should be cooked and tender; if it is not, but all the liquid has been absorbed, add 2 tablespoons of water, cover again, and cook for a couple more minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.

Notes

Arroz con Chepil 

Avocado, Watercress and Pecan Salad

Posted on by Pati Jinich

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4.67 from 6 votes

Avocado, Watercress and Pecan Salad

Avocado, Watercress and Pecan Salad recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 2 "History of Oaxaca Cuisine"
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Avocado, chiles de arbol, pati's mexican table, Pecan, watercress
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup pecans
  • 1 clove garlic unpeeled
  • 1 chile guajillo stemmed and seeded
  • 2 to 3 Chiles de Arbol stemmed but not seeded
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 ounces watercress leaves and upper part of stems coarsely chopped
  • 3 ripe avocados halved, pitted, cut into large chunks
  • 2 scallions white and light green parts only, thinly sliced

Instructions

  • Heat a comal or saute pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the pecans and toast for a couple minutes, flipping a few times. Remove from the heat. When cool enough to handle, coarsely chop and set aside.
  • On the same heated comal or pan, toast the garlic clove in its husk for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping every once in a while until charred and softened. Then, toast the gaujillo and arbol chiles for about one minute per side, until completely toasted but not burnt. Finally, toast the sesame seeds for a minute or two, stirring, until lightly browned.
  • Break the toasted chiles into pieces, place them into a food processor and pulse until ground. Add the sesame seeds and pulse until finely ground. Add garlic clove, salt, honey, vinegar, lime juice, and olive oil and vegetable oil, and process until smooth. Set aside.
  • In a salad bowl, place the watercress. Pour in some of the vinaigrette and toss to moisten the leaves. Incorporate the avocados and pecans, drizzle in the rest of the vinaigrette and gently toss. Garnish with the scallions and serve.

Notes

Ensalada de Aguacate con Berros y Nuez

Mashed Potato Cazuela

Posted on by Pati Jinich

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4.50 from 6 votes

Mashed Potato Cazuela

Mashed Potato Cazuela recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 6 "Women of Oaxaca"
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: carrots, Cazuela, mashed potatoes, mexican crema, olives, pati's mexican table, peas, Pickled Jalapeños
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds Idaho or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and diced
  • 1/2 pound carrots peeled and cut into small dice
  • 1 cup fresh peas or thawed from frozen
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup chopped white onion
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2/3 cup Mexican crema
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
  • To taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup chopped manzanilla olives stuffed with pimientos or more to taste
  • 1/3 cup chopped pickled jalapeños or more to taste

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop in the diced potatoes and cook until a fork or pairing knife slides in easily, but the potatoes are still holding their shape, about 12 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon or spider and place in a large bowl.
  • Drop in the diced carrots and cook for just one minute, remove and set aside in a smaller bowl. Finally drop in the peas and cook for one minute, then remove and place in the bowl with carrots.
  • Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Once it sizzles, add the onion and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Add the cooked onions, mustard, cream, egg, salt and pepper to the bowl with the potatoes, and gently mix and mash until well incorporated. Add the peas, carrots, olives and pickled jalapeños and mix well. Scrape into a 9” x 11” baking dish or into small individual ramekins.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top has slightly browned. Serve or keep warm.

Notes

Cazuela Istmeña de Puré de Papa 

Tasajo Torta with Smoky Guacamole

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich tasajo torta with smoky guacamole
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4.20 from 5 votes

Tasajo Torta with Smoky Guacamole

Tasajo Torta with Smoky Guacamole recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 1 "One Day in Oaxaca"
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: beef, guacamole, meat, pati's mexican table, refried beans, Sandwich, steak, tasajo, Torta
Servings: 6 Tortas
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Slice the bread in half. Toast under the broiler, on the grill, or on a hot comal until warmed and slightly browned. Remove from heat.
  • Spread refried beans on each of the bottom half of each roll. On top of the refried beans, place the meat, shredded cheese, a tomato slice and a generous dollop of the guacamole. Top with the other toasted bread half and serve!

