Every place has foods native to that region. The southwest is no different. Most of the cuisine is similar to Mexican, though the cuts of beef are bigger. Ours is a combination of cowboy and Indian (as in Native American) food, as well as a healthy helping of Mexican cuisine. There are places that irrigation has allowed better farming conditions, but all in all, this is still a desert area. Here are some foods you should definitely try if you ever visit Arizona:
- freshly made tortillas (corn or flour)
- chilies & peppers in any form: roasted, salsa, stuffed
- anasazi beans (dramatic red and white heirloom beans)
- nopales (cactus)
- mesquite flour (gluten free, with a smokey flavor)
- posole (a great soup)
- prickly pear jelly or syrup
- mesquite bean candy
- pistachios...fresh from the farm
- rattlesnake (though we natives don't actually eat it, tourists find it fun to eat)
- chimichangas (there are two restaurants in AZ that claim to have invented them)
- cheese crisps (like an open faced quesadilla, these crispy foods aren't on menus elsewhere)
- Navajo tacos
So what foods do you recommend from your neck of the woods?
20 comments:
interesting! Now you really make me wanna visit arizona just for the delicious food! I need!
Have a wonderful day up ahead!
jen @ www.passion4food.ca
My roommate in college was from Phoenix and she was always super picky about her Mexican food. Now I can see why!
We're going to the Grand Canyon for our anniversary in November, so I'll have to try some of these!
We hope to travel to Arizona now that we are in Texas. I'm going to save this page for future use! I'll be sure to check off each item...especially the tortillas!
I grew up on Tex-Mex, but a lot of this is new to me. I'd love to order some mesquite flour.
My biggest regret is that while studying in the States I didn't travel to get to know the country better. I was caught up with the lessons I didn't have the time. I will always live to regret it. I would like to taste them all. Food is one of the most important ways to learn about people and countries.
And sopapillas? Or is that really a New Mexican thing? I love sopas dizzled with honey or stuffed with chili con carne.
Did you know that in New Mexico they spell chili with an "e" on the end instead of an "i"? Chile, green chile, especially Hatch green chiles. Yum!
Arizona fare sounds scrumptious! Maybe I'll get there one day too.
We native Arizonans like these foods too.
I don't think I have tried any of these foods, which is interesting because I have been to Arizona before! We plan to vacation there next to while visiting my grandparents, I will be sure to bring your list, thanks!
Great post--what a good idea for a list. I've never been to Arizona but I would love to visit someday. All of these foods are right up my alley. I'm not sure if I would try the rattlesnack? I love all the Mexican influence though!
Thanks for the great list of foods :-)
CT isn't really known for anything that I know of haha.
But when I lived in KC... had to get the bbq sauces or hot sauces. The bbq and mexican food is to DIE for in Kansas City.
When I lived in Philly...the Philly Cheesesteak.
As a born and bred Philadelphian: The Cheesesteak, soft pretzel, and Yuengling.
....Oh and Krimpets!
What a great list! If you're in Texas, you have to have brisket tacos. Best Tex-Mex dish ever :)
PS: Your moussaka totally got my vote. Best of luck for PFB!
I've been through the Southwest, but never in Arizona! I'm going to have to make the trip and check these things off the list.
Kristen~
I've only been to Arizona twice, but I think I've eaten all of this, minus the prickly pear jelly. Care to offer and prickly pear jelly giveaway???
mmm. prickly pear is so good! why do we sometimes call it tuna? i still don't get that. i also love raspberry jabenero jelly! so good!
Love it! I used to live in Tucson so I know exactly where your coming from. But I'm back in NY we are known for bagels, pizza, and black and white cookies just to name a few things...
Hi Kristen! Your awesome Carrot Currant Doughnut recipe was the most popular on Family Food Fridays for the week of 9/24! Your recipe will be featured for the next week, grab a 'featured' badge if you like. :)
Hope to see you this week too, your plum butter looks delicious!
What a great list! There are some that I haven't tried.
What a great idea to post this. I think everyone should!
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