Tacos With Garlicky Mexican Greens

A Rick Bayless Recipe. These are peasant food in Toluca, Mexico, and are a healthy alternative to tacos filled with fatty meats. I like to serve these with a seviche made with shrimp and scallops, and corn on the cob.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Yields: 8-10 soft tacos

Ingredients

• 8 -10  corn tortillas (plus a few extra, in case some break)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more for blanching
• 6  cups  loosely packed sliced swiss chard leaves (one 12-ounce bunch, green or red)
• 1  tablespoon  olives or 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil
• 1  medium  white onion, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 4  garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
• 1⁄4 cup  finely crumbled mexican queso fresco
• 3⁄4 cup  red roasted tomatillo salsa with chile, Red Roasted Tomatillo Salsa With Chiles
•  fresh cilantro, for garnishing

Directions

1. Warm the tortillas: Place a vegetable steamer in a large saucepan filled with 1/2 inch of water. Bring to a boil. Wrap tortillas in a heavy kitchen towel, lay them in the steamer, and cover with a tight lid. Boil 1 minute, turn off the heat, and let stand without opening for about 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling: While tortillas are steaming, bring 3 quarts salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add greens, and cook until barely tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain in a colander, and spread out on a large plate or baking sheet to cool. When cool enough to handle, roughly chop.
3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, stir for 1 minute, then add greens, and stir for about 1 minute, just long enough to heat them through. Season with salt.
4. Prepare the tacos: Scoop the filling into a deep, warm serving dish, and sprinkle with cheese. Serve with the warm tortillas, salsa, and cilantro sprigs.