Notes

Torta de Tasajo con Guacamole Ahumado  

Grilled Corn Salad

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich grilled corn salad
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4.72 from 7 votes

Grilled Corn Salad

Grilled Corn Salad recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 3 "A Queen in the Land of Gods"
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Corn, green onions, scallions, Tomatoes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 6 ears of corn
  • 10 scallions
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil plus more for brushing grill
  • 1 1/2 pounds cherry tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or more to taste
  • To taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Instructions

  • Pre-heat the grill to medium, or set a grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, brush with oil.
  • Cook the corn for about 20 minutes, flipping with tongs every once in a while. Also, cook the scallions for about 10 minutes, flipping occasionally as well. Remove both from the heat when charred, cooked and softened. Set aside.
  • Heat 5 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tomatoes, salt and pepper, and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until charred and softened. Remove from the heat, making sure to reserve the oil and tomato juices as well.
  • Shave the corn kernels off the cobs and place in salad bowl. Cut white and light green parts of the scallions into 1-inch pieces and add to the bowl. Add the mint, chives, vinegar, and the reserved oil and juices from the tomatoes. Mix well. Incorporate the tomatoes. Gently toss and serve.

Notes

Ensalada de Elote Asado

Nopalitos Salad with Pickled Chipotle

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Pati Jinich nopalitos salad with pickled chipotle
Print Recipe
4.75 from 4 votes

Nopalitos Salad with Pickled Chipotle

Nopalitos Salad with Pickled Chipotle recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 6, Episode 1 "One Day in Oaxaca"
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: cactus, carrots, Chipotle, Nopalitos, pati's mexican table, Zucchini
Servings: 4 Servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup white onion slivered
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 2 dried chipotle peppers
  • 2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
  • 2 teaspoons kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 pound carrots peeled and cut into sticks
  • 1/2 pound zucchini cut into half moons
  • 1/2 pound cactus paddles cleaned and cut into sticks (1 1/2” to 2” long by 1/2” wide)

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large extended casserole over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion, garlic and dried chipotles, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes stirring occasionally until the onion begins to soften. Add the oregano and salt, and stir. Raise heat to high, add the vinegar, and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring a few times. Turn off heat and set aside to cool. (You can make this chipotle pickle ahead of time and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.)
  • Bring salted water to a boil in a large saucepan and take turns cooking the vegetables. First cook the carrots for 2 minutes, remove with a large spider or slotted spoon and place in a bowl. Then cook the zucchini for 30 to 40 seconds, remove with a slotted spoon and add to the bowl with the carrots. Lastly, add the nopales and cook for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water, for at least one minute, until all viscous liquid is removed.
  • Incorporate the carrots, zucchini and nopales into the prepared chipotle pickle, toss well and scrape into a bowl or container. Let it sit and marinate for at least an hour before serving. You can also cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Mix well before eating.

Notes

Ensalada de Nopalitos con Chipotle en Escabeche

Caldo de Oso

Posted on by Pati Jinich

There is no bear in this soup. Nor is the soup named after any bear. In fact, there are zero bears to be found in the state of Chihuahua, where this soup comes from. Yet, I admit Pepe was right, it is a spectacular soup, and it is called caldo de oso (or bear soup).

I met Pepe a few months ago at a Telemundo news interview, while on book tour in Denver. He was the producer. As he walked me out of the building, we got caught up in a long, detailed conversation about soup, even though I was in a hurry to catch a plane. I don’t know what hooked me more in wanting to know every little thing about this soup: its curious name, how much he seemed to adore it, or the fact that I’ve never tried it although I’ve been to Chihuahua many times.

Well, here we go again. Another story, out of hundreds and hundreds of incredible stories and recipes I have learned while traveling the US. It turns out, each and every single Mexican I have met here is as passionate as I am about the Mexican food we grew up with. We are all a bunch of nostalgic food fanatics.

Anyway, back to the soup.

It turns out caldo de oso is insanely popular in Chihuahua. The thing is, it is not to be found in restaurants, but in homes. One reason I may have missed it all the times I visited. And considering how dearly loved it is, it makes the origin of its name even funnier.

