Norteña

This is a true taste of north Mexico using fresh produce, bursting with flavour, colour and – crucially – history. The Mexican cuisine that most people are familiar with is from the centre or the south of the country, but Karla tells the tale of the northern states of Mexico – of the coastlines and fresh seafood, the cattle ranches, sun-ripened fruit and vegetables and the family gatherings around the table. Recipes include world-famous Baja fish tacos, ‘piggy’ pinto beans, vegan chorizo, crab tostadas, sopes (corn patties) served in a tomato broth, all accompanied by mouth-watering spicy salsas, fresh queso and zingy salads. There are recipes para la sed (for the thirst), which include the best margaritas. We end on something sweet, with Mexican flan and camotes (sweet potato poached until tender in a sweet, spiced syrup). Longer narrative passages describe the different cultural events that play such a huge part in the cuisine, such as tamales estilo Sinaloa, wrapped with special care at Christmas time. By sharing her family recipes, Karla makes sure that each dish is packed with flavour but also cooked with love. Let yourself be transported to the Baja peninsula, rolling corn tortillas in the sun, sipping on a refreshing michelada and cooled by the breeze coming in from the sea.