Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Wholesome Festive Foods
Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) marks the day that Mexican troops defeated an invading French army in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. (It is not Mexican Independence Day, as many believe.) The occasion is celebrated today with music, dancing, and best of all, food.
Planning your Cinco de Mayo festivities? Hold the sour cream and cheese loaded nachos. Instead load up on true Mexican favorites: fresh vegetables, seafood, beans, rice, and fruit. Spice your celebration up with fresh cilantro and hot chile peppers, and enjoy a menu bursting with flavor that’s actually very good for you!
May we suggest:
Fresh tomato salsa (see recipe below). Tomatoes are rich in the antioxidant lycopene, which can protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules and lower cancer risk.
Homemade guacamole (see recipe below). Avocados are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure, and monounsaturated fat, associated with lower cancer and heart disease risk.
Classic beans and rice. Beans are high in soluble fiber, which can help lower blood cholesterol and reduce risk for heart disease.
Whole wheat or corn tortillas contain insoluble fiber, which speed up the passage of food through the digestive tract.
Enjoy fresh fruits:
Pineapples – contain micro-nutrients which experts believe help protect against cancer and disperse blood clots for increased heart protection
Papayas – contain the digestive enzyme, papain, which is used to treat sports injuries and allergies
And don’t forget the spices:
Cilantro – treats nausea, soothes inflammation and rheumatic pain, helps with headaches
Chili peppers – treats sensory nerve fiber disorders such as the pain associated with arthritis
Cumin – benefits the digestive system
Viva Cinco de Mayo!
Fresh Tomato Salsa
3 large tomatoes
1 small red onion
1 jalapeno chili pepper
1 lime
1 bunch fresh cilantro
Minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin – all optional to taste
Finely dice tomatoes and onion. Remove seeds from chili pepper and dice. Squeeze lime juice. Chop about half the cilantro. In a bowl, stir together tomatoes, onion, and chili pepper. Add half the lime juice and the chopped cilantro. Taste and season to your preferences: add more lime juice or cilantro and add seasonings such as minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, or cumin. Keep in mind that the flavor will intensify as the salsa rests. We recommend refrigerating salsa for at least half an hour prior to serving. Adjust seasonings just prior to serving.
Homemade Guacamole
2 ripe avocados
1 Roma tomato
1 small sweet yellow onion
1-2 serrano chili peppers
1 lime
1 bunch fresh cilantro
Coarse salt, pepper, cumin, hot sauce to taste
Scoop out avocado pulp and mash with fork in a bowl. Finely chop tomato and onion, seed and finely chop chili pepper. Juice the lime. Stir together avocado, tomato, onion, chili pepper and half the lime juice. Chop a handful of the cilantro and stir in. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and hot sauce to taste and adjust flavor with more lime juice or cilantro. Cover bowl and refrigerate for one hour or longer. Adjust seasonings just prior to serving.
- Modern Menus
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