Living in Texas, Tex Mex isn't just a cuisine – it's a way of life. From the bold flavors to the vibrant spices, there's something truly special about Tex Mex that captures the heart and soul of the Lone Star State. As someone who calls Texas home, my love for Tex Mex runs deep, and I'm here to share why this cuisine holds a special place in my heart.
First and foremost, let's talk about the ingredients. Tex Mex cuisine is all about fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together to create mouthwatering dishes. Whether it's juicy tomatoes, creamy avocados, or smoky chipotle peppers, each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing out the rich flavors that Tex Mex is known for.
But it's not just about the ingredients – it's also about the spices. Tex Mex cuisine is famous for its bold, robust flavors, thanks to a unique blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika. These spices add depth and complexity to every dish, tantalizing your taste buds with every bite. While I typically blend my own spices, If I am going to use a pre-blended seasoning from the store, I prefer Kinder's Fajita Blend or Black Cherry Chipotle. If I use a premade taco seasoning packet, I prefer Siete.
Now, let's talk about one of my favorite aspects of Tex Mex: the tortillas. If I had to choose between bread and tortillas, it's a no-brainer – 10/10 times, I would choose tortillas. There's just something about their soft, pillowy texture that I can't resist. Whether they're wrapped around sizzling fajitas or served alongside a hearty bowl of chili, tortillas are the ultimate comfort food in my book.
And let's not forget about the holy trinity of Tex Mex: chips, salsa, and queso. Is there anything better than sitting on a patio with a basket of warm tortilla chips, a bowl of fresh salsa, and a piping hot skillet of melted queso? It's the perfect combination of crunchy, spicy, and cheesy – a true Tex Mex trifecta.
Now, let's get down to business and talk about some of my favorite Tex Mex recipes:
Taco Salad: A hearty and flavorful salad featuring seasoned ground beef, red onion, red bell pepper, tomatoes, roasted corn and a delicious avocado cilantro ranch dressing.
Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas: Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious, these enchiladas are filled with tender chicken and smothered in a tangy sour cream sauce.
Guacamole: A classic dip made with ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips.
30 Minute Tex-Mex Skillet: Quick and easy to make, this skillet dish is loaded with delicious flavor. Seared chicken breast, black beans, corn and Ro-Tel on a bed of rice and topped with melty cheese, ready in just 30 minutes.
Lazy Migas: Migas are a simple yet satisfying Tex-Mex breakfast dish made with scrambled eggs, crispy tortilla strips, peppers, onions, tomatoes and cheese. However, I deem mine "lazy" because instead of chopping the peppers, onions and tomatoes... I just use a jar of salsa.
Oven Baked Chicken Tostadas: Crunchy, cheesy and flavorful tostadas - without deep frying the tortilla!
Crockpot Street Corn Soup: A creamy and comforting soup featuring the flavors of Mexican street corn, made effortlessly in the slow cooker.
Crockpot Enchilada Soup: A hearty and flavorful soup loaded with shredded chicken, beans, corn, and enchilada sauce, simmered to perfection in the crockpot.
Crockpot Taco Chili: A satisfying chili packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and taco seasoning, cooked low and slow in the crockpot.
Crockpot Salsa Verde Burritos: Tender shredded chicken cooked in tangy salsa verde, wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with melted cheese, all made in the crockpot for easy prep.
As you can tell, I use my crockpot quite a bit for cooking. Especially during the cold months. I find that it is quite a handy appliance when you are busy! Even if you just implement it to cook one component of the meal, like the chicken, it takes a load off!
These are just a few of my favorite Tex Mex recipes, but the possibilities are endless.
Make sure you are following me on social media to see my recipe videos!
Cheers,
Allie
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