Mexican gastronomy is characterized in part by its spicy, hot dishes. You may well know that one of the main reasons for this is that chili is one of its most representative ingredients, and many exquisite sauces and dishes are prepared with this element. Would you like to know some of the hottest and spiciest Mexican dishes? You’ll surely want to try them all!
The spiciest Mexican dishes
Chiles rellenos
If you like spicy food and aren’t afraid of a bit of heat, then you mustn’t miss out on trying chiles rellenos (stuffed chilis). They’re whole chilis that are roasted, then emptied and stuffed with meat. The whole thing is then wrapped in a layer of beaten egg before cooling, and is then usually served with a tomato and onion sauce seasoned with oregano. It’s also served with rice.
Enchiladas
Another of the spiciest Mexican dishes around are enchiladas, a staple dish in Mexican cuisine. We’re talking here about tortillas filled with lots of cheese, meat, and beans cooked with chili. There are several varieties of this dish, but they all have one thing in common: they’re delicious!
Chapulines
Chapulines are like small grasshoppers that are usually eaten fried and seasoned with very hot spices. If you dare to try them, you’ll discover a real delicacy to delight your palate. A good place to try them is La Perla Pixan, in Playa del Carmen. You can also find them as a filling for tacos and quesadillas, and they have very high nutritional properties!
Cochinita pibil
Cochinita pibil, besides being one of the most typical dishes in Mexican gastronomy, is also one of the spiciest. The reason for this is none other than the habanero chili that accompanies it. It’s a type of stew made with pork marinated in achiote, and wrapped in a banana leaf. Delicious!
Chilaquiles
Are you brave enough to try chilaquiles, one of the spiciest Mexican dishes? They are totopos (fried or toasted corn tortilla pieces) cooked in a spicy green or red sauce made with chili.As with other dishes, there are several regional variations.
Rice with mole poblano
Mole is a spicy Mexican sauce made mainly from chiles and spices that are thickened with bread, corn dough, or tortillas. One of the most famous variants is mole poblano. With it, you can prepare dishes as simple (and spicy!) as mole poblano with white rice. Would you like another option? Mole poblano enchiladas stuffed with shredded chicken is a great one.
Tortas ahogadas
Tortas ahogadas are very typical of the state of Jalisco, although it’s also consumed in many other parts of Mexico. It consists of bread known as birote that’s stuffed with carnitas and dipped in spicy chile de árbol de Yahualica sauce. Seasonings, tomato sauce, and onion slices dipped in lime are also often added.
Beans with chile
Red beans are the main ingredients in this dish which belongs to the most traditional Mexican cuisine. It’s made from vegetables and ingredients such as onions, green and red bell peppers, oregano, hot bell peppers, garlic, black pepper, and beef. The result? A spicy and nutritious dish thanks to the legume and meat protein it contains.
Chiles en nogada
This typical dish from the state of Puebla is the result of combining a sauce of minced meat and fruits with poblano peppers. All this is covered with walnut cream and pomegranate seeds. The striking thing about it is that, in addition to being spicy, it’s also a sweet dish. Your palate will surely love this combination of flavors.
Michelada
Did you think it’s only the dishes that are spicy? Well, there are drinks too! Michelada is a great example, and it’s very easy to prepare. Just frost a frozen glass, add lime juice, add salt on the rim and pour some beer. Are we missing anything here? Oh yes, it also contains spices!
Have you enjoyed finding out about the spiciest Mexican dishes? We dare you to try them on your next vacation in Playa del Carmen. If you think they’ll be too spicy for you, you can always ask the restaurant to go easy on the spices or even to dispense with them altogether.
