Tex-Mex cuisine remains popular and unaffected by criticism

Tex-Mex Cuisine: An Iconic Blend of Mexican and American Roots

The Tex-Mex cuisine is a unique blend of Mexican and American roots, caught between two cultures and representing a source of unity from both sides of the border. Local chefs consider the culinary fare a beacon of unity, deeply embedded in the region’s culture and identity. For nearly two centuries, South Texas, particularly San Antonio, has been at the forefront, witnessing the evolution of Tex-Mex cuisine. KENS 5, a local news channel, examined how this iconic cuisine has changed over the years and what culinary experts predict for its future.

The Birth of Tex-Mex Cuisine

According to Chef and Owner of Restaurant Mixtli, Rico Torres, Tex-Mex cuisine started during the mid-1800s with the Chili Queens. These women hawked traditional Mexican recipes mixed with European ingredients, known as guisados, in San Antonio’s plazas. The recipes stem back almost 10,000 years ago to the first indigenous groups that lived in the region. They cooked using earth ovens, and their guisados were made with what was available at the time – wild hare, deer, cactus, chiles, squash, beans, and corn. People residing outside the region trooped to San Antonio to enjoy the unique flavors.

Unfortunately, the iconic Chili Queens’ business ended when San Antonio enforced tough Sanitary Reform Laws between the early 1900s and early 1940s. The laws forced the Queens out of business, and Torres believes discrimination was embedded in the food early on. This situation shifted the cuisine from what we know today, setting it apart from what was originally curated.

The Evolution of Tex-Mex Cuisine

Tex-Mex cuisine underwent a significant transformation between the 1940s and 2000s. The term “Tex-Mex” was used in the 1970s to describe the food of South Texas. However, Chef Torres felt it was more derogatory, with anglos making Mexican food sold to anglos. This commercialization, combined with easy access to certain ingredients such as yellow cheese, became the norm. Yellow cheese was introduced to Tex-Mex cuisine, pointing to the easy accessibility of ingredients during the time. In contrast, European cheeses like cotija and queso fresco were used in Mexico.

Despite significant changes to the cuisine, Texans continue to indulge in it for its nostalgic aspects, as it reminds them of childhood and traditional family dishes. Chef Steven Pizzini, owner of Lala’s Gorditas, uses his grandmother’s Mexican recipes to prepare the best Tex-Mex dishes for his customers. He considers his restaurant the “home of the puffy taco,” and using his uncle’s molino, he still serves his grandmother’s original recipes to loyal customers who grew up with them.

Twist on Tex-Mex Cuisine

Chef Juan Rodriguez, owner of Tamale Boy, took a significant turn with his tamale recipe. He grew up selling the traditional pork and bean tamales with his mother, and once he started his tamale business, he experimented with adding cream cheese to a chicken tamale. Rodriguez’s wife, initially met with hesitancy, pitched the idea, admitting she was white and Hispanic. He tried it, and despite people in heavy Hispanic populations initially not having interest in it, it took off in Universal City, Cibolo, Converse, Schertz, and Marion. He eventually named it “The Kadillak,” and after adding different ingredients to the tamales, Rodriguez expanded his customer base far beyond San Antonio.

Health-Conscious Tex-Mex

In recent years, consumers have become health-conscious, demanding Tex-Mex menus feature gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-salt options. More chefs are now catering to customers with dietary restrictions with some not using lard in their tamales or other masa-based dishes.

The Future of Tex-Mex Cuisine

Despite recent claims that Tex-Mex cuisine needs to “evolve” or risk disappearing, Chef Pizzini disagrees, stating consistency and tradition are critical to survival. He believes the ingredients and spices define Tex-Mex cuisine and preserving them is the best way forward. He says, “Why would you want to mess with something that’s so good?”

In conclusion, the future of Tex-Mex cuisine looks bright, with culinary experts projecting a fusion of new flavors. The cuisine continues to be a source of unity for the region, blending Mexican and American cultures into one unique culinary experience, reflecting the proud, colorful traditions of South Texas.