6 Iconic Foods That Come From New Mexico
New Mexico is home to several national parks and forests, a multitude of wineries, and the place from which you can see five different states at once (from the top of Capulin Volcano). But the Land of Enchantment is also home to some of the best food in the country. Have you had any of these iconic foods from New Mexico?
1. Blue Corn Pancakes
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Blue corn pancakes aren’t your average flapjack. They are a decadent blend of savory and sweet flavors, and you can often spot them on breakfast and brunch menus at restaurants throughout the state. Made from blue corn masa, they may even remind you of tortillas, since those are often made with the same ground corn. If you like corn muffins, you’ll love a fluffy stack of blue corn pancakes. Top them with sweet maple syrup and dig right into a dish that simply screams New Mexico.
See more: 6 Surprising Products Made With New Mexico Hatch Chiles
2. Posole
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Posole can be made from pork shoulder, pork belly or pork ribs. But no matter which cut you use, this stew is one that generally features red chiles, garlic and hominy to create a hearty and filling meal that will leave you licking the bowl clean. Historically, posole was often a dish served during celebrations like weddings or on New Year’s Eve. But nowadays it’s perfectly common to order it at a restaurant or cook it yourself any day of the week.
Get the recipe: Posole (Pork BBQ and Hominy Stew)
3. Green Chile Stew
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If you like peppers, you’re going to love green chile stew. You make this delicious dish using Hatch green chiles, which are grown throughout the Hatch Valley in New Mexico. Some people describe them as buttery while others say they have a smokier flavor. Regardless of the finer notes and details, it’s safe to say that Hatch green chilies make a wonderful addition to a variety of New Mexico dishes. Green chile stew is something you can easily find on restaurant menus throughout the state, but there are plenty of recipes out there if you want to try your hand at making it at home.
See more: Green Chile Cheeseburgers are a New Mexico Staple
4. Biscochito
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If you’re a fan of shortbread cookies, biscochito is the New Mexican dessert for you. These lard- or butter-based cookies usually come in star and moon shapes and taste like cinnamon, anise and orange. It’s such a beloved treat in New Mexico that it was actually named the state cookie in 1989. Many New Mexicans can’t imagine a Christmas season without these delicious, bite-sized sweets. The good news is you don’t have to wait until winter to enjoy them. They’re easy enough to make if you want to whip up a batch to enjoy at home!
5. Carne Adovada
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Our list continues with good old-fashioned carne adovada. This mouthwatering meal involves slow-braising pork in a spicy red chile sauce for hours before serving it up with a side of rice and beans. You can also stuff the pork filling into a burrito or fold it into an omelet for a spicy breakfast. The red chile sauce is what really makes this one a New Mexico classic.
See more: Shop New Mexico’s Enchanting Local Gift Guide
6. Piñon
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The piñon is a nut that resembles the pine nut or Italian pignoli. Rumor has it that it can take as long as seven years to get a good crop of these beauties, so you better believe residents and visitors alike go crazy when the harvest is good. You can often find piñones for sale on the side of the road as you cross the gorgeous New Mexico landscape. But if you aren’t headed that direction anytime soon, you can also order them online at pinonnuts.com.