Here goes the true story:

Almost a century ago, workers building the La Boquilla Dam, on the Conchos River in Camargo, used to make a fish soup every day with catfish, which were bountiful in that river. After eating it so often, instead of calling it caldo de pescado (or fish soup), they started calling it caldo odioso, which translates to hateful soup.

From saying caldo odioso again and again, the soup got the nickname caldo de oso – from the shortened odi-oso to oso. It is a common Mexican practice to make words smaller and use them in their diminutives or cute nicknames. And the name stuck: caldo de oso! However, other than the workers at the dam who ate it everyday, people in Chihuahua absolutely adore this soup.

So, Pepe gave me some tips, and he told me in detail how his mom makes it. I thoroughly researched it and tested it in my kitchen. And let me tell you, caldo de oso is totally worth the heavy nostalgia for it that Pepe carries around.

Caldo de Oso or Bear Soup recipe by Pati Jinich
Print Recipe
4.70 from 10 votes

Bear Soup

There is no bear in this soup. Nor is the soup named after any bear. In fact, there are zero bears to be found in the state of Chihuahua, where this soup comes from. Yet, I admit Pepe was right, it is a spectacular soup, and it is called caldo de oso (or bear soup). It turns out caldo de oso is insanely popular in Chihuahua. The thing is, it is not to be found in restaurants, but in homes.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: ancho chiles, carrots, catfish, cilantro, fish broth, lime, onion, pati's mexican table, Pickled Jalapeños, potatoes, Tomatoes
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 dried ancho chiles stemmed and seeded
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2/3 cup white onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 2 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes chopped
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 8 cups seafood or fish broth or water
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 whole pickled jalapeño diced
  • 2 tablespoons vinegary sauce from pickled jalapeños
  • 2 cups carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 cups potatoes peeled and diced
  • 2 pounds catfish fillets cut into 2" pieces
  • 2 limes cut into wedges, to serve
  • 1/4 cup cilantro roughly chopped, to serve

Instructions

  • Place the ancho chiles in a bowl, cover with 2 cups boiling water, and let them sit for 10 minutes until they plump up and rehydrate.
  • In a soup pot, heat the butter and oil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened and the edges begin to brown. Add the garlic, stir and cook for a minute until fragrant. Increase the heat to medium-high and incorporate the chopped tomato, cook for 6 to 7 minutes, until softened. Sprinkle the flour on top of the cooking vegetables, stir well, and let cook for another minute or so, stirring frequently, until the flour starts to brown and smell toasty. Pour in the broth or water and bring to a simmer.
  • Meanwhile, place the ancho chiles along with a cup of their soaking water into a blender, and puree until completely smooth. Add the chile puree, along with the thyme, marjoram, oregano, cumin, bay leaf, salt, pepper, pickled jalapeño and its vinegar to the soup, and mix well. Once it returns to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium, and let it cook for 15 minutes with the lid ajar.
  • Add the carrots, potatoes, and fish pieces and continue to cook for 10 more minutes, until vegetables and fish are completely cooked through.
  • Serve hot, along with lime wedges and chopped cilantro for people to add to their taste. I like it with crusty bread, such as a baguette, on the side.

Notes

Caldo de Oso

Pomegranate Short Rib Tacos

Posted on by Pati Jinich

This meal makes for a beast of a taco. Well, quite a few beastly tacos.

Melt in your mouth chunks of short ribs, braised in wine and pomegranate and topped with a scoop of a one of a kind guacamole, get tucked into warm corn tortillas. The guacamole has a mashed ripe avocado base seasoned with fresh ginger, jalapeño, shallots and a dash of lime juice, then tossed with salty chunks of queso fresco and sweet and juicy pomegranate seeds. You can garnish the final thing with chopped fresh mint.

This can practically be your whole meal! It makes me really happy to make it on cold winter nights, when we want something filling, satisfying, luscious, packed with flavor, and fun.

I cooked up this recipe in an attempt to use pomegranate seeds in a different way than I was used to and out of a bit of frustration. See, in Mexico, pomegranate is the crown jewel of Chiles en Nogada. The signature dish of Mexico’s Independence Day celebrations in September. If you are a Mexican and you see a pomegranate, I bet the first thing you think of is that dish, which bears all the colors of the Mexican flag. The pomegranates must be there.

