N

Nopales  pads or ears of prickly pear cactus

O

Olla   fat and round clay pot with a flat bottom

Oregano herb belonging to the mint family and related to both marjoram and thyme; it is not as sweet and has a stronger, more pungent flavor and aroma than marjoram

P

Pepitas pumpkin seeds

Pescado fish

Pickled Jalapeños  jalapeños, red wine vinegar, sugar, corriander seed, black peppercorn, salt, onion

Pickled Onions  red onion, vinegar, cumin, oregano, garlic, sugar, beets, salt, pepper

Piloncillo  raw brown sugar

Plantain  large, firm, thick-skinned, starchy banana used in Latin cooking; green plantains are very hard and ideal for frying as chips; black plantains indicate ripeness

Q

Quesadilla  Mexican cheeses melted in a handmade flour tortilla; cut in six wedges and served with a grilled scallion and serrano

Quince  yellow skinned fruit looks and tastes like a cross between an apple and a pear; astringent, tart flavor when raw; high pectin content makes it ideal for use in jams, jellies, and preserves

Quinoa a staple grain of the ancient Incas; it is tiny and bead-shaped with a delicate, nutty flavor; this “supergrain of the future” contains more protein than any other grain; it is a complete protein with all 8 essential amino acids and is higher in unsaturated fat and lower in carbohydrates than most grains

R

Rajas thin strips of sweet bell peppers and poblanos; cooked slowly with onions, Mexican cheeses, and cream

Red Sangria  red wine, lime, sugar, fresh fruit

Red Wine Vinaigrette  red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper

Rock Shrimp  from Florida; of the lobster family; consistent quality; strong flavor

Roja Salsa  tomato, onion, garlic, jalapeño, salt

S

Salsa Fresca tomato, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime, salt, pepper