review by Mala Raman and Nathalie Harms

03.11.22.  Día de los Muertos (or the Day of the death) is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the lives of those who have passed away with food, drink and celebration. It takes place on November 1st to honor the children that passed away and on November 2nd to honor the adults.

We had the opportunity to learn from our very own TIC member and Event Coordinator, Lily Gonzalez, how to make Mexican sopes with step-by-step instructions on how to cook this popular Mexican dish based on Lily’s family’s cooking tips and tricks. We made the tortillas from scratch for the sopes, salsa, pickled onions and guacamole. Lily demonstrated how to make the dish and all the trimmings. She also brought along Agua de Jamaica for tasting (hibiscus water).

Sopes varies per states in Mexico, mainly on the variety of toppings that can be used like beans, salsas, lettuce, sour cream, avocado, onion, chicken, beef and the list is endless, but the unique feature of this dish is that it has a thick fried tortilla with a circular shape whose edges are pinched so the toppings can be in one place.

‘Wow – I love Mexican food and have had some awesome Mexican dishes at restaurants around the world but last night I learnt how to make my own delicious Mexican dishes. Thanks to Lily from @tilburg_international_club for hosting and sharing her grandmother’s recipes and her own wonderful culinary skills! Lily taught me (and a lovely group of expats) how to make Sopes, guacamole, salsa tatamada and pickled onions – all from scratch. Food is such a wonderful way to bring people together. And while what you eat is important to your health, so is the how! The evening hit the jackpot for me on both fronts. Nutritious and delicious, and by sharing the experience, it was food for the soul!’