Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Frida Kahlo, the famous painter known for her colourful and expressive portraits, was deeply inspired by her Mexican heritage. She wasn’t just a great artist; she also helped keep traditional Mexican food alive and appreciated. Through her art and her life, Frida showed how much she loved Mexican culture, and that’s a big reason why she’s still so important today, both in Mexico and around the world.
Frida loved food and saw it as a way to connect with her Mexican roots. She and Diego Rivera often had parties at their home, Casa Azul, where they shared traditional Mexican dishes and celebrated their culture with friends.
Who is Frida Kahlo?
Frida Kahlo wasn’t just a painter, she was a passionate foodie who championed Mexican cuisine and indigenous rights.
Chefs today still draw inspiration from her to keep traditional Mexican dishes alive.
Ever wondered what Frida cooked up at her legendary parties?
Lucky for us, the cookbook “Frida’s Fiestas: Recipes and Reminiscences of Life with Frida Kahlo: A Cookbook” spills the beans on her vibrant gatherings and the delicious food she served!
Let’s Cook Like Frida in Honour of Her Art
Frida Kahlo was known for throwing amazing parties with delicious food! We’ve taken some of her favourite recipes and added a special Gran Luchito twist to spice things up! Get ready to experience a fiesta of flavours!
Tamales
Did you know? Back in 1942, Frida Kahlo threw a Day of the Dead fiesta at La Casa Azul! She whipped up some tamales (her go-to dish!), and invited everyone: family, friends, Guadalupe(her stepdaughter), and even her painting students—who brought along fresh pulque! The house was decked out to honour death but also celebrate life. With toasts and drinks flowing (pulque, tequila, whiskey, and brandy!), it was a blast! Frida even got into those spirits while travelling in the States with Diego!
Mole
Who needs a boring old chicken dinner when you can have a legendary wedding feast inspired by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera’s 1929 bash?! Picture this: a table overflowing with Mole Negro (the star of the show!), zesty oyster soup, rice with sweet plantains, exotic huauzontles, stuffed chiles poppin’ with flavour, and pozole rojo that’ll warm your soul. And don’t forget the tequila to get the party started and the flan and fancy wedding cake to finish it off with a flourish! This ain’t your average dinner – it’s a trip back in time, a celebration of love and art, and a fiesta of flavours that’ll make your tastebuds sing! Get the recipe for our Chicken Mole with its rich and complex blend of Chipotle Paste, (the gateway to your own Frida-inspired feast!) and let’s get cookin’!
Refried Beans
More than just an artist, a kitchen whiz too! Turns out, Frida Kahlo wasn’t just a brilliant artist; she could also whip up a mean meal! One of the first dishes she cooked for Diego Rivera? Refried beans! And Diego? He loved ’em with cheese and crunchy totopos. Want to know more about Frida’s kitchen adventures? Check out “Frida’s Fiestas: Recipes and Reminiscences of Life with Frida Kahlo” by Guadalupe Rivera (Diego’s daughter!) – it’s packed with stories and recipes straight from Frida’s kitchen!
Carnitas
The renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo frequently prepared carnitas at her home, Casa Azul, in Coyoacán. Her love for authentic Mexican cuisine led her to host numerous dinner parties and gatherings for loved ones, where carnitas was a staple dish.
The recipe for Kahlo’s preferred carnitas comes from a 1994 cookbook by Guadalupe Rivera, the daughter of Diego Rivera, who resided with Frida and Diego. Rivera fondly recalls a picnic on the Xochimilco flower canals with Frida and friends, where these carnitas were the highlight of their meal.
Shrimp Tacos
Frida Kahlo’s life was a wild ride of love, loss, and artistic passion. Even amidst heartbreak and betrayal, she found solace in simple moments, like sharing shrimp tacos with loved ones during a difficult time. They stayed with a family friend, Don Tomás, who was a great support. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest hours, human connection and good food nourish the soul. So gather ’round your table, amigos, and raise a taco to Frida – and to the enduring power of love and friendship!
Just like Frida, we believe that food is more than just sustenance; it’s a celebration of life, love, and the vibrant tapestry of Mexican culture. So, what are you waiting for? Embrace your inner Frida, fire up the stove, and let the fiesta begin!
By Leletu Baba
