June's Topic~Latin America's Soft Tacos!

[Dib's]

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Latin America comprises many different locales as well as cultures, but they all share one powerful protein — pork. Pork seems to be everywhere in Latin American cuisine. Pulled, grilled, juicy, crackling and versatile, it's the rock star in countless cocinas.

Covering a region including South and Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean, Latin America is regarded as one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the world. The rich, colorful cuisine reflects that.

Soft tacos are my #1, hands down favorite meal on the planet. I love the flavor & texture of the warm corn tortillas, juicy meat and of course the condiments.
Here's how I do it, let me know how you make yours!

at least 12 corn tortillas-this will feed 2-3 people.
1 small can chipotles in adobo
4 cups STRONG, cold coffee
1 tsp. New Mexico chili powder
2-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
3-4 pounds pork butt cut into 2 or 3 hunks

veg oil

1 cup onion, finely diced
2 cups shredded cabbage (for garnish)
2 cups shredded Queso Blanco-Mexican white cheese

In a blender puree the chipotles, coffee, chili powder, garlic and salt. Place pork butt in a large, heavy duty zip-lock bag-pour contents of blender (reserving 1 cup) over pork, press out the air and seal. Set this in a bowl in the fridge and let sit for one to two days, turning when you think about it.

Fire up the grill-we use charcoal. Give the pork a good sear on all sides, then let it slow cook for about 2 hours over medium to medium low heat until just done. Use reserved marinade to baste.
When cooked remove to a foil covered pan-cover and let stand while your getting everything else together.

Dice your onion, shred your cabbage and cheese-set aside.
Chop-shred pork-set aside.

Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a heavy duty skillet-I use cast iron. Place a plate on the counter covered in 2 layers of paper towels. Using tongs place one corn tortilla in the hot oil-let cook for 10-15 seconds then flip. Cook for 10 seconds then remove to plate. Repeat. I do place another paper towel on top after 3 are done.

To assemble hold a warm corn tortilla in your hand (take from the bottom), fill with meat, onions, cabbage and cheese. Repeat. Eat. Make more. Repeat...

I will post the recipe this week. Do you have a favorite soft taco recipe you want to share?

[Dib's]

It took years but now that my DH has given these a try-total flour tortilla guy in his past life-I find we are living on these-I wont complain