Cinco de Mayo is commonly thought of as a fun, festive holiday that is all about Mexican food and Latin culture. However, there’s much more to the holiday than savory tacos and refreshing margaritas. Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration that commemorates an important event in Mexican culture, and is best honored with a whole host of regional cuisine that showcases just how diverse and fascinating the country truly is.
At International Fresh Market, we encourage you to dive into these dishes to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and discover some delicious new favorites. Our Latin food store is your one-stop source for authentic ingredients that enhance the quality and flavor of every dish. Check out these top Cinco de Mayo picks below and start planning your party today.
What Cinco de Mayo Food Is Really About
Cinco de Mayo is a held on May 5 to celebrate Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The name “Cinco de Mayo” literally translates to “Fifth of May.” While Cinco de Mayo started as a Mexican holiday, it has gained widespread traction in the United States, with many eager to celebrate this significant cultural event by indulging in themed meals and drinks.
Cinco de Mayo dishes should focus on bold flavors to properly honor Mexican heritage. Chiles, corn, spices, and savory, slow-cooked meats are all tasty ways to honor the occasion. While there’s nothing wrong with a classic ground beef and cheese taco, these “Americanized” options don’t really allow you to dive into the full breadth of flavor and enjoyment that Mexican cuisine offers. Don’t worry if you can’t tolerate spice. Many dishes can be perfectly customized to your preferred spice level, from very mild to hot and spicy.
Mole Poblano – Rich and Complex
Mole poblano is an iconic sauce originally hailing from Puebla. It has a deep, slightly sweet and savory flavor, thanks to the inclusion of dried chiles, spices, chocolate, and nuts. There are a whole host of ways to serve mole poblano, but it is typically served over chicken. You can prep slow-cooked chicken breast to accompany this traditional sauce, or grill it for an even deeper level of flavor.
Making your own mole poblano at home is a fun and rewarding process, but don’t fret if you don’t have the hours to devote to making it from scratch. There are plenty of high-quality shortcuts that you can pick up from International Fresh Market, including a store-bought paste that gives you all the flavor without the effort.
Pozole – A Hearty Celebration Soup
If you’re a soup lover, pozole is a fantastic option. This hominy-based soup is often made with either chunks of pork or chicken and can be customized in a variety of ways. Opt for rojo (red), verde (green), or blanco (white) based on your preferred spices and seasonings. You can top your pozole with many toppings, including radish, cabbage, lime, and oregano as more traditional options.
Pozole is excellent for gatherings or for feeding a large crowd. You can either make a large pot of soup from scratch or utilize store-bought shortcuts, then allow everyone to serve themselves from the pot and top it with whatever they like. Make sure to set out some salsa and sauces so guests can choose to add heat to their soup.
Elote – Mexican Street Corn
Nothing is more crowd-pleasing than elote. Mexican street corn is easy to make and utterly delicious. This grilled corn with creamy, tangy toppings is the perfect party food, and albeit a bit messy, is well worth the extra napkins you’ll need to keep on hand. Elote is made by grilling corn and topping the freshly-grilled cobs with mayo, cotija cheese, lime, and chili powder. The result is a tasty treat that is at turns smoky, creamy, tangy, and spicy.
Aguas Frescas – Refreshing Traditional Drinks
It’s important to have the right festive beverage at your gathering, and aguas frescas perfectly fits the bill. Light, fruit-based beverages that come in flavors like horchata, tamarind, and hibiscus, aguas frescas are naturally refreshing and not overly sweet. These drink options are not only festive, but they are the perfect balance to the other rich foods at your Cinco de Mayo spread. Consider placing the bottled drinks in a bucket of ice for a pretty presentation.
Bringing It All Together
In the mood to celebrate Cindo de Mayo? Plan a party and build out a full menu of your favorites. When designing any party food menu, try to keep a good balance of rich main dishes, fresh sides, such as a veggie platter or a light salad, and refreshing drinks. Include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, as well as something fun for children to drink.
Consider the palates and any dietary restrictions of your guests and customize the menu accordingly. While some guests might be hesitant to try new dishes, encourage them to explore something new without putting any pressure on anyone. Food should be fun, and there’s nothing better than getting together with loved ones to indulge in delicious party fare.
Visit Our Latin Food Store for Fresh Favorites
Mexican cuisine goes far beyond the usual tacos and margaritas. This Cinco de Mayo, dive into traditional Mexican food and discover authentic flavors that will live on in your memory and stir your spirit. At International Fresh Market, we have all the authentic flavors you need for discovering the true taste of Cinco de Mayo. Try something new and visit our Latin food store to pick up every item on your list.
We have everything from pre-made mole and delicious Mexican baked goods to pantry staples and fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. Come in and discover what we have to offer today. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you find everything you need, and maybe suggest a few new recipes as well!
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