Nov 2012

Lunching in Puerta de Canoas: Salsa de Molcajete, Jocoque Cheese, and Asado Sinaloense

Puerta de Canoas - Sinaloa, Mexico

Not last week but the one before, I was whisked away to the sunny shores of Sinaloa, Mexico for the 18th annual Gran Fiesta Amigos de Mazatlán. As part of the festivities, I explored the gastronomical delights in and around the Mazatlán region along with two fellow food writers. It was a tremendous experience chock full of deliciousness, and I am excited to share the highlights from my trip in these coming posts.

Puerta de Canoas - Sinaloa, Mexico

On my first full day in town, we hopped aboard a van and traveled to Puerta de Canoas, a teeny tiny town founded in the 18th century with just over 300 inhabitants. While it was a center for canoe manufacturing in the past, hence its name, these days the town is better known for raising cattle.

Here, we feasted on a traditional Sinaloan lunch prepared by two local ladies—Doña Rosa (left) and her daughter Monica. Sitting down to a home cooked meal in a part of the world where I didn’t have any friends or family was quite the treat and definitely one of the highlights of my travels.

Puerta de Canoas - Sinaloa, Mexico

When we arrived at the billiard hall cum kitchen and dining room, Doña Rosa was preparing corn tortillas on an old school Mexican stove. She didn’t speak of lick of English, and my Spanish was rudimentary at best, but we managed to get some basics down like greetings, names, and such. In this situation, smiles and nods went a long way.

Puerta de Canoas - Sinaloa, Mexico

What made this luncheon even more special was helping to produce a few elements of it. Aside from preparing tortillas, we were also charged with making the salsa de molcajete. We began by mashing together a few pinches of salt with a clove of garlic using a mortar and pestle. Then, Monica added in two charred tomatoes and a charred Serrano chili to be mashed into the mix.

Puerta de Canoas - Sinaloa, Mexico

The result was a rustic and chunky salsa with a subtle but effective amount of heat. I know for certain that I will be drawing on this simple but sensational recipe time and again in my home kitchen.

Puerta de Canoas - Sinaloa, Mexico

As an appetizer, Doña Rosa prepared a really delightful dish that didn’t have a name. It was comprised of a mixture of diced fresh avocado, cooked nopalestomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and mild chilies…

Puerta de Canoas - Sinaloa, Mexico

…and a wonderfully tangy and creamy cheese called jocoque.

Puerta de Canoas - Sinaloa, Mexico

To assemble, I laid down a warm corn tortilla base, slathered it with jocoque, piled on a heap of the cactus and avocado salad, and finally, added a drizzle of salsa. Every element was tasty on its own, but together they were unstoppable. Spicy, creamy, tangy, earthy—this package was heavenly.

Puerta de Canoas - Sinaloa, Mexico

We sipped cool glasses of jamaica, a hibiscus agua fresca, along with our meal. 

Puerta de Canoas - Sinaloa, Mexico

For the main course, we dug into hearty plates of asado Sinaloense. This specialty reflects the kind of cooking typically found in homes throughout the region. The beef and potato mixture that served as the foundation of the dish was gently seasoned and spiced.

Puerta de Canoas - Sinaloa, Mexico

The beans, on the other hand, were a savory masterpiece. I usually don’t get too excited over stewed legumes, but this pot had it going on.

Puerta de Canoas - Sinaloa, Mexico

To round out the asado was a mild tomato-based broth, pickled red onions, grated carrots, shredded cheese, lettuce, and cucumbers.

Puerta de Canoas - Sinaloa, Mexico

Doña Rosa was kind enough to assemble our plates. First came the beef and potato mixture, which was followed by a ladle of beans and tomato broth. The vegetables and cheese came piled on top.

Puerta de Canoas - Sinaloa, Mexico

We were served a small bowl of rice on the side. This homey, stick-to-your-bones kind of fare suited me just right.

Following our lovely lunch, we walked around Puerta de Canoas…

Puerta de Canoas - Sinaloa, Mexico

Puerta de Canoas - Sinaloa, Mexico

Puerta de Canoas - Sinaloa, Mexico

It was a most lovely afternoon.

Puerta de Canoas Tour by Pronatours

One year ago: Sotto Restaurant – Los Angeles
Two years ago: Sausage, Sage, and Thyme Bread Stuffing
Three years ago: Chinese Kitchen/Chi Tu Thanh Nha Hang – San Diego
Four years ago: Tahoe Galbi Restaurant – Los Angeles (Koreatown)
Five years ago: Thạch
Six years ago: The Coventry Deli – Philadelphia

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