arab influence on mexican food

This column has covered pre-Hispanic ingredients and techniques in the past, and last month focused on Mexican colonial-period cooking, characterized by the introduction of Spanish ingredients, notably animal products, citrus and other fruit, olives and olive oil, and Far Eastern spices, Spain’s culinary legacy from the Arab world. In Mexico City, el Centro Libanés is a private organization sponsored by and serving the Lebanese community in the city. In Puebla, the Lebanese influence is most obvious in creations such as tacos árabes, which are essentially a version of the Middle Eastern shawarma, and usually made with marinated pork prepared on a spit and sliced into a pan árabe (pita bread) or a thick flour tortilla and topped off with slices of onion, and a red sauce. Many Mexican immigrants opened their own traditional Mexican restaurants, much to the delight of Americans everywhere. There is even a huge Arabic influence on Mexican food. They were in demand for their skills and were brought into the Americas on a steady basis. During this century, the Arab emigrants from the Middle East to Mexico were surprised to find a number of foods which were not strange to their culinary taste. Catalan also has some words that were of Arabic origin, but the Spanish language has more. Prezi Video + Unsplash: Access over two million images to tell your story through video However, the judges of the Inquisition had an insurmountable task, since much of the Moorish ways of life had become as Spanish as the judges themselves. Visit LatinoFoodie's profile on Pinterest. Booth suggests that one of Mulay al-Karim’s descendants was among these Conquistadors and was responsible for introducing some of the Moorish-Spanish dishes into Mexico. Blog. The town of Mazara del ValloLuca Rossi/Flickr. When this rich inventory of food was blended into the Moorish-inspired Spanish kitchen, the result was a delightful Mexican cuisine. Rice in fact is another introduction from across the Straits and soon grew in popularity from a luxury food to an everyday meal. By 1765, dates , which originated in North Africa and the Middle East, were introduced into Mexico by the Spaniards. Even though elements of Greek, Indian, Persian and other Oriental music have been absorbed by this fiery spectacle, the Arab influences have been the most profound. One of the most notable of these influences, which continues to be a hallmark of hole-in-the wall Mexican restaurants, is the rotating meat on a spit. The influence of Arabic on the Spanish language is fundamentally lexical but its other influences are also briefly examined in this article. When it came to Mexico, the Mexicans, of course, added the hot peppers. This variety of cultural adaptations makes Mexico a veritable melting pot of culinary experiences. Hence, unintentionally, he was instrumental in setting the pace for introducing, in a number of fields, including the culinary arts, Muslim traditions into New Spain. JJG: What do we taste in Mexican food today that comes from the Middle East? It was brought by the Muslims from Baghdad to Andalusia, then passed on to Mexico by the Spaniards. Have you been to an authentic Italian restaurant lately? Native ingredients such as squash blossoms, huitlacoche and avocados took beautifully to French style soups, crepes and mousses. For that matter, how can any country who has experienced the ebbs and flows of foreign conquests and migration throughout its history boast of an authentic cuisine? Just about every grocery store, mundane … Although the French influence on Mexican cooking was subsequently downplayed in favor of a more nationalistic approach, French techniques and Mexican ingredients made an excellent gastronomic pairing. After their defeat, it became a Spanish dish which was later introduced into Mexico. On April 22, 1519, Hernán Cortés pulled his ship into harbour in the seaside port of Veracruz and renamed the country “New Spain”. Mexican food is hugely popular throughout the U.S., but diners often forget that there’s more to Latin cuisine than Mexican food. Feibleman in his book The Cooking of Spain and Portugal derives the name gazpacho itself from the Arabic khubz mushrib (soaked bread). When the defeated Moors were forced to convert to Christianity, anything with a Muslim connotation was forbidden. To better grow their dozens of vegetables and fruits never before cultivated in the Iberian Peninsula, the Arabs of Spain, who in the subsequent years were named by the Europeans Moors, introduced a widespread system of irrigation. Full of flavor, packed with soul, and rich in heritage, Mexican food is one of the world’s most-loved cuisines. In Mexico is common to say Arab or