Recipes: Botanas - Mexican Appetizers

Botanas – Mexican appetizers. What is an appetizer? An appetizer is a first course that is served when there is a waiting time for the main course. In formal sit down dinners, this is a selection of small dishes that are meant to tease the appetite. It's like a sampler, a teaser of the whole course you are about to enjoy. Appetizers are light and are served in small sizes since they are only meant to give a taste and not fill up the stomach. In Mexico, botanas are popular snacks and side dishes. Some of the Mexican botanas that are popular in other parts of the world include arroz verde, camote (sweet potato), consomme (broth), frijoles negros (black beans), nachos, pico de gallo and pambazos (stuffed bread).

Here are some recipes for botanas that you can use when you want appetizers for you Mexican fiesta or buffet spread.

Pico de Gallo

To make fabulous pico de gallo, you have to combine sweet onions, habanera peppers, coriander, garlic salt, chili powder, fresh tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, cilantro, cumin and lemon juice in one large bowl. Keep it refrigerated before for at least 6 hours before taking it out and serving it up with some tortilla chips.

Corn, Shrimp and Black Bean Quesadillas

How about serving up some quesadillas for botanas? This is an easy recipe that yields flavorful results. You need to saute shrimp in hot olive oil until both sides of the shrimp are pink. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes and corn kernels. Add some cumin, chicken stock and green onions. Place some soft flour tortillas on a plate and spread some of the shrimp mixture in them. Sprinkle cheese generously before folding them in half and placing them on a baking dish. Bake them in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit until all the cheese is melted but the tortillas should not come out crispy.