Gifts of the Sun: The Cuisine of the Aztecs - ONLINE CLASS
Taught by Andrew Coletti
ndrew Coletti is a staff writer for Atlas Obscura whose work has also appeared on Tasting Table and in Eaten magazine. He holds degrees in Classics and Museum Education, and has cooked recipes from around the world and throughout time for TikTok and Instagram at @PassTheFlamingo (because the Romans ate flamingos). His favorite Roman author is the poet Martial.
*This is a live, online class via Zoom. Login info will be sent the day before the talk.*
When the first Spanish conquerors arrived in present-day Mexico in the 16th century, they were astounded by what they found. The cultural achievements of the native peoples of Mesoamerica rivaled anything back in Europe: there was great architecture, great literature, and yes, great food.
Despite lacking large domestic animals, the Aztecs developed a rich cuisine that dazzled outsiders with its variety. Since the Spanish conquest, crops first grown by the Aztecs have spread to the tables of the world: corn, chili peppers, tomatoes, avocado, and chocolate, to name a few. Original Aztec recipes like tortillas, tamales and guacamole have accepted new influences as they developed into the national cuisine of Mexico.
This class is a celebration of the ingenious foodways of the pre-conquest Aztecs. We’ll learn about the Aztec diet and the cultural beliefs that shaped how the Aztecs viewed their food. We’ll also taste a few Aztec recipes, like a corn-based beverage and a “superfood” harvested from lakes.
This class is a general overview of food history, with samples. No previous knowledge is required!
