The True Nostalgia of Immigrants
As a Mexican Latina, when thinking about my hometown, nostalgia immediately awakes out of melancholy. It's not that I actually miss the physical place per se, it's more about the moments of life created yonder.
Salma Hayek defined it perfectly well on a TV interview perforemed by Jorge Ramos for his news show, Al Punto. As she was sharing tones of the character of Beatriz, a Mexican immigrant living on the US on the movie "Beatriz at Dinner," Hayek said, "Todos tenemos esa sensación de nostalgia como de que había un lugar que era mejor antes en algún momento de tu vida, es importante que digas 'hogar'. Si no eres inmigrante y tu papás siguen juntos y viven en la misma casa cuando eran niños, no es el mismo hogar porque este lugar que buscamos no es físico, es un lugar de pureza e inocencia en donde tu tenías esa pureza." What she means is, we all have a loving memory of a place we grew up in but this place no longer exists — even if it's still there.
You can watch the complete video here.
When Latinos talk about their culture, their food, their music, and overall folklore, they speak with such passion 💓. This is because every single occasion within the Latino community involves a meaningful preparation that will eventually become a family tradition — and it will forever accompany us throughout our path of life. For example, parents taking their children to soccer games every Saturday and passionately supporting their team with such loyalty. Or gathering together with the family every Sunday to grill some BBQ.
Other events such as birthdays celebrations, Quinceañeras, graduations, first communions, baptisms, weddings, etc., involve big preparation which is enriched by cherished habits that will be passed down through generations.
When Latinos host gatherings with family and friends around these special occasions, it is only for one main purpose, and that is sharing. Latino families celebrate breakthrough moments in their children's lives which they see as relevant and transcendental. Therefore, they heartily invite people to witness this moment and celebrate together by eating tons of delicious food and drinks. This will build bonds and make memories that will forever be treasured in their hearts. THIS IS the nostalgia that we ache.
Deep nostalgia includes flavors and smells...
This is why today I want to share this Mexican Tacos al Carbón recipe I found on YouTube. The chef's name is Johnny Hernandez and his YouTube channel is cooking guide (eHow Food). Better subscribe to it and enjoy it!
First, you'll need some good arrachera to place on the grill. Do not marinate, just add some salt to it. *Good quality beef doesn't require any additional flavors.
Eventually, your arrachera will look — and smell— like this:
Make sure you have good and really warm corn tortillas. Now, take some time to do this:
(Warning: if you are not an expert, do it despacito).
Have some fresh cilantro and onions thinly sliced. Also, make sure you have some limones (green limes) and real spicy salsa.
VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure you do not serve less than 6 tacos on your plate! Enjoy!
To me, missing my hometown is all about my mother's cooking sazón and smells (Oh, those wonderful smells of Christmas!). It is about the family road trips to the beach; the every-morning-craziness before going to school; the long late-night talks with friends, those long hours in honest laughter; feeling secure; being curious about everything; hoping about the future; dreaming about how life would be. But most of all, the experiences and conversations happening around the table when sharing delicious meals.
Although we can go back to visit the physical place, deep down we know these moments will never come back.
Salma Hayek defined it perfectly well on a TV interview perforemed by Jorge Ramos for his news show, Al Punto. As she was sharing tones of the character of Beatriz, a Mexican immigrant living on the US on the movie "Beatriz at Dinner," Hayek said, "Todos tenemos esa sensación de nostalgia como de que había un lugar que era mejor antes en algún momento de tu vida, es importante que digas 'hogar'. Si no eres inmigrante y tu papás siguen juntos y viven en la misma casa cuando eran niños, no es el mismo hogar porque este lugar que buscamos no es físico, es un lugar de pureza e inocencia en donde tu tenías esa pureza." What she means is, we all have a loving memory of a place we grew up in but this place no longer exists — even if it's still there.
You can watch the complete video here.
When Latinos talk about their culture, their food, their music, and overall folklore, they speak with such passion 💓. This is because every single occasion within the Latino community involves a meaningful preparation that will eventually become a family tradition — and it will forever accompany us throughout our path of life. For example, parents taking their children to soccer games every Saturday and passionately supporting their team with such loyalty. Or gathering together with the family every Sunday to grill some BBQ.
Other events such as birthdays celebrations, Quinceañeras, graduations, first communions, baptisms, weddings, etc., involve big preparation which is enriched by cherished habits that will be passed down through generations.
When Latinos host gatherings with family and friends around these special occasions, it is only for one main purpose, and that is sharing. Latino families celebrate breakthrough moments in their children's lives which they see as relevant and transcendental. Therefore, they heartily invite people to witness this moment and celebrate together by eating tons of delicious food and drinks. This will build bonds and make memories that will forever be treasured in their hearts. THIS IS the nostalgia that we ache.
Deep nostalgia includes flavors and smells...
This is why today I want to share this Mexican Tacos al Carbón recipe I found on YouTube. The chef's name is Johnny Hernandez and his YouTube channel is cooking guide (eHow Food). Better subscribe to it and enjoy it!
First, you'll need some good arrachera to place on the grill. Do not marinate, just add some salt to it. *Good quality beef doesn't require any additional flavors.
Eventually, your arrachera will look — and smell— like this:
Make sure you have good and really warm corn tortillas. Now, take some time to do this:
(Warning: if you are not an expert, do it despacito).
Have some fresh cilantro and onions thinly sliced. Also, make sure you have some limones (green limes) and real spicy salsa.
VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure you do not serve less than 6 tacos on your plate! Enjoy!
To me, missing my hometown is all about my mother's cooking sazón and smells (Oh, those wonderful smells of Christmas!). It is about the family road trips to the beach; the every-morning-craziness before going to school; the long late-night talks with friends, those long hours in honest laughter; feeling secure; being curious about everything; hoping about the future; dreaming about how life would be. But most of all, the experiences and conversations happening around the table when sharing delicious meals.
Although we can go back to visit the physical place, deep down we know these moments will never come back.
¡Exta Con Madre recordar!
Comments
Post a Comment