What is New Mexican cuisine?

When most people talk about Mexican food in America, they are referring to "Tex-Mex", which is enchiladas, tamales, refried beans, rice - the stuff you get in Mexican restaurants all over. New Mexican cuisine refers to a blend of that sort of food with American Indian, American, French, and whatever else suits. It's typified by fresh ingredients and inventive combinations. An enchilada stuffed with zuccini blossoms and topped with a green chile sauce made with goat cheese might qualify (I just made that dish up - not saying it's real or good) as New Mexico cuisine. The state has vast chile fields, and has always been known for a certain flavor and style of food, but in recent times there has been a growth of awareness and and influx of chefs and other food people, particularly in Santa Fe and surroundings. Instead of using "chile", they might use some certain chile, or a blend from certain places to get just some certain flavors, or put unique things inside tamales, or make special sauces with unique ingredients instead of just "enchilada sauce". The term New Mexico Cuisine really means Mexican food with a gourmet flair to it, ultimately.

First answer by Ehsanabria. Last edit by Jjdon. Contributor trust: 57 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 64 [recommend question]