Cinco de Mayo recipes
By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 19, 2017Now’s the time to start planning for Cinco de Mayo, the May 5th holiday commemorating victory for the Mexican army at the Battle of Puebla. It’s an excuse for operators and customers of every nationality to celebrate, most often with guacamole, chips and margaritas. But why not set your menu apart this year by adding something a little different to the lineup? Get the party started with these festive Cinco de Mayo recipes.
Pork Street Tacos with Blueberry Ginger Chutney
These smaller, portable tacos are sold from street vendors in Mexico City and other towns throughout the country. Customers have their choice of toppings, including a variety of fresh salsas. For this rendition, a blueberry chutney stands in for salsa, adding a jolt of sweet heat to the pork filling.
Click here for the recipe.
Crunchy Queso Fundido
Shareable dishes like queso fundido get customers into a celebratory spirit. This easy-to-execute starter combines two cheeses, onions, tomatoes and poblanos, all quickly cooked together until hot and melted; chopped pistachios add extra crunch. Keep it warm in a skillet, small saucepan or ceramic bowl and serve with warm tortillas or chips.
Click here for the recipe.
Smoked Pina-Rita
At Los Chingones, beverage director Nikki Guard varies the margarita with a splash of smoky mezcal in addition to pepper-infused tequila. Pineapple juice and orange soda balance the cocktail with fruity flavors and turn it a rosy hue.
Click here for the recipe.
Mole de Cacahuate Bowl
Operators looking to offer more substantial fare to celebrants can serve up this hearty but healthy version of mole. The meal-in-a-bowl, created by UFood’s chef Keith Seeber, starts with grass-fed beef and incorporates quinoa, farro, butternut squash and beet greens. The recipe also supports zero waste, as it uses ribeye trim as the meat portion.
Click here for the recipe.
Arugula Salad with Tempura Avocados
Avocados are plentiful now, so get some into the kitchen and experiment with preps that take them beyond guacamole. In this application, avocado wedges are battered and fried to contrast with fresh arugula and sweet-tart grapefruit sections for an appetizer, side or small plate.
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Charred Tomato and Onion Salsa
This lively salsa can multitask as a dip with chips, a topping for tacos and quesadillas or a condiment for grilled chicken, pork or fish. Charring the tomatoes, onion and garlic, then blending in paprika and chipotle peppers creates layers of smoky flavor. Lime juice and cilantro are added at the end to add acidic and herbal notes.
Click here for the recipe.
Frozen Mango Margarita
Margaritas are the go-to cocktail for Cinco de Mayo, but if May 5 turns out to be a warm day, a fruity frozen version may be in order. This drink requires no special slushy machine—just a blender and cracked ice—and it can double as a refreshing cocktail or a boozy dessert. Or omit the alcohol for an icy mocktail.
Click here for the recipe.