Cinco de Mayo: Traditional and authentic

May 5, 11:28 AMExtreme Weight Loss ExaminerMark Rubi

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Photos of pico de gallo and guacamole courtesy of PDPhoto.org

Today is Cinco de Mayo, and the use of traditional and authentic Mexican food is the best choice to both honor the day and eat well. Denver can proudly boast their continuation of the biggest Cinco de Mayo celebration to be found anywhere.

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is mostly a regional holiday in the state of Puebla to celebrate the day the Mexican army overcame huge odds and defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla. The year of the battle was 1862.

Outside of Mexico, however, Cinco de Mayo has come to symbolize unity and pride in Mexican heritage. No one puts on a bigger fiesta for this day than Denver, so this is your chance to either celebrate your family heritage or learn a little more about one of Denver’s primary ethnic groups.

One of the best ways to do this is by enjoying some traditional and authentic Mexican food. Although Denver has a wide variety of restaurants where one can partake of good Mexican food, most Americans have only tasted food that has been largely altered for the “gringo” palate.

Take a chance and indulge in some traditional food and you will both broaden your culinary horizons and eat healthier. These are just a few of the things you should try if you get the chance, or better yet, try to make yourself if you are nimble and fearless in the kitchen.

1. Mole Poblano is the classic dish from the city of Puebla, and is considered by many to be Mexico’s national dish. Try it if you can.
2. Sample some fresh made corn tortillas from a local tortilleria. They are healthier than their flour counterparts and much more prevalent throughout Mexico.
3. Ceviche is a wonderful dish of seafood marinated in lime juice with peppers, onions, and cilantro. If you love sushi and sashimi, chances are you will love ceviche.
4. Pico de gallo is the freshly made and chunky alternative to bottled salsas that are so popular. Both are good health choices, but the fresh, uncooked, pico de gallo provides enormous health benefits.
5. Pozole is another traditional dish that is usually reserved for celebrations. Many Americans are thrown off by the inclusion of pig’s feet in the recipe, but the bones that come in those feet provide the richness of flavor for the stew, which is served over freshly diced cabbage, onion, and radishes. It is topped with red peppers and fresh lime juice. When made well, it is out of this world.
6. Real guacamole has no sour cream. Use fresh avocado, onion, garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, tomato, along with fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice and pure, unprocessed sea salt.
7. Skip the cheese. Shredded cheddar all over everything is a crass Americanization of most traditional Mexican dishes. Save the fatty addition for something else.

Enjoy the tradition and eat well. See the article about traditional margaritas to complete your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Be safe and be healthy.

 ©Copyright: Mark Rubi, May 5, 2009