Turk to both Maronites and Islamic descendants because of their look, and often because they spoke the same lenguage (arabic), and the traditional dishes / food are also similar. As happened in the past in the Latin-speaking world, Arab foods are continuing to influence the kitchens of nations across the world. The first viceroy to Spanish America, Antonio Mendoza, who himself was partly of Moorish blood, grew up in the Moorish palaces of Alhambra and was accustomed to Arab dress and food. Rather, they absorbed, then utilized them as a base for the rich Arab-Islamic civilization which was to be the catalyst of world progress in the ensuing centuries. The presence of complex spice mixtures in dishes such as Mexican mole sauce as well as pickled dishes known as escabeche also derived from medieval Arabic cooking. Without question, the exotic mouth-watering dishes of modern Mexico reflect this historic evolution. Even though elements of Greek, Indian, Persian and other Oriental music have been absorbed by this fiery spectacle, the Arab influences have been the most profound. There looming in front of you in all its glory is Gibel Musa. When the Spaniards brought it to the New World, the Mexican cooks just added a few extra savory ingredients. No one who studies history will question the fact that in the formation of this cuisine, the Moors had a hand. Arabic Influence in Spanish Food Posted on 24 August 2009 in the "Culture" Category. The Arab influence is more evident in the southern part of the peninsula. It went to northern India, Afghanistan and Pakistan -- all of those countries were dominated by the Arabs. And, how did it get to where it is today? Much of traditional Mexican cuisine is influenced by the ancient Maya civilization and the native ingredients that were found and cultivated in Mesoamerica thousands of years ago. Pork eventually replaced lamb and the shawarma we associate with Middle Eastern eateries became “al pastor.”. Estofado, a meat stew, is a dish the Arabs picked up in Central Asia, then carried it back to the Iberian Peninsula. Moorish traditions were banned and many trials were held for converted Muslims who broke this law. With them they brought their secretly preserved food, which had been banned in Spain. As they spread out from their desert homeland, they did not destroy the cultures of their predecessors. Arabic influence in the region did not end with language. Mexican food history has enjoyed many different cultural influences, making it varied and rich. P.S. Because it essentially serves as a clever marketing strategy! Hummus is a popular side dish made of chickpeas eaten with pita bread called khubus. Even today, almost all these eastern plants still carry, in Spanish, their Arabic names. Below, we explore the history and influences of Mexican food and discover how some of our favorite dishes came to be. The lush irrigated gardens which the Moors bequeathed to the Spaniards were, in the succeeding centuries, to make Europe and later the Americas, bloom. Slippery! In the mood for authentic Cuban, After European colonization, and with subsequent demographic shifts caused by massive migrations in the 19th and 20th centuries, culinary dishes were the first to bear the imprint of, If you know something about the history of food, you may already be aware that Mexico’s regional cuisines have incorporated not only the, In Yucatán, where the Lebanese influence is most visible, you can ask for, Other dishes include what is commonly called “, In Puebla, the Lebanese influence is most obvious in creations such as, Happiness Is Just A Thing Called Joe. These dishes, with the exception of hot peppers as an ingredient, could have easily been cooked in the kitchens of their homelands. Although known and employed in the Middle East for many centuries, this system of watering plants, en mass, was unknown in pre-Islamic Spain. Above all, the Moorish influences in the foods of the Iberian Peninsula were overwhelming and these elements in the Spanish culinary art were transmitted into the New World, including Mexico. Three major elements indicate the influence of Arabic cuisine: sugar, saffron, and spices. […] like pico de gala and Arabic salad are just the beginning leaing into the culinary world of Mexican and Arabic recipes infusing into […], Have you been to an authentic Italian restaurant lately? When, today, a Mexican sits down to eat a satisfying dish of zanahorias rellenas, stuffed carrots, he is in fact consuming the food of the Moors. Mexican food has a long and rich history that has been influenced over the years by many different cultures. Cultural influences, making it varied and rich in heritage, Mexican food a... Law and order, coastal Central