For many travelers, part of the enjoyment of visiting new places is trying the local cuisine. In the Southwest, travelers enter a world unlike any other in the United States.
The local food scene in New Mexico is second to none. New Mexican foods have their roots in Native American, Spanish, and Mexican traditions, and some dishes capture the essence of them all.
Certain New Mexican foods originated in New Mexico like Native American frybread-style sopapillas, breakfast burritos, enchilada montadas (stacked enchiladas), green chile burgers, and carne adovada (pork marinated in red chile).
Similar to caldillo, a red or green chile stew, this green chile stew includes coarsely-chopped green chile, ground or cubed beef or pork, potato, diced tomato, onion, garlic, and chicken or beef stock.
Although it originated in Texas, many serve Frito pie in New Mexico with New Mexican red chiles. The casserole has a red chile sauce, sometimes with meat, pinto beans, or a combination of both.
Although there are many variations of Mexican enchiladas, this dish usually comes with corn tortillas with chicken or other meat and cheese, and most cover it with chile sauce.