Lecture Notes on Mexico

Flashcards about Mexican geography, history and cuisine

Mexico

Located in Middle America, bordered by the US, Belize, and Guatemala. It has a coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean.

Mexico City

Capital of Mexico with a population of 10 million, making it one of the largest cities in the world.

Ethnic Groups in Mexico

Mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%, white 9%, other 1%

Languages in Mexico

Spanish, various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional indigenous languages

Mexican Natural Resources

Petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber

Government of Mexico

Federal republic

Hernan Cortes

Spanish explorer who discovered Mexico in 1519.

1821 (Mexico)

Spain accepted Mexican independence after a failed rebellion led by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.

Key Figures of the Mexican Revolution

Emiliano Zapata, Pancho Villa, Francisco I. Madero

Lazaro Cardenas

President who redistributed land, reduced illiteracy, initiated power projects, and nationalized some industries.

Vicente Fox Quesada

President from the National Action Party who won the presidency in 2000, ending more than 70 years of PRI rule.

Mexican Cuisine

Varied and rich cuisine influenced by many countries, including Spanish, French, and American.

Tex-Mex Food

Characterized by a cultural blend of Northern Mexico and Southwest US (southern Texas).

Paella

Spanish dish prepared with Chicken, Shrimps, mussel, clams, Chorizo, Rice, Onion, Green and Red sweet pepper, Garlic, peeled Tomato, pimentoes, Green olive, Garbanzo beans cooked, saffron and Chicken stock.

Olla Podrida

Spanish Soup prepared with Black-eyed bean, Onion medium dice, Celery medium dice, chopped garlic, Rice, Saffron, Chicken stock, Sausage Chorizos, Garbanzo cooked, Chicken cooked and Ham.

Corn Tortillas

Made with Masa Harina (maize flour), Warm Water and Salt.

Guacamole

Mexican food prepared with Onion, Fresh Tomato, Green Chilli, Chopped Fresh Coriander, Green Sweet Pepper, Avocado, Salt, Pepper, Lemon Juice and Olive Oil.

Refried Beans

Prepared with Pinto Beans (Red Kidney beans), Beef Dripping (replace by oil), Onion and Oil.

Nachos

Prepared with Corn Tortilla, Cheddar Cheese, Onion, Green Pepper, Green Chilli, Pickled Jalapeno Pepper, Chilli Powder, Sour Cream and Oil (for deep frying).

Salsa Fresca

Prepared with Fresh Tomato, Chopped Fresh Coriander, Onion, Green Chilli, Lemon Juice and Black Pepper.

Ceviche

Marinated raw fish salad prepared with Fish, Lime Juice, Olive Oil, Chopped Chives, Garlic, Fresh Coriander, Tabasco Sauce and Salt.

Chimichangas

Fried parcel made with wheat tortilla filled with onion mixture, sour cream and cheese.

Quesadillas

Corn tortilla sandwich, with green chilies and cheese, usually sold by street vendors.

Empanadas

Half moon patties with minced beef, minced pork, tomato sauce and refried beans

Picadillo

Filling for tortilla, enchiladas, chimichanga, burritos, tacos, etc. Prepared with Minced Beef, Minced Pork, Wine Vinegar, Oil, Onion, Garlic clove, Green Chilli, Tomato Skinned and dice, Raisin, Almond slice, Tomato Puree, clove and cinnamon.

Enchiladas Chicken

Filled and rolled tortilla, baked in sauce, prepared with Chicken cooked and shredded, onion, garlic clove, green chilli, tomato skinned and chopped, fresh coriander, Cheese and Yoghurt.

Burritos

Soft wheat tortillas, filled and rolled with garnishes.

Tostada

Fried flat tortillas that are topped with beans or meat, lettuce and cheese.

Tamales

Steamed corn husk filled with maize flour dough and green tomato paste.