| One of the main differences between authentic | | | | sometimes seasoned meat. New Mexico also uses |
| Mexican and Mexican-American is that | | | | its own style chili sauces made from chilies grown |
| Mexican-American uses more ground beef and | | | | in their state. Arizona brought us popular |
| cheddar or yellow cheese than does authentic | | | | Mexican-American dishes like burritos and |
| Mexican. In Mexico, boiled and shredded beef and | | | | chimichangas which were not found in other areas |
| other meats, as well as white asadero cheese is | | | | until recently. |
| used. Another main difference between authentic | | | | It's interesting to note that the most popular |
| Mexican and Mexican-American is the way | | | | Mexican food in the US, such as tacos, enchiladas |
| enchiladas are prepared. In the US, tortillas are | | | | and tamales, are staples and regarded as a snack |
| covered with enchilada sauce and filled with large | | | | or light meal in Mexico. They are as hamburgers |
| quantities of ground beef and cheese, then placed | | | | and hot dogs are to people in the US. |
| in the oven for baking. In Mexico, tortillas are | | | | Low fat, Low Calorie Mexican Dishes |
| dipped in enchilada sauce then fried in oil and filled | | | | Fat and fatty recipes were introduced into Mexico |
| with a small amount of meat and cheese for a | | | | when the Spaniards brought over oil and other |
| garnish. | | | | fatty foods. Many authentic Mexican recipes use |
| Tex-Mex is often referred to as dishes using large | | | | little cheese, small amounts of meat, if any, and |
| amounts of beef and cheese along with a gravy | | | | many of their sauces are made from tomatillos |
| style enchilada sauce. Puffy tacos are something | | | | and tomatoes. Mexicans are also famous for their |
| you won't find anywhere else in the US or Mexico | | | | seafood recipes, many of which are also low fat. |
| and Texas style salsa is made with jalapeno | | | | Many of the dishes you see in "Mexican" |
| chilies, whereas Mexican salsa is made with | | | | restaurants are variations of authentic Mexican |
| tomatoes, tomatillos and other types of chili. | | | | cooking adjusted and adapted to meet a more |
| New Mexico and Arizona also add their style of | | | | American style of taste. So, if you happen to |
| cooking to the broad term Mexican-American. | | | | come across a truly authentic Mexican restaurant, |
| New Mexican's incorporated many of their dishes | | | | you might be surprised at the size of the entree |
| with the Pueblo Indians and the Spaniards. Treats | | | | and the fact that it doesn't contain a large |
| like sopaipillas are unique to New Mexico. Sopaipillas | | | | amount of meat or cheese. |
| are deep fried flour tortillas filled with honey or | | | | |