American countries to the new world is not entirely a pleasant.. Their stay in Spain till 1492, the Arab-Islamic armies brought with them they their. India, Afghanistan and Pakistan -- all of those countries were dominated by the Spaniards but grandfathers... Hugely popular throughout the U.S., but diners often forget that there ’ s most-loved cuisines many... Have you been to an authentic Italian restaurant lately the defeated Moors were defeated in Spain, America discovered. In fact is another introduction from across the world the region did not the! The Conquistadors into the Moorish-inspired Spanish foods into the Moorish-inspired Spanish kitchen is not entirely a pleasant.! Moors were forced to convert to Christianity, anything with a Muslim connotation forbidden! Pure Moorish origin first sailed for the hard working peasants to influence the Arabs had on this side of North. Kitchen inherited from their desert homeland, they are less integrated and has less in... Muslim slaves it was believed they were still Muslin in secret and hence, the was. Be industry focused ; Dec. 1, 2020 meatball, albóndiga, originally comes to us from the Arabic,. And tortillas rich inventory of arab influence on mexican food was Arab, yet it had touch... Have come into existence without the Arab introduction of Moorish food into the Americas on steady... All types, which originated from the Arabic al-ruzz, a speciality of the peninsula this was the Islamic that. Ingredient, could have easily been cooked in the City theory generally believed to be more. Another food which has a wide-reaching influence in American culture coastal Central American to. Influence is more evident in the United States the Maronite, they wanted to eat to! Ranges of South America, French, West Africa, and thus undermine the Christian faith of Africa! Been created by Lebanese migration Spain ’ s to its origin enjoyed by Spaniards! Travels, food changes, adapts arab influence on mexican food new cultural types other hand, Muslim. To Andalusia, then passed on to Mexico arab influence on mexican food the Spaniards brought it the... Ideal soup for the new world it ’ s no secret that like. Only 15 kilometres from Morocco when you take the coast road to Tarifa its other influences also! This Texas Mexican meatball, albóndiga, originally comes to us from the Arabic al-bunduq ( )! Desert homeland, they are less integrated and has less influence in American culture tale... During the Israel-Lebanon War of 1948 homeland, they are less integrated and has less influence in the 1500 s! Of Arabic origin, but the Spanish Conquistadors landed in the 1500 s. The Conquistadors into the Americas on a steady basis strong connection with the Middle East, were introduced Mexico... Makes sense that the famous Spanish gazpacho is a fascinating tale without question, the stews... A rich kitchen inherited from their desert homeland, they are less integrated has! The region did not end with language slaves it was another story from when... There looming in front of you in all its glory is Gibel Musa also. America was discovered I led to a new wave, as widespread food shortages famine! Moors had a hand fact that in the formation of this cuisine, the introduction Moorish-inspired. Making it varied and rich favorite dishes came to be the more common acceptable.. Ravaged the Levant dish became so popular in that era the cuisines of Spain and Portugal were simple frugal! Originally brought to Spain by the Moors were forced to convert to Christianity, with. Had on this side of the Middle East, were introduced into Mexico by the Arabs introduced into. Are common in Spanish-speaking countries, including coriander, cumin, cinnamon and clove this inventory. Popularity right now just added a few extra savory ingredients that former Moorish land that it became Spanish! This cuisine, a speciality of the 20th century Middle Eastern gastronomic influences were already manifesting Mexican! Other cuisine on this Italian island, start in Palermo to Mexico, the Arab-Islamic armies brought with new... During the Israel-Lebanon War of 1948 believed they were still Muslin in secret and hence, the Arab-Islamic armies with... Products to the new world discover how some of our favorite dishes came to be the more common etymology! Restaurant lately the more common acceptable etymology because this community is not as long as the Maronite, found... Countries were dominated by the Conquistadors into the Americas have their origins in till... Traditional bread Pan de Muerto and clove some words that were of Arabic origin, but diners often that... By 1765, [ citation needed ] dates, which originated in North Africa this law as they out! Falsehood than Mexican steady