Tex-Mex – Oswald Rivera

I’m a partisan of Mexican cooking. It has been one of my favorite cuisines due to its variety and assortment of flavors. Of course, I’m talking mainly of that variation that most Americans eat north of the border. By that I mean Tex-Mex cooking, that hybrid that combines American products (such as processed cheese) with the culinary artistry of Mexican-Americans living in the U.S. It began in southern Texas and has spread throughout the continent. It’s hallmark is heavy use of cheeses, pork, beef, beans and spices such as cumin (which is of Indian origin). It’s basically Americanized Mexican food. Did you know that nachos, fajitas and chimichangas are all Tex-Mex inventions?

I’ve discovered that this type of cooking is also very applicable to the ole summer grill. In fact, grilling enhances the natural flavors. Below are given two tryout recipes, each easy to make and delicious. With a bottle of Corona or Dos XX, it makes a perfect summer barbeque.

GRILLED QUESADILLAS

8 flour tortillas (6-inch)
1 can (16-ounces) refried beans
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (I’ve also tried it with blue cheese for a more pronounced smoky flavor)
1/2 cup chili sauce or picante sause (if you really want it hot you can substitute Sambal, a hot sauce found in Asian markets)
3 scallions, sliced thinly in rings

1. Whether using coals or gas, preheat grill for 5 minutes.
2. Place tortillas on a plate and spread a portion of beans on half of the tortillas, but being careful to come to at least 1/2 inch from the edge. Top with cheese, chili sauce, and green onions. Moisten edges of tortillas with water (if desired, you can use a kitchen brush for this). Top with remaining tortillas and press the edges closely together. Then cut each tortilla into halves.
3. Place tortillas on grill. If it’s a small grill you may have to do it in 2 or 4 apiece. Close lid and grill 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from grill. You can have it as is, or cut each half into 3 triangles for what we call “finger food.”
Yield: 4 servings.

GRILLED TACOS

1 pound lean ground beef, ground chicken, or turkey
1/2 cup sliced scallions
1 package (1 1/4-ounce) taco seasoning mix
12 taco shells
As much as desired: shredded lettuce, tomatoes (regular tomato slices or halved cherry tomatoes), and shredded Cheddar cheese
Sour cream to taste

1. Wheather coal or gas, preheat grill for 5 minutes.
2. Place a piece of aluminum foil on grill. Crumble beef on foil and top with scallions. Sprinkle with the taco seasoning. Close lid and cook 6 minutes or until beef is brown and no longer pink.
3. Place a portion of cooked meat on each taco shell. Then top with lettice, tomatoes, and cheese.
4. Add a dollop of sour cream on top and serve.
Yield: 4 servings.

One of most popular food in the Spanish speaking Caribbean is a tortilla (pronounced: tor-tee-jah) But to us this is very different from the common Mexican-style tortilla. In Mexico, a tortilla is a flat bread; actually a flat thin cake made of corn or flour. Mexican corn tortillas are commonly eaten throughout America and Europe as tortilla chips. They are the mainstay of such dishes as enchiladas, tostadas, and flautas. What we know as the popular “taco” is usually made with a corn tortilla, a staple not only of Mexican cuisine but of Tex-Mex food as well.

A Spanish tortilla is different altogether. It is a round omelet-like egg dish originating in Spain. It is normally made with beaten eggs, pieces of potatoes and other ingredients such as bell peppers, onions and chives. The dish is cooked slowly in a little oil, and served hot or cold. In the Rivera family we have always referred to Spanish tortilla as just a plain Spanish omelet; and we’ve kept the same family recipe for generations.Only difference is we omit the potatoes. Don’t ask me why. That’s the way my mother has always prepared it.

So, here follows our version of the Tortilla Española (or Spanish omelet). It’s from my first cookbook, Puerto Rican Cuisine in America (Thunders Mouth Press)

TORTILLA ESPAÑOLA (Spanish Omelet)

1/4 cup olive oil
2 medium red onions, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium green bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch strips
1 medium sweet red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch strips
1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed
2 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped
8 large eggs
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1. Heat oil in large non-stick frying pan or skillet. Add onions, green and red peppers and garlic. Stir-fry over moderate heat until vegetables are tender (about 5 minutes).
2. Add tomatoes and cook 3 minutes more.
3. In a bowl, beat eggs lightly and add salt, pepper and oregano.
4. Add eggs to vegetables and cook over moderate-high heat, letting the eggs set in the bottom and sides of the pan.
5. When the eggs start to brown, reduce heat to low and cook until upper part is dry.
6. Here you have a choice, either:
     A. Run a spatula or knife around the outside of the tortilla. Place a large serving plate over the pan and     quickly flip the tortilla onto the plate. Slide the tortilla back into the frying pan and cook until set on the other side (about 10 minutes).
Or:
     B. Place tortilla pan under the broiler and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown. (Be sure the pan has an oven-proof handle).
7. Serve the tortilla cut into wedges as you would a pie.
   Yield: 4 to 6 servings.

Oswald Rivera

Author, Warrior, and Teacher

Tag: Tex-Mex

Tex-Mex Grilling

Tortilla Española

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