The History of Discada: A Traditional Stew from Northern Mexico

Discada: Discover the Origin of this Delicious Mexican Dish

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Published in 09-24-2025

History of Discada: A Traditional Stew from Northe

A true feast on the plow disc. Meat with bacon, ham, and chiles, slow-cooked to perfection, ready to be served. And of course, with warm tortillas all around. Pure Northern Mexican tradition! Photo: Zachary Hewlett

The discada is a dish born in northern Mexico that has become a culinary symbol of the region. Its origin is tied to the ingenuity of rural life, where farmers found a creative use for an agricultural tool that would end up changing their cooking traditions.

From Farm to Table: The Fascinating History of Discada

Photo: John Deere Company
Why is it called discada?
The name comes from the plow disc, a round piece of metal used in agriculture to till the soil. Once it wore out, farmers cleaned it and transformed it into a giant cooking pan, perfect for outdoor meals. Over time, this practice evolved into preparing meats, vegetables, and spices on the hot disc, creating the famous discada.

The most popular stews
Several variations of discada are enjoyed today. Among the most popular are:
1- Traditional meat discada: beef, bacon, chorizo, ham, and sausages with onions, tomatoes, and chili peppers.
2- Northern discada: enriched with beer or red wine to enhance the flavors of the meat.
3- Mixed discada: combines chicken, beef, pork, and seafood for a festive and abundant meal.

A dish that brings people together
Discada is more than food, it is a social ritual. Families and friends gather around the plow disc to share tortillas and laughter, making it a symbol of northern Mexican culture. Its popularity has spread beyond Mexico, capturing attention worldwide.

For more about Mexican cuisine, visit Mexico Travel.