Rosa, an integral part of Catherine’s family and an active participant of Na’atik, has been cooking and feeding many students, donors, and visitors over the years. Today we’re sharing her recipe, Espagueti con salsa verde, which has become a part of holiday meals in Carrillo. Since the holidays are approaching and most likely won’t be like other years, why not add a little Mexican delicious fun onto your plates! We personally love this recipe and think it will become a favorite with all of you.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup of sour cream

• 4 poblano chiles 

• 1 package of cream cheese

• bunch of cilantro

• ¼ medium onion

• ½ clove of garlic

• ¼ cup butter

• spaghetti or preferred pasta for 6 servings

PREPARATION:

1. Cook the pasta and set aside

2. Prepare the poblano chiles by using rubber gloves or putting a plastic bag over your hands to not touch the seeds

3. Cut the chiles in half and remove the seeds

4. Cook the chiles on a comal or thick-bottomed frying pan or use metal tongs and grill the chiles directly over the flame on the stove until slightly blackened

5. Tie the chiles into a plastic bag and and leave them there for 20 minutes

6. Remove the chiles from the bag and peel off the outer skin

7. In a blender, blend the onion, garlic, cilantro, chiles and sour cream until smooth

8. Melt the butter in a frying pan

9. Add the blended liquid and heat

10. Add the cooked pasta and mix

11. Serve as a main or side dish, and enjoy!

    If you would like to read more about Mexican culture, history, cuisine and language, check out our blog page for our latest monthly articles. You can also sign up to our newsletter to receive these straight to your inbox along with the latest news about our non-profit school for local and Indigenous students in Felipe Carrillo Puerto. 

    The best way to experience the Mexican lifestyle is in person, with a Na’atik Immersion experience. Not only do you live with a local Mexican-Maya family, sharing home-cooked meals and free time, but also receive expert instruction in your chosen language at our school. Best of all, every immersion experience helps fund our subsidized and free local education program, helping local students to access opportunities and make their own futures.