As people of all backgrounds come together to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year, they’re doing so with an increased desire to honor Mexican culture. Cooking an authentic recipe is one way anyone can do just that. And in celebration of the holiday, Cacique – one of the country’s top authentic Mexican food brands – has several recipes you’re sure to enjoy.

The brand conducted a nationwide survey to uncover which of the top Mexican food trends predicted by a panel of culinary experts at the end of 2020 are actually breaking through in 2021 and making their way into kitchens across America. Here’s what the survey uncovered:

Nearly two thirds of Mexican cuisine fans are reaching for traditional Mexican staples like dried beans and masa, along with traditional Mexican cheeses, creams and meats. These ingredients, such as Cacique Ranchero Queso Fresco, Crema Mexicana and Chorizo, add a special spark to just about any recipe.

72% of Mexican cuisine fans are interested in preparing “homemade” style Mexican comfort foods this year.

67% of those who enjoy cooking Mexican food express a greater desire to learn the history behind beloved dishes in 2021.

Below you’ll find three authentic recipes that incorporate these trends and are sure to elevate your Cinco de Mayo celebration into a more delicious and authentic occasion at home.

Four-Ingredient Tacos – Tacos are the ultimate comfort food, and these four Mexican staples will give you the tastiest tacos around:

1. Cacique Chorizo – a robust, perfectly spiced meat that comes in pork, beef or soy options
2. Cacique Ranchero Queso Fresco – queso fresco is the most popular Mexican-style cheese, and deliciously salty, creamy crumbles of this will take your tacos to the next level
3. Cacique Crema Mexicana – a drizzle of rich Mexican crema perfectly balances the spices in the chorizo
4. High quality corn tortillas – always a must!

Enmoladas – Or, homemade enchiladas in mole sauce. Not only does this recipe feature three staple ingredients – Cacique Chorizo, Ranchero Queso Fresco and Crema Mexicana – but it also incorporates one of the most historically significant Mexican sauces (mole, which is even part of Mexico’s national dish) and is a popular comfort food.

Ingredients

• ½ package (6 oz.) Ranchero Queso Fresco, crumbled
• ½ package Cacique Soy Chorizo
• ¼ cup Cacique Crema Mexicana
• 12 oz. mole (buy concentrated “mole preparado” and follow package instructions to yield 12 oz. of finished mole)
• 1 small potato, scrubbed but unpeeled, diced small
• 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• ½ can (15.5 oz.) pinto beans, drained
• ½ can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
• 1 can ( 4.50 oz) green chilies chopped
• ½ cup green onions, finely chopped
• 8 corn tortillas
• Sesame seeds for garnish

HOW TO MAKE IT
1. In a medium skillet, cook the Soy Chorizo according to package instructions, add potatoes and sauté 10 minutes over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes more. Add beans, green onions and tomato sauce. Sauté for another 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Set aside.

 Fideos with Shrimp and Cacique Queso Fresco – All good comfort food dishes bring a touch of nostalgia and, for many in Mexico, Sopa de Fideo is a childhood favorite. This dish features Cacique Ranchero Queso Fresco.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 pound fideos (or vermicelli or other thin spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 28­-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 pounds small shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 10-ounce package Cacique Queso Fresco Ranchero
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

HOW TO MAKE IT