Mexican Food Comes In Many Colors

Comfort Food Starts With The Colors Of The Mexican Flag

You don't have to search too hard in Mexico for true comfort food "a la Mexicana." With the three colors of the Mexican flag - green, white, and red - you get a pretty good picture of how this particular cuisine is created to feed the body as well as the soul.

How does the Mexican flag represent comfort food with just those three simple colors? It's easy to imagine the vibrant green chilies, bright white onions, and deep red tomatoes gathered together in a rich, satisfying meal that says 'comfort food' in any language. This 'holy trinity' can easily form the basis for many nutritious meals. Let's take a look at a few delicious ideas for healthy comfort foods that begin with a nod to the Mexican flag.

Salsa

You knew we would have to begin with this classic Mexican comfort food. Salsa is the pinnacle of nutritious meals, but only when made right. Homemade salsa is so easy to do, there is no reason to buy it in a jar.

Using fresh green poblano chilies, vine ripened tomatoes, and sweet white onions, just chop everything up, throw it all in a food processor or blender, and give it a whirl. Taste and add salt, pepper, and other seasonings as you wish. If you like cilantro, oregano, or other herbs, go ahead and add it. You may like a splash of vinegar or lime to brighten the flavor. The aroma alone provides comfort in a busy day. But, don't stop there - dig in and relax. This salsa is guaranteed good and good for you.

Fajita

The fajita is basically a sizzling hot mix of whatever you want it to be. You are in control of the ingredients so you make it fresh and nutritious. Start with a screaming hot skillet, then add the onion, and when the onion is slightly softened, add any other vegetables you want and quickly heat until just crisp-tender. Now add the rest of the holy trinity (chilies and tomatoes) and stir, then immediately dump out onto a plate and serve over rice or wrapped in a corn tortilla. This is hot, filling, and definitely a bona-fide comfort food. Of course, you can add meat or seafood for more protein if you wish.

Roasted Onions

We've turned the tables a bit on the traditional dish of roasted, stuffed poblanos. Instead, we're going to put the beautiful white onion at the center of our creation. Choose the largest sweet white onions you can find.

Remove the top and cut out most of the center. Dice up what you removed and mix with chopped tomatoes and green chilies, any kind you like, or a blend of chilies. Stuff the onions with this mixture, seal in foil, and put on the grill or in the oven until the onion is softened. Remember to salt and pepper generously to bring out the flavor of the onion and tomatoes. This is a great way to feature these three vegetables together in one glorious dish.

It's not difficult to come up with ways to create comfort foods "a la Mexicana" with just the three colors of the Mexican flag. Each of the three ingredients we used are uniquely rich and deep with many levels of savory and sweet flavors, which is exactly what comfort food is all about!