Understanding canela, or Mexican cinnamon

Published October 18th, 2021

If you’ve noticed that the cinnamon here in Mexico tastes different than what  you’re used to in Canada or the United  States, you would be  correct. Canela (Mexican or Ceylon cinnamon) is not the same variety as cassia cinnamon  — what’s commonly sold and used in those other countries.

Both come from the inner bark of several varieties of tropical bushes and trees  native to Southeast Asia. Cinnamomum Verum, what’s sold in Mexico, is often  thought of as “true” cinnamon because of its distinct flavor profile and ability to  enhance rather than overpower a dish.

Perhaps you’ve noticed the difference in taste; Canela is milder and more floral, not as brash or as spicy, and with a more complex flavor that makes it better suited for savory dishes. Mexican cuisine plays a part in moles, marinades, and bean dishes, its subtle heat and warm flavor adding complexity and richness. And, of course, it’s used widely in sweets: horchata, rice pudding, dulce de leche, and Mexican hot chocolate.

You can find Canela as whole sticks (known as quills) or ground into a powder. Mexican cinnamon quills are thin, delicate, and quite fragile; the bark curls around itself and crumbles easily. It’s very difficult to grind it yourself, so I’d suggest you choose the form most suited to the recipe.

I’ve selected some unusual recipes here that use cinnamon; you can easily find more common ones online.

Cinnamon Tamarind Margarita

For the serving glass rim:

• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. cayenne
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice

For the cocktail:

• ¾ oz. tamarind concentrate
• 2 oz. blanco or reposado tequila
• 1¼ oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
• ½ oz. simple syrup
• ½ oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¼ oz. Cointreau
• Ice
• Garnish: cinnamon stick, lime wedges

Preparing the rim: Mix sugar, salt, cayenne, and cinnamon in a small bowl; pour onto a saucer. Pour lime juice onto the second saucer. Turn serving glass (martini glass or old-fashioned) in lime juice to wet the outer rim; spin glass in the cayenne mixture, rotating slowly to coat.

Making the cocktail: Add tamarind concentrate, tequila, lime and lemon juice, simple syrup, and Cointreau to a cocktail mixer. Fill with ice; shake well. Strain into serving glass. Garnish with the cinnamon stick and lime wedges. —seriouseats.com

Spicy Chicken Kabobs

• 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 tsp. smoked paprika
• ½ tsp. ground cumin
• ⅛ tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1½ tsp. crushed red pepper
• 1 lemon OR 3 small limes, juiced and zested
• 1½ tsp. salt
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 8-12 skewers (metal or wooden)

In a medium bowl, mix everything except the chicken. Cut chicken into small kabob-sized chunks; add to marinade and stir gently until fully coated.

Transfer to refrigerator; marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

When ready to cook, thread the chicken onto skewers. Grill on a barbecue or in the oven under broiler on high until golden brown and cooked through, 6–8 minutes, turning once. Serve atop rice.

Coffee-Cinnamon Horchata

• ⅓ cup long-grain rice, white or brown
• ⅔ cup raw almonds
• 2 Tbs. whole dark-roast coffee beans (or whatever you have on hand, really)
• One 2-inch cinnamon stick, broken in half
• 3 cups hot water (not boiling)
• 1 cup cold water
• 4 Tbs. honey or agave syrup

Add almonds, rice, coffee beans, cinnamon stick, and hot water to a blender. A process on high for 1 minute. (Make sure the lid is on tightly!)

Pour into a jar or other covered container; let soak overnight at room temperature.

The next day, put the blended liquid back into the blender; add the cold water. A process on high for 2 minutes.

Over a big bowl, strain the re-blended liquid through a fine-mesh strainer, lined with cheesecloth if you have it. Whisk agave or honey into the horchata. Serve over ice.

Store remaining horchata in the fridge for up to a week. Shake before serving again.

Cinnamon Rice

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¾ tsp. cumin seeds
• One 3-inch cinnamon stick (whole)
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1½ cups long-grain white rice
• 2¼ cups chicken broth
• ¾ tsp. sugar
• ¾ tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. salt

Cook onion, garlic, cumin seeds, and cinnamon stick in oil in a medium-sized saucepan over moderate heat, stirring, until onion begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring, until grains are slightly translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in broth, sugar, pepper, and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until rice is tender and liquid absorbed, about 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, and discard cinnamon stick if desired.

Sweet Potato Veggie Hash

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 3 cups peeled, diced sweet potato
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano
• 1 tsp. salt, divided
• ½ tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp. red pepper flakes
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1¼ cups water, divided
• 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 Tbsp. canned adobo sauce
• 1 (15.5-oz.) can unsalted black beans, rinsed and drained

 For garnish:

• ¼ cup unsalted pepitas
• 1 plum tomato, diced
• ½ cup minced fresh cilantro or parsley
• ½ cup queso fresco, crumbled

To make the hash: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil, sweet potato, oregano, and ½ tsp. salt; cook 3 minutes, stirring. Add cumin, cinnamon, red pepper, and garlic, then ½ cup water. Cover, reduce heat, cook for 5 minutes.

Uncover; stir and cook 2 minutes more. Remove from heat.

To make the bean mixture: Bring the remaining ¾ cup water to a boil in a saucepan. Add remaining ½ tsp. salt and green beans; cook 4 minutes. Stir in adobo sauce and black beans.

Serve hash topped with the bean mixture and garnish items.