Exploring our cultures through cooking: Mexican Tacos

Thursday 29th November 2018

Food is a universal language that has always brought people together. Food can also help children connect with their cultures. Cultural food traditions are unique in that they embody the rich history and heritage of the people who cook the dishes. We believe it is important to harness the opportunity of multiculturalism and internationalism to bring people closer together. We can help our children connect and appreciate cultures abroad and of their own neighbours. 

A perfect way to foster cultural appreciation is through food. We all know that an easy way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. 

Many Mexican dishes are corn based with tacos, enchiladas, etc. and families get together to eat and enjoy homemade food and accompany these meals with tortilla. It is a huge part of their heritage. Tacos are quite old and have been part of their culture since 500 B.C. Tacos are for Mexicans, what bread is for Americans and Europeans.

Today, we are trying to explore Mexican food by making beef tacos with ingredients that we already have on hand. The Ingredients used included: 

+ 1 tsp. canola oil

+ 1/2 cup finely-chopped onion

+ 500 grams of ground beef

+ 1 tsp. ground cumin / 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

+ 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

+ 1/2 cup water and 14 taco shells 

The Taco Fillings included:  

+ Chopped carrot and cucumber

+ 1-2 diced tomatoes

+ 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)

+ 1 cup of guacamole 

Sitting down for a meal together was a perfect gateway to start a conversation with children about why certain cultures eat particular foods and how the dishes came to be. We are continuing to enjoy the adventure of exploring the wonderful world of food through the eyes of people from around this beautiful planet of ours.