Rice, Beans and Pasta Products

Rice, Beans and Pasta Products from Mexico

Rice History

Rice was introduced to the Americas at an early date, starting with European colonizers who introduced Rice to South America and the Caribbean. Spanish colonizers later introduced Asian Rice to Veracruz Mexico around the 1520s. Rice is commonly served as the second course of a meal and accompanies a variety of Mexican dishes, typically fish or beans. Three common types of rice recipes made in Mexico are Pilaf style where rice grains are browned and simmered in broth. Brothy rice from Veracruz is creamer than traditional rice and has a cross between risotto and paella. Rice in Cazuela has a very unique and earthy flavor; grains are soaked, drained and fried until brown. Liquid is added and the rice is simmered until tender.

Beans

Beans are one of the oldest foods in existence and have been a part of human diet for thousands of years. This food plant originates from Mexico and was a vital source of food for the ancient Mesoamerican cultures such as the Aztecs and Mayans. The natives grew a variety of beans, primarily black and white. The Spanish later introduced more varieties of beans, since bean crops had already become popular in Europe, Africa and Asia thanks to early European explorers and traders. Beans are typically eaten as a side dish and accompany a variety of dishes like tacos, enchiladas, mole, meat, rice, eggs, pork and chicken. Beans can also be a part of a primary meal; they’re the base of tostadas, enfrijoladas, burritos, bean broth and noodle soup (sopa de fideo en caldo de frijol) to name a few.

Pasta in Mexico

Pasta was brought to Mexico thanks to the Italians, who had a big impact on Mexican cuisine. Italian dishes were popular in the cuisine of New Spain which is what drove the Spaniards to introduce this popular food to the Mesoamerican cultures in Mexico. While trying to replace the natives’ ingredients with European ones, they actually achieved a wonderful combination of flavors from both continents. Pasta became a popular alternative to rice, and tomato sauce was the most common sauce to serve on pasta for nearly 100 years. Today there are different pasta recipes that are given an authentic Mexican touch, with the use of ingredients like chiles. Some common pasta recipes are Fideo (Mexican Spaghetti), Lasagna with Poblano Chiles in Cream, Spaghetti with Poblano Chile and Squash Blossom, Chicken tequila fettuccine, Pasta salad with jalapeno vinaigrette and many more.

MexGrocer.com is proud to bring you the best high quality Rice, Beans and Pasta Products.

Check our “Dried Beans – Black Beans, Pinto Beans and More” section for the best brands for bean products: La Costena (canned beans), C & F (pinto, black, pink, red, Lima and white beans), Goya, Santiago and Dona Lisa. If you want find out everything there is to know about beans and how to prepare them, try our popular cookbooks “Bean Lovers” and “Wholly Frijoles” with over 115 delicious bean recipes.

“Rice – Valencia, Parboiled, Short and Long Grain – Risotto” section has the best rice products and at great prices. Prepare your favorite rice dishes with brands like Tres Estrellas (rice flour), Mahatma (long grain rice), C & F (long grain, parboiled, and short grain), Roland (Risotto and CousCous) and Goya (Thai Jasmine and California Pearl rice).