When it comes to Mexican cuisine, the vibrant flavours and rich cultural heritage shine through in every dish. While many people are familiar with popular Mexican dishes like tacos and many other meals perfect for lunch and dinner, breakfast is a meal that often needs more exploration. Great staples of Mexican food are perfect for breakfast, like Enchiladas. That said, today, we want to share with our readers a gastronomic journey to uncover the delightful flavours of a traditional Mexican breakfast. Prepare to indulge in a mouthwatering list of breakfast dishes celebrating the country’s diverse ingredients and culinary traditions.
Huevos Rancheros
A great Mexican breakfast option is the classic Huevos Rancheros, a satisfying dish loved by locals and visitors alike. To prepare this flavorful delight:
- Start by frying sunny-side-up eggs to perfection.
- Top them with a zesty tomato-chilli sauce infused with other ingredients like onions, garlic, and a hint of smoky chipotle.
- Serve the eggs on a bed of warm corn tortillas and garnish with fresh cilantro and crumbled queso fresco. The combination of runny egg yolks, tangy sauce, and soft tortillas will leave you wanting more.
Chilaquiles
Let’s start with the quintessential Mexican Comfort Food perfect for breakfast. Chilaquiles are a must-have on your breakfast spread. This dish is an artful blend of fried tortilla chips simmered in red or green salsa until they soften. Layer the chilaquiles with shredded chicken or pulled pork and a generous sprinkling of queso fresco. Top it all with Mexican crema and sliced avocado. If you want a detailed explanation, check our recipes section for one of our favourite options for cooking Chilaquiles.
Tamales
A delicious Mexican breakfast option is tamales, a staple dating back to ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations. These delightful parcels are made from masa (corn dough) filled with various savoury or sweet fillings. To prepare tamales, spread the masa onto soaked corn husks, add your choice of filling, and then carefully fold and steam them until they’re cooked to perfection. You can fill your tamales with shredded pork or chicken and add rich and flavorful mole sauce to ensure you take your tamales to another level of flavour. Want to add a bit of heat to your tamales? Try them with Tajin Mild Hot Sauce.
If you have a sweet tooth, try tamales filled with cinnamon-spiced chocolate and raisins. It’s a great alternative if you are more into pancakes or French toast. Pair your tamales with a hot cup of champurrado, a traditional Mexican hot chocolate thickened with masa, for the ultimate breakfast delight.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Let’s keep with the sweet side of this journey. Traditional hot chocolate is a great option to complement your breakfast. Treat yourself to a cup of Mexican hot chocolate, which combines rich cocoa with cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of chilli powder for a subtle kick. Whisk the ingredients together over medium heat until the chocolate is smooth, and the spices release their aroma. It is a perfect accompaniment to your Mexican breakfast adventure.
Agua Frescas
Let’s go with the drinks, starting with the “Aguas Frescas” or “fresh waters” in English, which are essential Mexican beverages crafted from a blend of fruits, water, and a hint of sweetness. These vibrant, non-alcoholic drinks come in various flavours, making them a versatile addition to any breakfast table. Try preparing a pitcher of these two great options for Aguas Frescas:
- Agua de Jamaica: A vivid ruby-red concoction made from hibiscus flowers, sweetened with cane sugar or agave nectar, and balanced with a hint of lime juice. Its tangy and floral notes make it a crowd-pleaser.
- Agua de Tamarindo: This sweet and tart beverage is a true tropical delight made from tamarind pods. The tamarind pulp is soaked, strained, and combined with water and sugar for a refreshing treat.
Mexican Coffee
Last, but not least, remember that most of us like a rich morning brew.
If you are looking for a robust cup of coffee to start the morning right, Mexico offers its unique twist on this beloved beverage. To make Mexican coffee, consider trying the “Café de Olla.” Brewed with coarsely ground coffee, piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), cinnamon, and sometimes orange peel, Café de Olla is traditionally prepared in a clay pot. The result is a warm and aromatic coffee with delightful hints of spice.
