/ck/ - Food & Cooking

>cited from El Tiempo website

The true origins of Tex-Mex cuisine are somewhat shrouded in mystery.

Tex-Mex’s history stretches back to the late 1800s when Mexican immigrants began to populate south Texas. They brought with them recipes that they developed over the years in Mexico and added a few twists to appeal to American tastes. Essentially, Tex-Mex is A harmonious blend of Texas flavors and Mexican food. Originally adapted from Tejano home cooking, this eclectic style of cooking exists mainly in restaurants.

When the Spanish pulled out of Texas in the late 1700s, they left behind spanish-speaking Indian missionaries and eventually became known as Tejanos. These Native American Indians began the traditional cooking that founded Tex Mex. The Spaniards also we're responsible for bring Canary Islanders to expand the colonization of Texas. Those colonists brought with them the spiced blends and signature flavors of Morocco. When these two traditional and flavor groups united, traditional Tex Mex was born

Signature dishes like Chili con Carne, rich with cumin, garlic and chili, had never been seen in traditional Mexican cuisine. These new spice combinations set the stage for what was to become Tex Mex history in 1970; The Fajitas.

Probably the most significant addition to Tex Mex cuisine, Fajitas were originally introduced as Tacos al Carbon. Houston’ own Ninfa Laurenzo was credited with the creation on July 13, 1973. The amazing aspect of Tex Mex is that it is both foreign and native. It is a unique blend of flavors and cultures from across the sea and those that are right next door.