Cozy comfort foods take center stage during the New England fall, and what better way to elevate your fall and Thanksgiving table than with the rich, warm flavors of Mexican cuisine? The earthy spices, roasted chiles, and hearty ingredients of Mexican cooking naturally complement traditional autumn dishes, making them a perfect pairing for the season. There are plenty of great ways to enjoy Mexican food in NH—including visiting Don Ramon!—so why not add some to your Thanksgiving spread?
Enjoy Mexican food in NH this Thanksgiving! Here are some ingredients and dishes that are perfect for the season.
Mexican Ingredients That Embrace the Fall Vibe
Many core ingredients in Mexican cuisine mirror the rustic flavors we crave in fall. Take squash and pumpkin (calabaza), for example. Roasted or puréed, they’re staples in both Mexican and Thanksgiving fare. Try making pumpkin tamales or calabaza en tacha (candied pumpkin with cinnamon and piloncillo) for a festive twist.
Corn (maíz) is another natural fit. Swap your usual cornbread for one made with masa harina, cotija cheese, and jalapeño, or stir hominy into a warming pozole rojo, a deep red chile stew that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Dried chiles like ancho, pasilla, and chipotle bring a smoky-sweet depth that shines in fall dishes. Use them in a chile-spiced gravy for turkey, stir chipotle into mashed sweet potatoes, or add a dried ancho chile to cranberry sauce for a bold new flavor.
And don’t forget the warm spices, especially Mexican cinnamon (canela), with its soft, floral character. Use it in Mexican hot chocolate, mole sauces, or even to season your sweet potatoes.
Thanksgiving with a Mexican Twist
Traditional Thanksgiving dishes get a flavor upgrade with a few simple swaps. Roast your turkey with a rub of ancho chile, citrus, garlic, and cumin, or serve it with mole poblano for a show-stopping main. In your stuffing, try chorizo, roasted poblanos, and cornbread seasoned with Mexican oregano.
Side dishes also shine with subtle Mexican influence: add chipotle and piloncillo to mashed sweet potatoes, toss green beans with lime, garlic, and pepitas, and flavor cranberry sauce with orange zest, cinnamon, and hibiscus (jamaica).
For dessert, top your pumpkin pie with cajeta (goat’s milk caramel) or add a splash of mezcal for a smoky, sophisticated note.
Add NH Mexican Food to Your Thanksgiving Dinner
Mexican flavors and dishes are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. With flavors that go perfectly with New England fall and spices to punch up traditional dishes, there’s no way you can go wrong. Whether you do the cooking yourself or have our team at Don Ramon do the cooking for you, your guests will love it!