- Corn, beans and chillies are the most well-known Mexican ingredients, and all have been part of the Mexican diet for thousands of years.

- Mexico was ruled by Spain for three hundred years - so the cuisine also features many Spanish influences, which include the introduction of sugar, cheese and livestock to the Mexican diet.

Additionally, fruits and vegetables also form an import part of the Mexican diet - these include tomatoes, squash, sweet potatoes, coconut, pineapple, papya, avocado and prickly pear cactus.

Some popular and well-known Mexican dishes include:

- Tortilla - A flat unleavened bread made from ground maize (corn) or wheat flour.

- Gauacamole - A dip/relish created using avocado, the recipe for which dates back to pre-Columbian times. As well as avocado, ingredients usually include tomatoes and salt, and sometimes lime juice, onions, and spices.

- Burrito (also known as "taco de harina") - A tortilla filled with meat, such as beef, pork or chicken. Traditionally, meat is the only filling and the tortilla is rolled thin, however in the United States, it has become the norm to add other ingredients such as rice, beans, tomatoes, salsa, guacamole, cheese or sour cream.

- Enchilada - A maize (corn) tortilla dipped in oil or lard and then enchilada sauce. The tortilla is then filled, rolled, placed in a casserole dish and layered with sauce or other ingredients, and finally baked.

- Chili con carne - A spicy stew (usually beef or pork) with chili peppers.

Originally published at http://www.recipesmaniac.com/cook_mexican.php - visit this site for more information, photographs and Mexican cook books.

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Source: www.isnare.com