Chiles En Nogada: Mexico’s Most Patriotic Dish
What screams patriotism more than a dish made up of some of a country’s most celebrated foods and flavours, in the colours of said country’s flag? Nothing, that’s what, and Mexico boasts just such a culinary delight in the form of the seasonal chiles en nogada. Consisting of a stuffed chile bathed in creamy walnut sauce and topped with pomegranate seeds, this is everything you need to know about the history of Mexico’s most patriotic dish.
The name comes from the typical ingredients used, as nogal translates to walnut in Spanish; the whole name translated means ‘chillies in walnuts’. The dried fruit stuffing for the chile itself is typically made from a combination of apple, peach and pear, plus pork, spices and nuts, and the whole dish is supposed to be served at room temperature with the walnut sauce making for a cold topping. Chiles en nogada are not just considered patriotic for their well thought out colour scheme, however, as they are also typically associated with the most patriotic day of the year in any country; Independence Day. In the months leading up to September 15th and 16th, fondas, restuarants and locales will be positively overflowing with customers wanting to get their mitts on this iconically Mexican dish in time for the fiestas patrias which mark Mexican independence from Spain.
The supposed history behind the invention of this now ubiquitous, but still seasonal, dish is as follows: following the cry for independence issued by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in Dolores de Hidalgo that fateful night of September 15th 1810, came the Mexican War of Independence. This brutal battle didn’t cease for 11 long years, until Agustín de Iturbide signed the Treaty of Independence before stopping off in Puebla on his way back to the capital. A feast was held in his honour, but the townsfolk (or, more specifically, the Augustinian nuns charged with preparing a special dish) were at a loss for what to prepare, given that they could only use ingredients in season at the time. This last-minute panic, something Mexicans to this day thrive on, launched the dish that would come to be considered Mexico’s most patriotic dish; a meat, dried fruit and raisin stuffed poblano chile, doused in creamy walnut sauce and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds and parsley. What a relief it must have been to realise that the red, white and green of the key ingredients coincided with the colours of the Mexican flag!
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
However, there exists much controversy over the origins of this dish, with some claiming it was merely a seasonal adaptation of a pre-existing recipe. A slightly less commonly believed tale is that three women, all betrothed to members of the Mexican army who would soon be returning from the War of Independence, put their heads together to come up with a dish that would represent the country their loved ones had just fought to defend. Whatever the ‘real’ story is, we know that this dish does hail from Puebla, even though nearby Tlaxcala often tries to lay claim to it. ¡Viva México!
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
