Need a Mexican main dish that's delicious, understated, and yet impressive

[grasswire]

Something that feeds about ten people. I wouldn't be opposed to other Central American origin. I was thinking along the lines of a sweet corn pastel. I wouldn't be opposed to tamales, although I don't want this dinner to LOOK overstated as if I've worked days on it. It's a pre-lecture meal, so it shouldn't put people to sleep, either.

Any ideas?

[NMDemDist2]

1. mexican lasgana? enchiladas ?

how much work do you want to do?

I would proudly serve the Fiesta Bake off the bisquick box, but hey that's just me. Especially when you "doctor" it a bit, it looks lovely and is yummy. Not a traditional "Mexican" dish and certainly not upscale at all though.

[grasswire]

5. what's in that recipe?

Just a general idea will do. Thanks!

[NMDemDist2]

8. which recipe? the "Fiesta Bake" is here

i don't use chunky salsa, I sweat tomotoes and onion with parsley or cilantro or whatever then add regular salsa, add some corn (usually frozen) and I use high quality canned chicken and garnish with sour cream and black olives (guacamole garnish would be a nice addtion too)

here's the basic recipe but it doesn't turn out with that much bread since I add so much more stuff the breading is much thinner. It's easy to make a large batch

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/recipe.aspx?recipeid=37713&MSCSProfile=3C79F0C7EA3162B230DF1554C750E77B0BE9F160FE589F8EB044E887882EAD09F9DB4DF07B805B48E899FBA95971199132B25CCE35F60DED3B79104FA7AA97AF5891C6162380A49B98D5A3E35D96645E35FB4074BC382CA23E5B870C78BB237BC1DC3CB14F98EC07B94BF687B8A5C6BB68D691C0B2631449C2B1B7A33EA4ABF1

[Stinky The Clown]

2. If its warm where you are, consider some ceviche

You could make just one or a whole assortment of them. Serve them in fancy small dishes ..... like "Little Meals" and allow your guests to sample them. Accompany them with a fresh tomato salad and some bread.


Scallops and mangoes


Shrimps


Fin fish of some sort

There are many, many recipes on the internet. I try to do mine the day before and let them "cook" overnight in the fridge. I often make this for neighborhood pot lucks and it never fails to go fast. Last time I made one that mixed scallops, shrimp, clams, and tallapia. It had onions and a combination of orange, lemon, and lime juice (all fresh squeezed). Must have 2 gallons of it. Gone!

edit to add: This is truly an easy, easy, easy dish to make. Cut, squeeze, mix, wait.

This is very much a Latin dish, but not tamales or quesadillas!

[grasswire]

4. okay, I'm hungry!

But I'm also cold, head to toe. I think I need a hot dish, but could serve ceviche for an appetizer. Two of the people are vegetarians, I forgot to add. There could be meat, but also needs to be something else.

[grasswire]

7. now I'm wavering on the Mexican flavor after seeing the shrimp

I love to make this menu: Spiced shrimp, three-citrus fried polenta with parmesan and rosemary, celeriac remoulade, and sliced oranges with coconut. I don't know why it all fits together, but it does.

I was going with Mexican because one of the guests really truly loves Mexican.

Ah well, I'll work it out.

[Stinky The Clown]

9. I see how your mind works

You see one recipe or idea and it morphs into what you wanted to do all along. From ceviche to an international hot meal in one easy leap!

You're to be congratulated! Great creativity!

[grasswire]

10. well.....

..I didn't really want to do this because frying the polenta 'til it's crispy outside is something that is unpredictable in timing.

I usually end this meal with David Rosengarten's pecan pie, fwiw.

I'm going back to consider the idea of a pastel, but adding a spicy cold shrimp dish.

Or wait! Maybe a two soup buffet. Then I could use that shrimp bisque from another thread.

The fun is in the planning, always.

[wildeyed]

3. Sounds like you know allot about the different regions.

I make a vegetarian dish with zucchini and kidney beans sauteed with olive oil, onions and fresh oregano. Wrap in tortilla wrappers with some shredded cheese, put in baking pan then pour a sauce of tomato puree, heavy cream and cilantro over the top. Sprinkle more cheese on and then bake until hot and yummy.

This meal might be too understated for your purposes, but it sure is good!

[grasswire]

6. mmm cilantro

It took me a long time to get to like cilantro. Sounds like an interesting dish, thanks!