Posted in New Mexico
January 21, 2016
Everyone In New Mexico Absolutely Loves These 14 Food And Drinks
New Mexico is one of the few states with its own recognized cuisine. Influenced by Native American and Spanish cultures, dishes here tend to revolve around chile, corn, and beans. Here are the foods that New Mexicans simply can’t live without.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Come on, this had to be number one. In addition to using chile in New Mexican dishes, we also toss it on pizzas, put it in apple pie, and add it to cornbread.
Don’t know this acronym? Visit New Mexico and you will. It stands for “green chile cheeseburger.” Sometimes the chile is chopped, while other times it's in the form of a sauce. Either way, the debate over which restaurant serves the best GCCB is more intense than anything on the Scoville scale.
Think of it as chicken soup for New Mexicans. We believe it has restorative powers.
We have plenty of rolled enchiladas, like you’ll find in other states, but some restaurants serve the tortillas flat or open face.
This ingredient is used to make blue corn tortillas, which have a nuttier, more earthy taste than their yellow corn counterparts. But you’ll also see blue corn chips, muffins, pancakes, and even pizza crust!
This pork dish gets its kick by soaking in a marinade, which contains chile, onion, and spices, for about a day. Lots of people like it in their breakfast burritos.
Speaking of… these were invented in New Mexico in the 1970s, and they’re the ultimate, portable breakfast.
Pair your breakfast burrito with a cup of piñon coffee to start your day New Mexican style. Piñon nuts are a pine nut that grows in high altitude parts of the state.
These fried clouds of dough are a popular bread substitute. Sweet versions are drizzled with honey, while savory sopaipillas are stuffed with an assortment of ground meat, beans, and cheese.
Fry bread is a type of Native American bread that is a bit like an elephant ear. Denser and crispier than sopaipillas, fry bread can also be either savory or sweet. Savory versions are called Indian tacos because the bread is slathered with taco filling and toppings.
Biscochito recipes vary, but anise and cinnamon are key flavors. Traditionally, people eat these cookies around Christmas, but why deprive yourself the rest of the year?
Artisan chocolate has become increasingly popular nationwide and there are now numerous gourmet chocolatiers in New Mexico. In fact, Albuquerque hosts the annual Southwest Chocolate and Coffee Fest.
Frito pie is just Texas-style chili, generally served in a slit-open, full Fritos bag, with cheese.
Judging by the endless roadside stands devoted to the stuff, we can’t get enough of it.
What New Mexican foods do you crave?
