I was born in México and moved to this beautiful country almost 8 years ago. One of the first things I started to miss was the food, specially the delicious street tacos. You see, in México it’s common to find a taco stand almost in any street corner, but here in USA is not the same. To eat tacos you have two options: one, go to your closest Mexican Restaurant (if you find any) and pay the price or make them at home. Of course Mexican Restaurants are easy to find in places like Los Angeles, Chicago or even Austin Texas, but in Peoria where I live now, it’s not that easy. So this time I decided it was better and cheaper to make my own so I can enjoy them at home with my family. Who knows?, maybe you feel inspired to stay in tonight and serve your family these authentic Mexican Street tacos for dinner.
Why would you make your own tacos? first at all, it’s cheaper. If you go to the supermarket and buy the meat, tortillas, veggies and beans, you will spend less money than you do at a restaurant. Think Schnucks for example, where you can buy everything in one place at very reasonable prices. Second, you know what you put in your plate and how you cook it. And third, it is delicious and a meal to please everyone in your house.
You can have Tacos for dinner or lunch, either on a weekday or on the weekends. You can make them with the help of your husband and kids and have everything ready in just about the same time you would spend waiting at a table in a restaurant. They are healthy, delicious and easy to make. And since cooking is my favorite thing and eating tacos my second, I want to show you how easy is to make not only the tacos, but the tortilla chips and salsas. Because you know tacos are not complete without the salsas on the side and some tortilla chips. So get ready and take notes because you might want to surprise your family or your friends next time you invite them over for dinner.
Homemade Salsas
For these salsas, place the tomatoes, tomatillos, peppers and garlic in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Roast, turn them every 2 or 3 minutes until they are done. They will be charred on the outside and cook on the inside. I used foil to cover the skillet, so it will be easier to clean after they are done.
Salsa de Molcajete
Ingredients:
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 big ripe tomatoes, charred and peeled
- 1 big jalapeno pepper
- 2-3 chiles de árbol
- Sea salt to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped onion
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
Smash everything in a molcajete (a Mexican Mortar and pestle) in this order: garlic with sea salt, peppers and tomatoes. Mix well, ad onion and cilantro at the end.
**You can also make this salsa in a blender.
Tomatillo salsa
- 6 tomatillos
- 2 tbsp onion
- 1 tbsp cilantro
- Chiles de arbol, as many as you want
- Sea salt to taste
Put everything in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth, it will have the texture of a shake. Transfer to a serving bowl.
Homemade Tortilla Chips
- 5 corn tortillas
- Oil
- Optional: salt
Cut your tortillas into triangles.
Place the tortillas in a cookie sheet previously covered with foil and slightly greased. Brush the tops with oil, and if you want them salty, sprinkle some salt on top. Bake at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes or until crispy, turning once.
Kitchen hack: Use your pizza cutter to make the tortilla chips, it is faster than using a knife.
Now, the best part: Make your tacos!
To serve your tacos you will need:
- 1 cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup of cooked pinto beans
- Lime wedges
- Salsa de Molcajete
- Tomatillo Salsa
- Tortillas
Heat the tortillas in a skillet or comal, transfer to a plate. Serve 2-3 per person.
Isn’t it easy to make tacos at home? all you need is the fresh ingredients you can find at Schnucks, where not only have meats, a wide selection of fresh produce and everything you can think of when making tacos. Plus, they have this special initiative called Schnucks Savings Salute, where they are giving you even lower prices than before, just for being a loyal costumer. So you find everything at one place, save money and enjoy a delicious dinner at home. Talk about convenience!
What are you having for dinner tonight?
