Looking for the ultimate cuisine to accompany your soccer game watch party? Look no further than Tex-Mex fusion food. Combining the best of Texas and Mexican gastronomies, these dishes are perfect for sharing and getting down and dirty.
The blending of cultures from Tex-Mex cuisine extended beyond gastronomy and impacted other areas as well, such as music. Selena Quintanilla, one of the most renowned artists of this style, is a prime example of this cultural fusion.
Origins of Tex-Mex cuisine
Tex-Mex cuisine traces its origins back to the 16th century, during the first migratory waves between Mexico and Texas. At that time, Texas was still a Spanish colony, and the combination of these two culinary traditions began to emerge.
As people migrated throughout the Americas, they brought with them the traditional spices and tortillas.
However, the Tex-Mex food movement skyrocketed in the 1960s, marking a pivotal moment in the cuisine’s history.
The name “Tex-Mex” comes from the merging of Texas and Mexico, as well as the Texas Mexican Railway, which served as inspiration for the name.
Characteristic ingredients
Tex-Mex cuisine is frequently mistaken for Mexican cuisine, but there are a few contrasts in the ingredients used in the recipes that give it a unique flavor:
Ground beef
In contrast to Mexican cuisine, Tex-Mex incorporates ground beef as a key ingredient in its dishes.
Tortillas
One notable difference between Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine is the type of tortilla used. While Mexican cuisine relies on corn tortillas, Tex-Mex opts for wheat tortillas.
Beans
Two of the most iconic Tex-Mex dishes – nachos and chili con carne – rely on beans as the main ingredient.
Yellow cheese
A cheese that is perfect for melting in nachos, enchiladas, hamburgers, and is commonly utilized in Tex-Mex dishes.
Tex-Mex recipes
Take a look at the Tex-Mex inspired dishes featured on Temple Bar’s menu:
Nachos
One of the most recognizable Tex-Mex recipes, this dish is composed of fried corn tortilla pieces topped with ground beef, beans, guacamole, chopped peppers and onions, and melted cheese.
Tex-Mex potato chips
Indulge in a plate of mouthwatering fries topped with chili con carne, jalapenos, tomato, onion, and melted cheese.
