Aztec Influences On Modern Mexican Cuisine

Modern Mexican cuisine has a long and rich history spanning thousands of years, but it was the ancient Aztecs who introduced many of the ingredients that we now think of as classically Mexican. Here at Benito’s Authentic Mexican Food, we’re extremely proud of our heritage. We make sure our menu is full of the most traditional Azteca Mexican food possible. Looking back at the diverse history of our beloved Mexican cuisine, we can see how it has evolved to incorporate a wide variety of influences.

Historical Aztec records remind us that much of the food we eat today dates back to the ancient times. It’s believed that Mexican cuisine originated with the Mayan Indians. Their diet included the crops that were most readily available to them, such as corn, beans and squash. These staple foods are still fundamental to Mexican cooking today.

Aztec Tribes Took Over Mexico and Revolutionized Dinner Time

During the mid-1300s, ancient Aztec tribes ruled over Mexico.  We can thank the Azteca people for adding chili peppers, salt, honey and chocolate into the Mayan culinary mix. Avocados, squash and tomatoes also became very popular, and chili peppers and salt were as important to the ancient tribes as they are to us today. Religious fasts in Azteca times often cut out these foods, showing just how significant they were. Modern Azteca Mexican food uses traditional Mayan favourites, while incorporating new flavors into its dishes as well.

Traditional Azteca mexican Food Still Tastes Just as Delicious Thousands of Years Later

One Azteca favorite that is a staple in today’s Mexican dishes is salsa. It was on sale in the Azteca market place and it can still be found on authentic Mexican menus like ours today. Salsa is still made from the same basic ingredients used by the ancient tribes – tomatoes, chipotle and avocado.

And who can forget about the classic Mexican food pillar, the ever-popular tortilla? Aztec people loved tortillas just as much as we do now. The tortilla is still made in the traditional way, where maize (commonly known as corn) and lime are cooked together on a stone slab. Tamales are another Azteca favorite that we continue to enjoy to this day.

Spanish Invaders Brought European Flavors to Traditional Mexican Cuisine

When Spain invaded Mexico in 1521, Spanish food also had a great influence on what we now know as Mexican cuisine. New livestock like sheep, cows and pigs were introduced. Foods like cheese, rice, garlic and onions added a European flavor to the traditional cuisine. Today’s Mexican menu is a fusion of old Azteca favorites and Spanish influences. For example, a tasty cheese quesadilla uses the classic Azteca tortilla as the main ingredient, but combines it with cheese, which was introduced to Mexico by the Spanish.

Here at Benito’s, we pride ourselves on creating the most traditional Azteca Mexican food in Fort Worth, TX and our menu is as varied as the cuisine’s heritage. Come and try our authentic dishes for yourself and you’re sure to love every last bite of food that’s as authentic as it is delicious.