Funny how things are. I love making Chiles en Nogada here in the states. Yet, pomegranate season in Mexico is July to October and here in Washington, DC, I have struggle to find pomegranates in September. In DC, pomegranate is at its peak way past September, not until very into the early winter months. So, I feel a little ridiculous making Chiles en Nogada which most absolutely, definitely, without a doubt, NEED to be made in September.

But I absolutely adore pomegranates. Everything about them. Their shape. Their hard skin. How challenging it can be to get the seeds out. How your fingers and nails remain red long after you have eaten them. Mostly, their sharp and sparkly tart and sweet flavor. Hence… I came up with this recipe to expand my pomegranate horizons during the time that I can easily find them. It turns out, I expanded my taco, my guacamole and dinner horizons as well.

Here you go, if you are a meat eater, this taco is a must. If you are not, make the guacamole and eat it with chips.

pomegranate short ribs
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4.60 from 5 votes

Pomegranate Short Ribs and Queso Fresco Guacamole Tacos

This meal makes for a beast of a taco. Well, quite a few beastly tacos. Melt in your mouth chunks of short ribs, braised in wine and pomegranate and topped with a scoop of a one of a kind guacamole, get tucked into warm corn tortillas. The guacamole has a mashed ripe avocado base seasoned with fresh ginger, jalapeño, shallots and a dash of lime juice, then tossed with salty chunks of queso fresco and sweet and juicy pomegranate seeds. You can garnish the final thing with chopped fresh mint.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: beef, corn tortillas, ginger, jalapeno, lime, mint, onion, pati's mexican table, pomegranate, red wine, rosemary, short ribs, tacos
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds country-style boneless beef short ribs
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt divided, or to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons canola or safflower oil divided
  • 1 cup white onion finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 2 cups pomegranate juice
  • 1 1/2 cups red wine
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary crushed
  • 1 tablespoon shallot finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger finely chopped
  • 1 whole jalapeño or to taste, finely chopped, stemmed and seeded optional
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 large ripe avocados halved, pitted, meat scooped out and diced
  • 1/2 cup queso fresco crumbled or diced, divided
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds divided
  • corn tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint coarsely chopped, to garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Season the short ribs with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and pepper to taste.
  • Heat 3 tablespoons oil in an ovenproof casserole over medium heat. Once hot, add the meat and cook until browned on each side, about 7 to 8 minutes per side. If necessary, do it in batches. Remove the meat from the casserole and place in a bowl.
  • Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the casserole and cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until completely softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant and lightly browned. Pour in the pomegranate juice and wine, stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the browned bits.
  • Return the meat to the casserole, add the crushed rosemary, and let it come to a simmer. Once it does, cover the casserole with its lid and place in the oven for 1 1/2 hours, until the meat is completely tender.
  • Remove the lid from the casserole, and leave in the oven for another 1/2 hour, or until the meat comes falls apart when pulled with a fork, and the liquid has thickened considerably. Remove from the oven. Using a couple forks, shred the meat finely into small bite size chunks and let it sit in the sauce.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the shallots, ginger and jalapeño with the lime juice, olive oil and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Incorporate the avocado and gently mash with a fork until well combined. Add half of the cheese and pomegranate seeds and toss well. Reserve.
  • Heat the corn tortillas on a comal, griddle or skillet set over medium heat, until completely heated through and pliable.
  • Assemble tacos with the guacamole and the braised ribs, garnish with the remaining cheese, pomegranate seeds and chopped mint.

Notes

Tacos de Costillitas a la Granada y Guacamole con Queso Fresco

Tamales Coloraditos

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Tamales are practically required on so many December holidays. Take Posadas. And Christmas. Not to mention New Year’s. Wait, of course, that spills over to January with Día de Reyes. Then it continues in February for Día de la Candelaria…

There’s also any morning after a big Mexican wedding… and all Mexican weddings are big! I could go on with every month of the year, but tamales are especially craved in December.

Of course, tamales are also everyday food for Mexicans. All sorts of tamales are found daily in lots of places, from markets, to food stands, to restaurants. Why then, if they can be eaten everyday, is there that crucial need for having tamales in December?

