Sikil P'aak From 'Yucatán'

For a dip so flavorful, sikil p'aak sure is ugly. A moderately chunky purée of ground pumpkin seeds, tomato purée, chiles, herbs, and onion, this hearty appetizer is a full expression of Yucatecan harvest time. I'll encourage you to ignore the appearance.

Brazo de Reina From 'Yucatán'

Brazo de reina is a large tamal filled with hardboiled eggs and served in generous slices. The name translates to "Queen's arm," which does little to describe the delightful complexity of the dish. David Sterling's recipe may be time-consuming, but what emerges at the end of the process is a glorious representation of the flavors of the Yucatán.

Tomate Frito From 'Yucatán'

Use this spicy tomato sauce to top the brazo de reina and the papadzules from David Sterling's Yucatán.

Cheese and Bean Pupusas (Salvadoran Stuffed, Griddled Tortillas) With Cabbage Slaw

Like its kissing cousin, the Mexican gordita, Salvadoran pupusas are a stellar corn flour pancake stuffed with fillings such as shredded cheese and braised meats, then griddled. Pupusas have the advantage of being stuffed before they're cooked, ensuring an irresistible gooey layer of cheese inside. Our recipe features a simple refried bean filling in addition to melted Oaxacan cheese, and gets topped with curtido, a simple cabbage, carrot and onion slaw.

Sopa de Lima (Yucatán Style Lime Soup)

Sopa de Lima is a bright and citrusy Mexican chicken soup that will tantalize your taste buds. This comforting soup is easy and delicious.

One-Pot Pozole Verde de Pollo (Green Mexican Hominy and Chicken Soup)

Unless you've got the day off, cooking pozole on a Thursday is nothing more than a sueño imposible. My goal was to come up with a recipe that is not only delicious, but fast. The recipe I came up with isn't authentic, but it sure as heck is delicious.

Chilaquiles With Pepitas, Charred Corn, and Black Beans

Chilaquiles are a classic Mexican breakfast dish that can be pretty aptly described as a fried tortilla casserole. Crisp chips are soaked in salsa (in this case a bright and tangy salsa verde made from tomatillos—charred to add some bitter,...

Sopa de Lima (Yucatán-Style Lime Soup)

My wife, Adri, and I just got back from a week spent eating our way around Mérida and the rest of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Sopa de lima, the Mayan poultry and lime soup that's popular up and down the Yucatán, is one of the simplest and most crowd-pleasingly delicious dishes we had.

Mexican Fried Eggplant Sandwich (Vegan Tortas and Pambazos)

Hearty vegan Mexican-style sandwiches made with fried eggplant, refried beans, roasted chilies, and pickled red onions, served in a toasted roll doused in enchilada sauce.

Spiced Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)

Light and crispy with a warm, nutty flavor, these spiced pumpkin seeds are a delicious snack. Add a bowl of these to your cheese board for easy entertaining!