Food in Coco: A Celebration of Mexican Culture and How to Cook It

In collaboration with our friends over at Hometaste who specialise in International food - we have a compilation of foods from Coco!

Pixar’s Coco (2017) is a visual feast that celebrates Mexican culture, music, and the traditions surrounding Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Among the vibrant colors, heartfelt storytelling, and catchy songs, food plays an essential role in grounding the story in Mexican heritage. From tamales to pan de muerto, the dishes featured in the movie are rich with meaning and tradition.

Let’s explore the iconic foods featured in Coco and how you can recreate them in your kitchen.

1. Tamales

In one memorable scene, Miguel’s Abuelita aggressively feeds him tamales, a classic Mexican dish made of masa (corn dough) and a savory or sweet filling, all wrapped in a corn husk and steamed to perfection. Tamales are a symbol of family gatherings and are often prepared for special occasions.

How to Make Tamales:

Ingredients:

2 cups masa harina

1/2 cup lard or vegetable shortening

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 tsp baking powder

Salt to taste

Filling of choice (shredded chicken with salsa verde or black beans with cheese)

Corn husks (soaked in warm water for 30 minutes)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt.

2. In a separate bowl, beat the lard or shortening until fluffy. Gradually add to the masa mixture.

3. Slowly mix in chicken broth until the dough is smooth and spreads easily.

4. Spread a thin layer of masa dough on a soaked corn husk, add filling, and fold it up.

5. Place tamales upright in a steamer and steam for 1–1.5 hours until firm. Let them cool slightly before serving.

2. Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead)

This traditional bread appears on the ofrenda (altar) in Coco. Pan de muerto is a sweet bread made especially for Día de los Muertos. Its round shape and bone-like decorations symbolize the cycle of life and death.

How to Make Pan de Muerto:

Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp salt

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

1/2 cup warm milk

1/2 cup butter, softened

4 large eggs

Zest of one orange

1/4 cup sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and orange zest.

3. Add yeast mixture, butter, and eggs. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes).

4. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1.5 hours until doubled in size.

5. Shape the dough into a round loaf. Use extra dough to create bone-shaped decorations on top.

6. Let it rise again for 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes.

7. Once cooled, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.

3. Mole Sauce

Mole, pronounced “MOH-lay,” is a rich, complex sauce made with a blend of spices, chocolate, and chili peppers. While it doesn’t play a major role in Coco, mole is a quintessential part of Mexican cuisine and pairs beautifully with chicken or tamales.

How to Make Mole:

Ingredients:

2 dried ancho chilies

2 dried guajillo chilies

1 tbsp cocoa powder

1/4 cup almonds

1/4 cup raisins

1/2 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup chicken stock

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp cumin

1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Toast the chilies in a skillet until fragrant. Soak them in hot water for 15 minutes.

2. Blend the soaked chilies with almonds, raisins, cocoa powder, and a splash of the soaking liquid until smooth.

3. Sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft. Add the chili mixture, cinnamon, and cumin.

4. Stir in chicken stock and simmer for 20 minutes. Adjust seasoning and serve.

Food and Family in Coco

Food in Coco isn’t just about nourishment; it’s a symbol of family, memory, and love. Preparing these dishes at home can help you connect with the movie on a deeper level and celebrate the beautiful traditions it portrays.

Ready to bring the magic of Coco to your kitchen? Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and create a feast as vibrant and heartfelt as the movie itself!

Want more recipes like this? You can see more info in Hometaste