Mexican Food Vocabulary

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Instructions: Learn the vibrant vocabulary of Mexican cuisine, from tacos to mole and beyond

1.
In Mexican cuisine, what is 'mole'?
A
A grilled meat dish
B
A rich, complex sauce often made with chili peppers, chocolate, and many spices
C
A type of cheese
D
A type of taco
2.
What does 'tomatillo' refer to in Mexican cooking?
A
A baby tomato
B
A small, green fruit with a papery husk used in salsas and sauces
C
A type of pepper
D
A tomato sauce
3.
What is a 'quesadilla' in Mexican food?
A
A type of salsa
B
A tortilla filled with cheese and other ingredients, then folded and grilled
C
A fried bean dish
D
A type of soup
4.
In Mexican cuisine, what are 'tamales'?
A
A spicy dipping sauce
B
Masa dough filled with meat or other fillings, wrapped in corn husks and steamed
C
A type of tortilla chip
D
A type of candy
5.
What does 'elote' refer to in Mexican food?
A
Grilled corn on the cob, often served with mayo, cheese, chili, and lime
B
A type of squash
C
A type of bean
D
A meat stew
6.
What is 'guacamole' made from?
A
Pureed peas and garlic
B
Tomatillos and onions
C
Green tomatoes and peppers
D
Mashed avocados mixed with lime, salt, cilantro, and other ingredients
7.
In Mexican cooking, what is a 'carnita'?
A
A type of sausage
B
A beef jerky
C
A small steak
D
Pork that is braised or simmered in oil until tender, then shredded
8.
What does 'pozole' refer to in Mexican cuisine?
A
A traditional soup or stew made with hominy corn and meat
B
A fried tortilla
C
A type of salsa
D
A type of cactus
9.
What is 'churro' in Mexican food culture?
A
A fried dough pastry coated in cinnamon sugar
B
A type of burrito
C
A chocolate drink
D
A type of chili pepper
10.
In Mexican cuisine, what is 'ceviche'?
A
Raw seafood marinated and 'cooked' in citrus juice with onions and peppers
B
A fish soup
C
Grilled fish
D
Fried shrimp
11.
What does 'enchilada' literally mean in Spanish?
A
Fried and crispy
B
Baked in cheese
C
Wrapped in corn
D
Seasoned with chili — a tortilla rolled around a filling and covered with sauce
12.
What is 'horchata' in Mexican food culture?
A
A type of soup
B
A meat marinade
C
A type of hot sauce
D
A refreshing drink traditionally made from rice, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar
13.
In Mexican cuisine, what is 'chipotle'?
A
A type of fresh pepper
B
A cheese variety
C
A smoke-dried ripe jalapeno pepper used for seasoning
D
A cooking pot
14.
What does 'pico de gallo' literally translate to?
A
Spicy sauce
B
Beak of the rooster — a fresh salsa of diced tomatoes, onions, and peppers
C
Red salsa
D
Chicken beak
15.
What is 'agua fresca' in Mexican food culture?
A
Sparkling water
B
A light, refreshing beverage made with fruit, water, and sugar
C
A type of soup broth
D
A mineral water brand

Answer Key

Question 1

B. A rich, complex sauce often made with chili peppers, chocolate, and many spices

Question 2

B. A small, green fruit with a papery husk used in salsas and sauces

Question 3

B. A tortilla filled with cheese and other ingredients, then folded and grilled

Question 4

B. Masa dough filled with meat or other fillings, wrapped in corn husks and steamed

Question 5

A. Grilled corn on the cob, often served with mayo, cheese, chili, and lime

Question 6

D. Mashed avocados mixed with lime, salt, cilantro, and other ingredients

Question 7

D. Pork that is braised or simmered in oil until tender, then shredded

Question 8

A. A traditional soup or stew made with hominy corn and meat

Question 9

A. A fried dough pastry coated in cinnamon sugar

Question 10

A. Raw seafood marinated and 'cooked' in citrus juice with onions and peppers

Question 11

D. Seasoned with chili — a tortilla rolled around a filling and covered with sauce

Question 12

D. A refreshing drink traditionally made from rice, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar

Question 13

C. A smoke-dried ripe jalapeno pepper used for seasoning

Question 14

B. Beak of the rooster — a fresh salsa of diced tomatoes, onions, and peppers

Question 15

B. A light, refreshing beverage made with fruit, water, and sugar

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