Cinco de Mayo, otherwise known as Battle of Puebla Day, is celebrated every year on May 5, commemorating Mexico’s victory over France in 1862 at the Battle of Puebla during the Second Franco-Mexican War. In the US, the occasion has gradually evolved and is now a massive celebration of this important historical victory and Mexican culture and heritage.
If your family, like many others, is planning to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, there’s no better way to do so than by enjoying plenty of mouth-watering traditional Mexican food. Here’s a round-up of easy yet delicious recipes to try, followed by a few top Mexican-themed online casino games to help you unwind after your hard work in the kitchen. Enjoy!
Grilled cheesy elote
Elote is the perfect example of moreish Mexican street food. It promises the perfect balance between salty, sweet and creamy. Luckily, it’s easy to replicate these magical flavors yourself as long as you have the right ingredients on hand.
You’ll need:
- 4 corn on the cob
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp crushed garlic
- ½ tsp chili powder (leave this out if you prefer a milder flavor)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ½ cup cotija cheese
- Zest of one lime and lime wedges
Mix mayo, sour cream, garlic, lime zest, chili powder (if using), paprika and cilantro in a bowl to make your dressing. Next place the corn on the cob in a pot or skillet on the stove and grill on high heat, frequently turning until charred. Once ready, remove from the stove and brush generously with the deliciously creamy dressing. Adorn commemorating with your crumbly cotija cheese and add the final flavor punch with a squeeze of lime juice. Top with any remaining cilantro for decoration and your dish is ready to serve!
Spicy pico de gallo
What’s a Mexican holiday without fresh pico de gallo (also known as salsa)? It’s absolutely delicious, it’s super-versatile and can accompany practically any dish as a flavor-enhancing side. It goes great with most proteins, including chicken, fish and beef, and it’s a must for nachos or tacos of any kind.
You’ll need:
- 4 ripe tomatoes (plum tomatoes work best)
- 2 serrano chilis
- 1 medium onion (white or red, depending on preference)
- 1 lime
- A sprinkle of salt to taste
- Cilantro sprigs for garnish
Slice your tomatoes and chilis in half to remove the seeds, and remove the cilantro leaves from the stems. Use a sharp knife to finely chop the tomatoes, chilis, onion and cilantro. Place in a bowl and sprinkle with salt and a few squeezes of the lime. Mix and enjoy!
Fruity mango and chicken tortillas
Tortillas are a true Mexican staple, and the great news is that they’re both easy to customize and easy to make. If mango isn’t quite your thing, feel free to experiment with other ingredients and make substitutions wherever you wish.
You’ll need:
- 2 diced chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Ready-made tortillas
- 1 peeled, destoned and sliced mango
- Sprigs of watercress
- 1 lime
- Salt
Cook the chicken in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown and set aside. Toast the tortillas in a flat pan with a splash of olive oil until golden and remove. Fill generously with the chicken, mango and sprigs of watercress. Top with some more olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lime. If you’d like a creamier finish, we recommend homemade lime and mustard mayo. Simply mix a few tablespoons of mayo with a splash of lime juice and a few teaspoons of Dijon mustard, and add a few dollops of your concoction onto your tortillas. Alternatively, mix it together with your chicken before filling the tortillas.
Mexican-themed online slots
Now that the cooking’s done and dusted, it’s time to sit back and relax with some real online slots that feature plenty of their own Mexican flavor. Here are a few live dealer casino favorites that are sure to keep you on your toes!
Spiñata Grande
Released back in 2015 by NetEnt, Spiñata Grande has remained a go-to for gamblers who are looking to enjoy a fun-filled spin session. The game is played on five reels with 40 paylines and offers an above-average return to player (RTP) of 96.84%. The colorful mariachi theme brings with it spinning piñatas, candy and confetti. Other elements to look forward to include the free spins and mini-slot feature.
Jumpin Jalapeños
Spice up your visit to the online casino with a game of Jumpin Jalapeños, where you’ll participate in a jalapeño-eating contest in Mexico. The more spicy peppers you “eat,” the higher your wins. You’ll feel as though you’ve really stepped into the country, with symbols including a raging bull, tacos, guitars and cacti taking center stage. The 96.03% RTP is the real chili on the tortilla and the reason why you’re sure to keep coming back for more.
Join the festivities and play slots online at BetMGM
The BetMGM online casino is where you’ll find a diverse selection of many types of casino games, from live dealer casino games and casino table games to real online slots, which should help make your Cinco de Mayo celebrations even more memorable! If you’d like to explore what’s on offer, feel free to register via our convenient mobile portal.
