How to Make Mexican Mezes with Just a Few Ingredients
Mexican mezes, also known as mezze, are delightful small plates that showcase the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. One of the best things about these dishes is that you can create them with just a few ingredients. Below, we will explore some easy and delicious Mexican mezes that you can whip up in no time.
1. Guacamole
Guacamole is a classic Mexican appetizer that requires very minimal ingredients. To make a simple guacamole, you’ll need:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- Salt to taste
- Optional: chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños
To prepare, scoop out the avocado flesh into a bowl, add the lime juice, and mash it with a fork. Stir in the onion and season with salt. For an extra kick, add your desired optional ingredients. Serve it with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.
2. Queso Fresco Dip
This creamy cheese dip is excellent for gatherings and super easy to make. The ingredients you need are:
- 1 cup queso fresco (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 small jalapeño (finely chopped)
- Salt to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro
Simply mix the queso fresco, sour cream, jalapeño, and salt in a bowl. If you like, garnish with some fresh herbs for an added touch. This dip pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips.
3. Salsa Verde
Salsa verde is a versatile sauce that can be used as a dip or a topping for various dishes. To make a basic salsa verde, gather these ingredients:
- 10 tomatillos (husked and quartered)
- 1 jalapeño (or more for a spicier version)
- 1/4 cup onion (chopped)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
- Salt to taste
Boil the tomatillos and jalapeño until soft, around 10 minutes. Drain and let cool, then blend with onion, cilantro, and salt until smooth. This fresh salsa can be served with chips or as a topping for tacos.
4. Corn Elote Skewers
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a fantastic addition to your mezes. Here’s what you need:
- 2 ears of corn (grilled or boiled)
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Lime wedges for serving
Once your corn is cooked, cut it off the cob and mix with mayo, cotija, and chili powder. Skewer the mixture for easy serving. Drizzle with lime juice for added flavor. These corn skewers are a hit at any gathering!
5. Bean and Cheese Empanadas
Empanadas are perfect for snacking, and you can make them quickly with just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you need:
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 cup cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 8 small flour tortillas
- Oil for frying
To prepare, mix the refried beans and cheese in a bowl. Place a spoonful of the mixture on each tortilla, fold, and seal the edges. Fry in hot oil until golden brown. These empanadas are sure to impress your guests!
With these easy recipes, you can create a delicious spread of Mexican mezes using just a few ingredients. Perfect for parties or a casual night in, these dishes are sure to satisfy any craving for authentic Mexican flavors!