Well, I do not know. But what I can say is that I can eat tamales every day of the year and then feel the desperate need to have them for Christmas. To the point that it can be a pretty sad Christmas if tamales aren’t there.

Since the tamal love is spreading beyond Mexico, let me give you the recipe for a tamal I am pretty sure you haven’t tried. Unless you are Norteño, from the Mexican north.

The tamal coloradito, which translates to “infused with color,” takes its name from the filling of meat cooked in a mole sauce by the same name, coloradito. It has an intense color and a deep, rich, complex taste. It is made with ancho and guajillo chiles, tomatoes, onion, garlic, cinnamon, cumin and cloves. Then it coats the meat and simmers with olives, almonds and raisins, resulting in a teasingly sweet/spicy, savory and crunchy mix. The full-blown exotic flavors of the filling contrast beautifully with the mild, fluffy tamal dough.

It seems to me that this tamal is particularly festive because, aside from tamales screaming out for celebration on their own, even with no filling, this one is filled with quite a stunner of a mole sauce. And moles are cause for celebration, too! Pair the two into one bite, and you have a happy crowd.

tamales coloraditos
Print Recipe
4.41 from 5 votes

Tamales Coloraditos

The tamal coloradito, which translates to "infused with color," takes its name from the filling of meat cooked in a mole sauce by the same name, coloradito. It has an intense color and a deep, rich, complex taste. It is made with ancho and guajillo chiles, tomatoes, onion, garlic, cinnamon, cumin and cloves. Then it coats the meat and simmers with olives, almonds and raisins, resulting in a teasingly sweet/spicy, savory and crunchy mix. The full-blown exotic flavors of the filling contrast beautifully with the mild, fluffy tamal dough.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 50 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Ancho, Coloraditos, Guajillo, Mole, pork, Tamales, Tomato, Tomatoes
Servings: 25 tamales
Author: Pati Jinich

Ingredients

For the tamal dough or masa:

  • 1 cup lard vegetable shortening, or seasoned oil*
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • 3 1/2 cups homemade chicken broth or store bought, divided, more as needed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 pound (about 3 1/4 cups) instant corn masa flour preferably for tamales

For the filling:

  • 3 guajillo chiles stemmed, halved and seeded
  • 3 ancho chiles stemmed, halved and seeded
  • 1 ripe Roma tomato
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano preferably Mexican
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ceylon cinnamon or canela
  • Pinch cumin
  • 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup white onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 pound pork tenderloin diced **
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt or to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups homemade chicken broth or store bought
  • 1/3 cup raisins
  • 1/3 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/3 cup manzanilla olives stuffed with pimientos chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 25 dried corn husks

Instructions

To make the tamal dough or masa:

  • Place the lard or vegetable shortening in a mixer and beat until very light, about 1 minute. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and a tablespoon of the broth and continue to beat until it is white and fluffy, about 2 more minutes. Add the baking powder and beat in, then take turns adding the instant corn masa and the broth in 3 or 4 additions. Continue beating for about 10 minutes at medium speed, until the dough is homogeneous and very fluffy and aerated.
  • To test to see if the tamal masa is ready, drop 1/2 teaspoon into a cup of cold water. It should float. If it does not, beat for an additional 4 or 5 minutes and do the test again.

To make the filling:

  • Heat a comal or skillet over medium heat and toast the guajillo and ancho chiles for about 1 minute, flipping them over a few times, until they become more pliable, lightly toasted, fragrant and their inner skin turns opaque. Transfer to a medium saucepan. Add the tomato, cover with water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tomato is very soft and the chiles are fully hydrated, plumped up and soft.
  • Place the chiles, tomato and 1/2 cup of the chile simmering water in a blender jar. Add the oregano, whole cloves, cinnamon, cumin and vinegar, and puree until smooth.
  • Heat the oil over medium high heat in a large, deep skillet. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and the edges begin to brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the meat, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to medium, pour the chile puree over the meat, and stir in the broth. Add the raisins, almonds, olives and brown sugar, stir together, reduce the heat to medium low, cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should cook down and have the consistency of chile con carne.

