Cinco de Mayo is a festive day celebrating the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. To commemorate this historical event, Cinco de Mayo parties are held in parts of Mexico and the United States. Use some of our best Mexican Cinco de mayo recipes to throw your own Cinco de Mayo party with a menu worth celebrating.
A little background on Cinco de Mayo
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is a national holiday to celebrate the Battle of Puebla where the Mexican army defeated the French army in the city of Puebla on May 5, 1862, during the second French intervention in Mexico. It was a war that France eventually won. Surprisingly, Cinco de Mayo isn’t a huge party day to drink tequila and Corona like it is in the U.S. and it isn’t Mexico’s Independence Day as many think.
On the other hand in the U.S., Cinco de Mayo is big party day to drink tequila and celebrate all things Mexican and we are all for celebrating Mexican food. This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on a Sunday which means there is time to fire up the grill and have a cookout or cook a enchilada or mole and take it to a picnic.
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MEXICAN STYLE FRITTATA – 5 best Cinco de mayo recipes
This is my take on a Mexican flavored frittata, which is loaded with vegetables and comes together quite quickly. Get everything ready to go, and it bakes up beautifully in minutes. Quite a hearty breakfast or brunch. I’ve made it with a number of other veggies, just make sure you don’t use watery vegetables.
Every step, try to press the egg mixture so that it all sticks and forms a beautiful frittata. I used this brand of Chipotle in Adobo sauce and it added the perfect smokiness, body and balance. I used a mix of sweet potato and yam, you can use just one or even plain russet potatoes. You can make this an all white frittata too.
2. CREAMY PISTACHIO CARDAMOM HORCHATA
Orxata de xufa, popularly known Mexican Horchata , is known by different names in different regions. They make horchata in various regions in different ways. Some places don’t use rice at all.
This is the version that I’ve made over the years, and I love it. It’s not something completely new and unique, but the steps I take to get it to a creamy consistency is a little different. I call this my best creamy pistachio cardamom horchata because I’ve tried my share of horchata and this, hands down, is the best. If you are not a fan of horchata, then you will certainly love this. And if you love horchata, then you will fall in love with this recipe.
The key to a good creamy pistachio horchata is to soak the rice and pistachios in hot boiling water overnight. Make sure to remove the peels of the pistachio before grinding. First grind it alone without water and later add water.
This creamy pistachio horchata is best when served very cold, over ice. Make this creamy pistachio cardamom horchata and impress your family or guests this summer.
3. LOADED VEGETABLE SKILLET ENCHILADA
These Vegetable enchiladas are a casual, hearty entree that will be met with delight as you pass it around the table.
These enchiladas are quite easy, using whatever veggie you have on hand. I usually keep a couple of cans of enchilada sauce for those busy days. They’re just cheesy enough, with a filling of sautéed bell pepper, broccoli, onion, spinach, black beans and some warming spices.
I love stacked enchiladas because you don’t have to worry about the tortillas tearing. They are so easy to make. You just layer the enchilada sauce, corn tortillas, vegetable/bean mixture, and cheese. Each layer is loaded with cheesy vegetable goodness.
4. CHICKEN BLACK BEAN MOLE ENCHILADAS
This chicken black bean mole enchiladas has few steps, easy ones. The mole sauce is the base, which is made with black beans and chocolate, mixed in with spices and all sorts of yummy things. Most of the ingredients will be your pantry staples. This sauce doesn’t need boiling or simmering, it comes together quickly.
After boiling the chicken, I use my food processor/cuisinart to shred the chicken. It happens in a jiffy. You can shred it with two forks. Mix the sauce very well with the chicken. The stuffing and pan frying requires a little patience.
Stuff the tortillas liberally, add the cheese, fold and pan fry. Holding the folds with a ladle helps the cheese to melt and bind. Transfer it into a baking dish with a layer of mole sauce, layer the enchiladas and top with some more cheese. Warm it in the oven just before serving. Chicken enchiladas are delicious, but make these chicken black bean mole enchiladas which are beyond delicious and addictive. Make sure to double the recipe:)
5. WHITE CHOCOLATE TRES LECHES
A cake that I am always requested for. It never disappoints. What better dessert than the iconic Mexican Tres Leches. It’s simple, delicious and perfect summer cake. Simplicity. Especially being a food blogger, I get lost sometimes in the hoopla of creating creative and fancy food. Simplicity is somewhat forgotten. I’m always puzzled when I get asked to make this cake for birthdays and dinner parties. I fully respect the fancy food but love to make this one when there’s a demand with all my heart. I found this recipe few years ago and have always followed it. It hasn’t ever disappointed me.
We hope you love these 5 Cinco de Mayo Recipes as much as we do. If you enjoyed these recipes, be sure to drop in a comment on which recipe you love best, and hope you are ready for your Cinco de Mayo celebration. For daily recipe inspiration, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter.
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