Mole is the Mexican national dish for holidays and feasts. But how and when was mole first created? Among the common folklore of its creation includes a tale from the early colonial period. According to the legend, upon hearing that the archbishop was going to visit the Convent of Santa Rosa in Puebla, the nuns were in a panic because they were poor and had nothing to prepare. They prayed about the situation and brought together the little bits of what they had to make a sauce. This included peppers, spices, day-old bread, nuts, and a little chocolate. They served the sauce on top of some turkey and the Archbishop loved it!
Red Iguana is famous for our moles (pronounced moh-lays) and we have at least 8 different types that are available regularly — Mole Negro, Amarillo, Poblano, Verde, Coloradito, Red Pipian, Mango, and Almendras. If you’d like to sample each mole currently available, ask your waiter for a mole sampler (seen below).
During his visit to the Red Iguana, Diner’s, Drive-ins, and Dives host, Guy Fieri exclaimed, “Holy Moley!” while helping owner Lucy Cardenas add ingredients to a giant vat of mole.
The History & Origins of Horchata
UncategorizedWhere Is Horchata From? The Journey From North Africa to Mexico Key Takeaways: Horchata’s history spans North Africa, Spain, and Mexico. Mexican horchata is made with rice, while Spanish horchata is made with tiger nuts. Horchata is not one recipe. Different countries have created their own regional versions. The rice-based horchata served in Mexican […]
Where Did Tacos Originate? The History of Mexico’s Most Iconic Dish
UncategorizedKey Takeaways: Tacos originated in Mexico thousands of years ago, evolving from Indigenous traditions of using corn tortillas to hold and eat food. There is no single authentic taco recipe. Every region of Mexico has developed its own styles using local ingredients, cooking methods, and traditions. Spanish colonization introduced ingredients like beef, pork, and chicken, […]
Mexican Breakfast Dishes You Should Know and Try
UncategorizedSummary Key Takeaways: Mexican breakfast is built on a short list of core ingredients, eggs, beans, tortillas, and salsa, that change dramatically depending on how they’re combined and where in Mexico the dish comes from. The chorizo, salsas, and beans are what separate a real Mexican breakfast from a generic one. House-made versions of all […]
Chimichanga vs. Burrito: What’s the Difference?
UncategorizedQuick Summary: A straightforward comparison of burritos and chimichangas, what they are, how they’re made, and what sets them apart, with a section on how enchiladas fit into the picture. Who This Is For Salt Lake City locals and visitors who are curious about the difference between these dishes before ordering, or who want a […]
What are Sopapillas?
UncategorizedQuick Summary: Who This Is For Anyone curious about what sopapillas actually are: first-timers at a Mexican restaurant, home cooks who want to make them, or anyone who’s eaten them a dozen times and never thought to ask where they came from. Key Takeaways Sopapillas are a deep-fried dough pastry that puffs into a hollow […]