CULTURE

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Guadalajara is the birthplace of many Mexican icons : mariachi music , tequila , charrería ( rodeo ) and birria ( a meat stew ). Learn about its classics with Casa Jacaranda . Their menu depends on what ’ s in season — you could end up making street snacks like carnitas tacos or tackling heartier dishes like cochinita pibil ( roasted marinated pork ). Count on also trying artisanal tequila ; the town of Tequila lies less than 40 miles away . casajacaranda . mx

Mole is far more than just a sauce — it ’ s a Mexican staple . Its preparation can be complex and recipes vary by region , by village , by household . Some take five days to make and up to 30 ingredients . Oaxaca is renowned for its mole negro — a dark , earthy blend of charred chilies , nuts , herbs , spices and chocolate . Toast each over the open fire in the home of local teacher Doña Raquel . tlayudona . com . mx / mole-negrostart-to-finish-with-dona-raquel /

MEXICO

CITY

Antojitos (“ little cravings ”) is the term for Mexico City ’ s famous street snacks — from tacos and tostadas to gorditas and quesadillas . But these iconic bites would be nothing without salsas , and a respectable taqueria will offer at least four . They may be raw , roasted or fried ; burning with fresh chilies , or dried . Aura Cocina Mexicana offers classes focused on salsas . You ’ ll learn the fruity , fiery salsa de habanero , the smoky , oily salsa macha and more . auramexcooking . com

more cooking classes to take in mexico

San Cristobal de las Casas In this highland city near the Guatemala border , El Tzitz teaches Mestizo cooking : a cuisine inspired by both Indigenous and Spanish influences . eltzitz . com

Puerto Vallarta Rosie , of Rosie ’ s Vallarta Cooking , teaches regional specialties like birria , plus zarandeado-style grilled marinated fish . rosiescooking . com

San Miguel de Allende At Marilau Mexican Ancestry , transform superfood nopal ( prickly pear cactus pads ) into a salad . Also rustle up guisado , a spicy tomato stew . mexican-cookingschool . com

spring 2023 • 19