Top-Notch Mexican Cookbooks for Foodies to Delve Into
Spice up your kitchen with the best Mexican cookbooks that'll make your taste buds dance! These books are perfect for Cinco de Mayo or any day craving authentic flavors. Here's a list of top-rated Mexican cookbooks to level up your culinary skills:
1. "The Essential Cuisines of Mexico" by Diana Kennedy
Although born and raised in the UK, Diana Kennedy is a renowned expert on Mexican cuisine and recipient of the James Beard Award's Cookbook Hall of Fame. This collection covers history, cultural traditions, social customs, techniques by region, and over 250 delicious recipes.
2. "Nopalito: A Mexican Kitchen" by Gonzalo Guzmán and Stacy Adimando
The 2018 James Beard Award winner for Best International Cookbook features dishes straight from Nopalito, a renowned San Francisco restaurant. Think Ceviche Verde de Pescado y Calamari, Quesadillas de Espárragos con Salsa de Cilantro, and more!
3. "Oaxaca: Home Cooking from the Heart of Mexico" by Bricia Lopez and Javier Cabral
Celebrate Oaxacan cuisine, also known as the soul food of Mexico, with 140 photographed recipes from Guelaguetza, a popular L.A. restaurant. From pink horchata to mole negro, this book will fill your kitchen with flavors from Oaxaca.
4. "Paletas: Authentic Recipes for Mexican Ice Pops, Shaved Ice & Aguas Frescas" by Fany Gerson
Turn summer into a fiesta with easily prepared paletas from La Newyorkina. Crisp, refreshing, fruity, and thirst-quenching, these cool treats will beat the heat all season long!
5. "Decolonize Your Diet: Plant-Based Mexican-American Recipes for Health and Healing" by Luz Calvo and Catriona Rueda
This plant-based cookbook reclaims Mesoamerican traditions with exciting, flavorful recipes like Cauliflower Ceviche, Chipotle Pumpkin Soup Alchemy, and Sweet Potato Tacos with Red Cabbage Slaw. Make mindful, delicious choices with this guide!
6. "Yucatán: Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling
Inspire your taste buds with the award-winning recipes from Yucatán, Mexico's Southeastern region. Impress your friends with elaborate feasts or cozy one-pot meals – this cookbook's got a little something for everyone!
7. "Mezcal: The History, Craft & Cocktails of the World's Ultimate Artisanal Spirit" by Emma Janzen
Delve into the rich history of mezcal, an underappreciated Mexican liquor with a smoky, complex flavor. This book explores its production, variety, terroir, and features recipes for incredible cocktails that'll elevate your festivities.
8. "The Mexican Slow Cooker: Recipes for Mole, Enchiladas, Carnitas, Chile Verde Pork, and More Favorites" by Deborah Schneider
Want to simplify Mexican cooking? This cookbook offers 150 recipes you can make in your slow cooker. From menudo to enchiladas to flan with caramel, this book's got something for every Mexican slow cooker enthusiast.
9. "My Mexico City Kitchen: Recipes and Convictions" by Gabriela Cámara and Malena Watrous
Discover recipes and stories behind Maria's favorite family favorites, as well as those from her Mexico City restaurant, Contramar, and Cala in San Francisco. This book offers simple, reliable techniques and fresh ingredients for authentic dishes.
10. "Fiestas: Tidbits, Margaritas & More" by Marcela Valladolid
From Picadillo Lettuce Cups to Dulce de Leche Cream Puffs, let Marcela Valladolid's book inspire you with modern twists on traditional dishes and a variety of finger foods perfect for even the biggest shindigs. Cheers to tasty fiestas!
For additional options, consider exploring "Mexican Family Favorites" by Maria Teresa Bermudez, "Sunset Mexican Cookbook: Classic & Contemporary Recipes," or Rick Bayless's "Mexican Everyday." Experience the vibrancy and depth of Mexican cuisine with these fantastic cookbooks! 🌮
- In the collection "The Essential Cuisines of Mexico," Diana Kennedy introduces over 250 authentic recipes, especially highlighting tamales and other foods that are essential basics of Mexican home cooking.
- If you're craving cheesecake with a twist, consider "My Mexico City Kitchen," where Gabriela Cámara serves up a recipe for a Mexican-style cheesecake that'll transport your taste buds.
- For those who prefer a plant-based diet, the book "Decolonize Your Diet: Plant-Based Mexican-American Recipes for Health and Healing" offers at least one alternative to traditional home-cooked Mexican foods like Sweet Potato Tacos with Red Cabbage Slaw.
- When cooking Mexican foods, having a variety of regional cookbooks can be especially helpful. The book "Nopalito: A Mexican Kitchen" offers dishes straight from a San Francisco restaurant, representing the flavors of different regions in Mexico.
