Norteña

This is a true taste of north Mexico using fresh produce, bursting with flavour, colour and – crucially – history.

The Mexican cuisine that most people are familiar with is from the centre or the south of the country, but Karla tells the tale of the northern states of Mexico – of the coastlines and fresh seafood, the cattle ranches, sun-ripened fruit and vegetables and the family gatherings around the table.

Recipes include world-famous Baja fish tacos, ‘piggy’ pinto beans, vegan chorizo, crab tostadas, sopes (corn patties) served in a tomato broth, all accompanied by mouth-watering spicy salsas, fresh queso and zingy salads. There are recipes para la sed (for the thirst), which include the best margaritas. We end on something sweet, with Mexican flan and camotes (sweet potato poached until tender in a sweet, spiced syrup). Longer narrative passages describe the different cultural events that play such a huge part in the cuisine, such as tamales estilo Sinaloa, wrapped with special care at Christmas time.

By sharing her family recipes, Karla makes sure that each dish is packed with flavour but also cooked with love. Let yourself be transported to the Baja peninsula, rolling corn tortillas in the sun, sipping on a refreshing michelada and cooled by the breeze coming in from the sea.

Reviews

'When you read a really good cookery book it can transport you to a different place, which is what this book did for me. Huge congratulations to Karla Zazueta, Norteña deserves to be a best seller.' – Anjula Devi

‘I have been following Karla for years. Over that time, I have cooked and eaten so many of her incredible dishes – and was even lucky enough to be taught by her. She’s such a brilliant cook … and now writer!’ – Olia Hercules

'I've been lucky enough to try Karla's food firsthand and it's nothing short of incredible- full of deep, complex flavour, textures and colours. Norteña is an unmissable cookbook, full of mouthwatering recipes and beautiful stories steeped in the tradition of Karla's upbringing.' – Ixta Belfrage

‘An epic account of Mexican food, shining a spotlight on the food from the north of the country’ – Jake Normal

'Exploring the recipes in Norteña is like embarking on a flavourful journey through the vibrant and rich culture of northern Mexico, each dish a testament to Karla’s passion for both the cuisine and beautiful heritage.' – Ana Da Costa

‘Norteña” fills in an important gap in the world of Mexican cookbooks – a special addition to any kitchen’ – Mely Martinez, author of The Mexican Home Kitchen

‘I find it so hard to find real authentic Mexican recipes (and not Tex-Mex). I absolutely love Karla!’ – Seema Pankhania, MOB Kitchen

‘An excellent book’ – Melissa Thompson

‘So much of Mexican cuisine is naturally gluten free so this book will be getting plenty of use. It’s beautiful and so insightful’ – Becky Excell

‘A gorgeous and delicious book with stunning photography’ – Uyen Luu