Let’s be honest: the Land of Enchantment has an entire cuisine of its own. Even though you might find some of these dishes elsewhere, New Mexico has either created it or perfected it. We might be biased, but these foods are some of the best in the country, and we just want to share the love. Even if the rest of the country hasn’t picked up on them yet, you’ll find these ten foods in New Mexico, and they’ll steal your heart in no time.
1. Red and green chile
New Mexico is practically the chile capital of the world, and no restaurant is truly New Mexican without red or green chile sauce. You’ll find this delightful and flavorful concoction topped upon burritos, enchiladas, eggs, and so much more. Whether it’s red, green, or Christmas style (a mix of both) chile sauce rules our state.
2. Blue corn pancakes
Here in the Land of Enchantment, we like our corn blue. Although traditional yellow corn is great, blue corn adds an extra nutty flavor that’s perfect for pancakes, tortillas, and more. This breakfast dish is truly unique to New Mexico, but you need to try it. Top your blue corn pancakes with piñon nuts for a truly New Mexican dish.
3. Carne adovada
Carne adovada is New Mexican’s version of adobada where chunks of pork are marinated in onion, red chile, and other spices for at least a full day. This spicy, tender dish is typically served with rice, beans, and a tortilla, though it’s sometimes used as a filling for enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and more.
4. Posole
Posole is served as a side dish or soup and is made with hominy corn. The corn is soaked in a slaked lime water and puffs up in the most delightful way. Posole is a traditional New Mexican comfort food that has much more nutritional value than regular corn.
5. Green chile stew
Another fantastic comfort food in New Mexico is green chile stew. This stew is mostly served at holidays, and everyone seems to have their own variation of it. This stew is typically made with pork and green chile, and if you’re sick, it’s a go-to.
6. Stuffed sopaipilla
Sopaipillas are a New Mexican delicacy. This dough is cut into squares or triangles and deep fried until it puffs up into a pillowy creation that’s unlike anything else. Stuffed sopaipillas are then stuffed with cheese, beans, or meat. Another way to eat sopaipilla is to drizzle it with honey; many New Mexican restaurants serve sopaipillas as a complimentary dessert.
7. Frito pie
New Mexico basically invented this gas station favorite. A frito pie is a bag of fritos that’s been ripped open and topped with chili (not chile) and cheese. This easy snack is a bit messy, but it sure is tasty.
8. Green chile cheeseburger
You already know that we like putting chile on everything, but there’s something incredible about a green chile cheeseburger. Restaurants all over fight to win the award of best GCCB, and we even have a whole trail of restaurants that are dedicated to the burger. Both green chile sauce and chopped green chiles are an acceptable topping.
9. Bizcochitos
New Mexico’s state cookie is one that should be shared with the rest of the country. Bizcochitos (sometimes spelled biscochito) are buttery cookies made with lard and anise, creating a comforting flavor that’s especially popular around the holidays.
10. Indian taco
Indian tacos are pretty straightforward: frybread with any taco topping you can dream of. This fluffy dough makes for the perfect taco shell, and you simply need to try it for yourself.
What New Mexico foods do you think the rest of America should embrace? We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments!
If you’re in New Mexico and trying all of these amazing foods, you might as well take this mouthwatering enchilada trail for the best of the best.
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