Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a spread featuring Pastel Azteca for a hearty main and Huevos a la Mexicana for a traditional breakfast. These dishes showcase regional diversity through bold flavours and authentic corn-based textures.
The key to achieving authentic flavour is using tortillas made from stone-ground nixtamalized masa rather than processed flour alternatives.
Festive Breakfasts: Huevos a la Mexicana and Motuleños
Huevos a la Mexicana uses chopped onion, jalapeño, and tomato to mirror the colours of the Mexican flag in a simple scramble. For a more indulgent start, Huevos Motuleños from the Yucatán region combines fried eggs on tostadas with creamy beans, ham, peas, and a rich tomato salsa. Serve both with tortillas wrapped in a thick cloth tortillerio to maintain the necessary warmth and softness.
The Main Event: Pastel Azteca
Pastel Azteca is a Mexican-style lasagna that replaces pasta sheets with layers of corn tortillas. Each layer is stacked with shredded chicken, poblano chiles, and sour cream, then topped with cheese and baked. For the best texture, tortillas should be lightly fried for a few seconds so they remain tender rather than crisp, creating a cohesive, melt-in-the-mouth structure.
Hearty Sides: Frijoles Charros
Frijoles Charros are a smoky, bold pinto bean soup hailing from Northern Mexico. These beans are slow-cooked with pork feet, crispy bacon, and spicy chorizo, then finished with a splash of jalapeño pickle brine for a tangy kick. This dish adds a meaty, rustic depth to the table that balances the creaminess of the Pastel Azteca.
The Importance of Traditional Masa
When we stone-grind our corn fresh each day rather than using instant masa harina, the tortillas are structurally stronger and possess a deeper, nuttier corn flavour. Customers at our Kensington tortilleria often ask why our tortillas feel different; this is the result of true nixtamalization. Our products are vegan, non-GMO, and FODMAP friendly, though we recommend consulting a GP or dietitian for specific medical dietary requirements.
Where to find authentic ingredients in Australia
Authentic nixtamalized products are genuinely hard to find in mainstream Australian supermarkets. Our range is available online, at our store, or through selected independent grocers across the country.
