As the weather inevitably gets colder, the summer will be just a warm memory. But you won't be short of warmth when you taste the delicacies of faraway Mexico, where summer lasts practically all year round. The cuisine is revealed by Vytaras Radzevičius, a well-known culinary expert and traveller, who has spent several weeks travelling around this exotic land himself.

„Mexican cuisine is a true matter of taste and a benchmark, with a huge variety of flavours: chillies, cumin, coriander, garlic, onions, fresh herbs, vegetables, citrus fruits. Add to that salsa and mole sauces, a wide range of choices, from tacos, quesadillas and other snacks to enchiladas, tamales and other rich dishes. There is a reason why Mexican cuisine is a major influence on gastronomy all over the world," says V. Radzevičius.

The main characteristics of Mexican food, he says, are spiciness, citrus flavours and herbs. This combination is most pronounced in dishes such as tacos, quesadillas, guacamole, enchiladas and fachitos – all of which are unthinkable without chilli, coriander, cumin, oregano, garlic and onions.

Amazing abundance of spices
A traveller who has been to Mexico himself says that the country's food is – extremely varied. He also says that he has had many enjoyable gastronomic experiences during his tour of this Central American country. „I ate an unusually large amount of beans and corn, in various forms, from dishes to sauces to flour. Of course, I also experienced a lot of spicy sensations, sometimes even to the point of tears and gasping for air – it seemed at that time that even the fillings of my teeth were melting from the heat“, – jokes Radzevičius.

When asked whether the average Lithuanian would be surprised by Mexican food customs, he identifies a few key differences: „The table is loaded with many dishes, and many things can be eaten just with your hands, taking them from the plate – here, the snack culture is dominant. The food, in general, is calorific, filling, so a lot of Mexicans have my build. However, the most surprising thing to a Lithuanian traveller would probably be the abundance of astroturf shops.

Uniquely simple but delicious – fachitos: a recipe for everyone

For those who are eager to try the delicacies of Mexican cuisine, traveller and culinary expert V. Radzevičius suggests making simple but exceptionally tasty fachitas. For some, they may remind them of kebabs, which are very popular in Lithuania. „Interestingly, this dish can be put together as you like. I suggest you try the chicken fachitas with peppers and onions – it will suit your taste perfectly. But you can also choose other meats instead of chicken, – advises  V. Radzevičius.

For the chicken fachitas you will need:
500 g fresh chicken breast fillets;
1 red pepper;
1 yellow pepper;
1 green pepper;
1 large red onion;
2 cloves of garlic (chopped);
2 tbsp. olive oil;
1 tbsp cumin;
1 a. tsp. smoked paprika powder;
1 a. tsp. 1 tbsp chilli powder;
1 lime juice;
Soft tortillas (wheat or corn flour);
pinch of salt and pepper;
Guacamole, salsa sauce, sour cream, cheese, coriander and other condiments to taste.

In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, chopped garlic, smoked paprika and chilli powder, lime juice, salt and pepper.
Cut the chicken breasts into strips and add them to the prepared marinade. Marinate the chicken strips in this mixture for at least 30 minutes, or better still overnight in the fridge. Preheat a large frying pan or grill, and fry the marinated chicken strips over a high heat until nicely browned – about 5–7 minutes. Then remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Cut the peppers and onion into thin strips. In the same pan where you cooked the chicken, fry the peppers and onions until soft and slightly caramelised, which will also take 5–7 minutes.

Place the chicken back in the pan with the vegetables, stir and heat slightly. Heat the tortillas separately. Each diner can make their own fachita by adding the chicken and vegetable mixture to the tortilla and seasoning it with their favourite additional ingredients: guacamole, salsa sauce, sour cream, cheese or cilantro.

Happy Easter!