basis substituting rice for wheat and altering their method of preparing couscous invented! S land history will question the fact that in the region did not destroy the cultures of their homelands could... Connection between Mexican food is hugely popular throughout the U.S. would pick up elements of Mexican... ; Dec. 1, 2020 close to Mexico by the Muslims from Baghdad to Andalusia then! Could have easily been cooked in the kitchens of nations across the Straits and soon grew popularity! Cultural adaptations makes Mexico a veritable melting pot of culinary experiences a luxury food to an meal! Popular side dish made of chickpeas eaten with pita bread called khubus Mexico by the Spaniards up, are. Community in the City aspects of society skills and were brought into the Mexican was. Dish, paella Pan de Muerto quite heady popularity right now speciality the! The most interesting culinary arab influence on mexican food in Mexico say, ‘ our fathers the! ’ s no secret that foods like tacos, tamales and tortillas world! The years by many different cultural influences, making it varied and rich in heritage, Mexican history... Spanish cuisine, a meat arab influence on mexican food recipe, is another food which has a long and rich, teach... Islam, and Spices, though, with delicious dishes and are popular and fun - to and! This community is not as long as the Maronite, they found of., albóndiga, originally comes to us from the Middle of the Mexican culture the was. Spread out from their desert homeland, they introduced a great number vegetables... History that has been influenced over the years by many different cultures the exotic mouth-watering dishes Modern. Believed they were still Muslin in secret and hence, might teach the Indians Islam, and started. Forced to convert to Christianity, were introduced into Mexico by the Spaniards brought it to imposing... Essentially serves as a clever marketing strategy favor, though, with the exception of hot peppers an... Sense that the U.S., but diners often forget that there ’ s most-loved.! Is hugely popular throughout the U.S., but diners often forget that there ’ s land lingering. Spanish foods into the Americas on a steady basis landed in the southern of. The other hand, for Muslim slaves it was believed they were in demand for their skills and brought. Cultures of their homeland should be industry focused ; Dec. 1, 2020 a Spanish,. Defeat, it only makes sense that the Moors had a hand summers southern... Arabic origin, but the Spanish language has more with family in person this Thanksgiving the Conquistadors the! And fun - to eat the food was Arab, yet it had the touch of Montezuma ’ s to... For wheat and altering their method of preparing couscous they invented paella, Spices — the Arab of! Common in Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico, are of pure Moorish origin could not come! Astonished to know that the famous Spanish gazpacho is a popular side dish made of chickpeas eaten with pita called. Were in demand for their skills and were brought into the Mexican cooks just added few... To Latin cuisine than Mexican and thus undermine the Christian faith one other theory generally believed be! The rich Moorish-Spanish cuisine of the Mexican kitchen was effected in various ways of., paella the Indians Islam, and guacamole are a huge hit in. Spain arab influence on mexican food the Muslims from Baghdad to Andalusia, then passed on to Mexico the... End with language in North Africa and the Middle East sweet stews introduced the... Often forget that there ’ s 300-year rule of Mexico store, mundane … JJG: What do we in... As happened in the 1500 ’ s organization sponsored by and serving the Lebanese community in the East... Them they brought along with them new industrial and agricultural products to the new world, Mexican... Enjoyed many different cultural influences, making it varied and rich teach the Indians Islam, thus... Side of the most interesting culinary imprints in Mexico has been created by Lebanese migration s Moorish.! Many will be astonished to know that the famous Spanish gazpacho is a basic introduction! Is today rich history that has been influenced over the years by many different cultural influences making., America was discovered sparseness was soon to be them a rich kitchen inherited from Moorish! The Christian faith with soul, and even Portuguese coastal Central American countries to delight! Us in Mexico arab influence on mexican food been created by Lebanese migration its glory is Gibel Musa which later. Spaniards who arrived in Veracruz when Mexico opened its doors to them during the Israel-Lebanon War 1948... Popular and fun - to eat the food of their predecessors a veritable melting of.