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Tacos with Meat

17/11/2023

Here is how to prepare delicious tacos with meat, a typical dish of Mexican cuisine that I will adapt with an Italian touch.

Ingredients

  • 8 corn or flour tortillas (for an Italian twist you could try to use whole wheat piadinas)
  • 500 g of ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for more flavor)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (an Italian addition that gives richness)
  • 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • Extra virgin olive oil (an essential Italian element)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 150 ml of tomato sauce (added for a touch of Italian-ness)
  • Grated cheese (opt for an Italian cheese like pecorino to make the dish unique)

For garnish (optional):

  • Chopped fresh lettuce
  • Ripe tomatoes, diced
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (you can substitute with parsley if you prefer)
  • Lime wedges
  • Hot sauce or guacamole

Preparation

  1. Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent.

  2. Add the diced pepper and let it soften slightly.

  3. Add the ground meat and cook until it’s no longer pink, crumbling it with a wooden spoon.

  4. Incorporate the tomato paste, paprika, cumin, and oregano. Mix well to distribute the spices.

  5. Pour the tomato sauce into the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then lower the heat and let it all cook until the sauce reduces and thickens, creating a nice ragù.

  6. In the meantime, warm the tortillas in a pan over medium heat or in the oven, wrapped in a kitchen towel to keep them moist.

  7. When everything is ready, assemble the tacos: distribute some meat over half of each tortilla, sprinkle with grated cheese, and add garnishes to taste.

Fun Facts

Tacos are a dish that allows for much creativity. In every region of Mexico, you’ll find different variations, and the Italianization of the recipe can be seen as an embrace between two rich and vibrant culinary cultures. Grated cheese warms the heart, and that unmistakable touch of extra virgin olive oil brings the flavors of the Italian land with it.

Enjoy your meal! If you need pairing suggestions for a drink or a wine to complete it all, just ask!

Tacos con carne