Tex Mex Madness

Fork Facts:

The word "Tex-Mex" first entered the English language as a nickname for the Texas Mexican Railway, chartered in southern Texas in 1875. In train schedules published in the newspapers of the 19th century the names of railroads were abbreviated…alias “Tex-Mex”.

SERVES: 6 portions

Palate Profile

Tex-Mex (from Texas and Mexico) is a fusion of Mexican and American cuisines, deriving from the culinary creations of Tejanos. The Tejano culture is a combination of Texans of Spanish or Mexican heritage who lived in Texas before it became a republic, and also Mexican immigrants from Northern Mexico. Tex-Mex cuisine is characterized by its heavy use of shredded cheese, meat (particularly beef and pork), beans, peppers and spices wrapped in a tortilla. Dishes such as Texas-style chili con carne, nachos, tacos and fajitas are all Tex-Mex inventions.

Additional Tips:

  • Tex-Mex has imported flavours from other spicy cuisines, such as the use of cumin.
  • Turn up the heat with some good old-fashioned chipotle which gives the dish a smoky, spicy kick!
  • Chili, nachos, tacos and fajitas are the cornerstone of Tex-Mex cuisine.
  • Try adding some yummy toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, jalapenos, refried beans… the options are endless!

What you need:

  • 1 ½ Cup Kidney Bean
  • 1 ½ Cup Pinto Bean
  • 3 Cups Brown Rice, Cooked
  • 1 ½ Tsp Olive Oil
  • ½ Cup Diced Onion
  • 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
  • ½ Cup Corn
  • 1 ½ Cup Diced Tomato
  • 1 Cup Tomato Sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Chili Powder
  • 1 ½ Tsp Cumin
  • ½ Tsp Paprika
  • ½ Cup Shredded Cheese

What to do:

  1. Make sure to wash your hands before you begin.
  2. Preheat oven to 375F.
  3. Oil a large casserole dish.
  4. Mix all spices together in a small bowl.
  5. Heat oil over medium heat in a pan. Cook onion and garlic until translucent.
  6. Stir in spice blend, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, rice and ¼ cup of the shredded cheese. Sauté for a few minutes.
  7. Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish and smooth out the top. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
  8. Cover with a lid or foil and bake for 15 minutes.