Mexican cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and deep cultural roots. While many people associate Mexican food primarily with indigenous traditions, much of what we recognize today is the result of centuries of cultural blending. One of the most significant influences came from Spain after the Spanish arrived in the Americas in the early 16th century. Through colonialism and cultural exchange, Spanish ingredients, cooking techniques, and culinary traditions became intertwined with Indigenous foods, helping to shape modern Mexican food. At El Tapatio, we lean into the Spanish side of Mexican food, making us unique among Mexican restaurants in NH.
How much do you know about the Spanish influence on Mexican food? Join the team at your favorite NH restaurant to find out!
Before Spanish contact, Indigenous communities in Mexico relied heavily on ingredients such as corn, beans, squash, tomatoes, chili peppers, cacao, and avocados. When the Spanish arrived, they introduced entirely new ingredients that would eventually become staples in Mexican cooking. These included wheat, rice, onions, garlic, pork, beef, chicken, dairy products, olives, and various herbs and spices. Over time, these ingredients merged with local cooking traditions to create the rich and diverse cuisine Mexico is known for today.
Chiles en Nogada
One of the clearest examples of Spanish influence in Mexican food is chiles en nogada. This iconic dish features poblano peppers stuffed with a mixture of meat, fruits, and spices, then topped with a creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds. The use of nuts, fruits, and a creamy sauce reflects strong Spanish culinary traditions, particularly those influenced by Moorish cuisine. The dish is also famously associated with Mexican independence celebrations because its colors resemble the Mexican flag.
Carnitas
Another popular dish shaped by Spanish influence is carnitas. Carnitas consist of pork slowly cooked until tender and lightly crisped, often served in tacos. Pork was introduced to Mexico by the Spanish, and the technique of slow-cooking meat in its own fat is closely related to Spanish methods of preserving and preparing meats. Today, carnitas are a beloved staple across Mexico, particularly in the state of Michoacán.
Arroz Rojo
A third dish with strong Spanish roots is arroz rojo, or Mexican red rice. Rice itself was brought to Mexico by Spanish settlers, who had adopted it through earlier contact with the Moors. In Mexican kitchens, rice is typically sautéed, then cooked with tomatoes, garlic, onion, and broth, creating a flavorful side dish that accompanies countless meals.
Enjoy the Fusion of Mexican and Spanish Food in NH at El Tapatio!
Mexican food has evolved through the fusion of the cultures and cuisines of the indigenous peoples of Mexico and the Spanish colonists. Today, when you visit your favorite Mexican restaurants in NH, you’re continuing to participate in that cultural exchange. At El Tapatio, we like to emphasize the Spanish influences on our food, setting as apartt from other Mexican restaurants in NH.