To assemble the tamales:

  • Soak the dried corn husks in hot water for a couple minutes, or until they are pliable, and drain. Lay out a corn husk with the tapering end towards you. Spread about 3 tablespoons of masa into about a 2 to 3-inch square, the layer should be about 1/4-inch thick, leaving a border of at least 1/2-inch on the sides. Place 1 tablespoon of filling in the middle of the masa square.
  • Pick up the two long sides of the corn husk and bring them together (you will see how the masa starts to swaddle the filling) and fold the folded sides to one side, rolling them in the same direction around tamal. Fold up the empty section of the husk, with the tapering end, from the bottom up. This will form a closed bottom and the top will be left open.
  • Assemble all the tamales and place them as vertically as you can in a container.

To prepare the tamalera or steamer:

  • Place water in the bottom pan of a steamer (so that water is under the steamer) and bring it to a simmer. Line the steamer with one or two layers of soaked corn husks.

To cook the tamales:

  • When you have all tamales ready, place them, again as vertically as you can, into the prepared steamer with the open end on top. If there is space left in the steamer, tuck in some corn husks, so the tamales won’t dance around. Cover with more corn husks, and steam covered with a lid for 50 minutes to an hour. You know the tamales are ready when they come easily free from the husks. They will still be moist, and as they are released from the husks, you will see the moisture, like when you remove good moist muffins from their paper baking cups.
  • Finished tamales will stay warm for about 2 hours in the steamer. They can be made ahead several days before and stored in the refrigerator, well wrapped. They can also be frozen for months. In either case, reheat in a steamer. For refrigerated tamales, it will take about 20 minutes and about 45 minutes for frozen tamales.
  • * Note: To make seasoned oil, in a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup vegetable oil over medium heat, add a thick slice of onion and 4 garlic cloves. Cook for 15 minutes until completely browned. Remove onion and garlic before using the oil.
  • ** Note: You can substitute the pork for any other meat of your choice, you can also combine different kinds of meat, like ground beef and diced pork, like my mother does.

Thanksgiving Turkey

Posted on by Pati Jinich

Right after we got married, we moved from Mexico City to Dallas, Texas. It was in the middle of the very hot summer, oh how I remember that.

I had always been a great eater… but not a great cook. The youngest of four daughters, I had always been labeled the intellectual one, while each one of my older sisters jumped into the cooking and lifestyle field in one way or another.

Back then, I was focusing all my efforts on finishing my political science thesis to become an academic. But not knowing anyone, with my husband traveling all the time, and sort of locking myself in the duplex we lived in to write most of the time, I became insanely nostalgic for my family and the foods that we ate back home. So I jumped in the kitchen, and started to chat with anyone and everyone who seemed open to share recipes with me, in an attempt to recreate the soups, the stews, the dishes, and the nurturing flavors that I knew would help me feel at home.

Then came October. Like a sudden rain fall, I started seeing luscious Thanksgiving menu images everywhere: in stores, at the mall, on TV, on glossy books and cooking magazines in grocery stores. “A festive turkey meal in October,” I wondered. In Mexico, turkey is eaten for Christmas! “Oh boy,” I thought, “here they really do plan ahead of time.”

I had never heard of Thanksgiving before. Yet intrigued by the photos and recipes I was seeing, I made a full Thanksgiving meal for my husband and I. That was the very first one. Since then, we have sat down for a Thanksgiving meal every single year. Fast forward 19 years, and by now, I can tell you that Thanksgiving has become my favorite American holiday.

It is not only because of the food, but because of how friends and family come together around the table. How everyone seems to contribute in what is almost a communal effort. How the holiday is so timeless, with classic dishes that need to remain classics. But there is also an open window for flavors and ingredients that can enrich the meal.

Now, so many years later, I get the meaning of Thanksgiving more than ever. Here is my humble offer for your table: a turkey recipe packed with the sazón of some of my favorite flavor combinations and the tastiest Chorizo, Apple and Cornbread Stuffing.

Oh, by the way, for Season 5 of Pati’s Mexican Table, we made a Thanksgiving episode. I really do hope you catch it! Here is the episode.