notes from the mexican kitchen
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The People Have Spoken: It’s Veggie Tacos for #TacoTuesday

TacoTuesdayLogo_blueHomey. Simple. Satisfying. (And nutritious, too, though don’t let that throw you.)

I can think of about a million more words for these tacos with Swiss chard and caramelized onions inspired by something I ate at the huge Friday market years ago in Toluca.  There, they’ll serve you wholesome tacos de quelites (a green we call lamb’s quarters in the States) from street stalls.

If a trip to Toluca isn’t in the cards —or you’re like us here in Chicago, merely hinting at Farmers Market season and can’t find lamb’s quarters yet— these tacos can be made with any green, really. Think Swiss chard, spinach, kale, mustard or collard greens.

If you’re looking to keep this dish completely vegetarian (or vegan, if you omit the optional queso fresco), opt for a splash vegetable stock with the greens. Chicken stock will lend more richness, though.

Tacos de Acelgas (o Espinacas) con Cebolla Caramelizada, Queso Fresco y Chile Rojo
Servings: 4
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Ingredients

  • 12ounce bunch of Swiss chard (or collard, mustard or beet greens), thick lower stems cut off OR 10 ounces of cleaned spinach, lamb’s quarters or amaranth greens (about 6 loosely packed cups)
  • 1 1/2tablespoons tablespoons vegetable oil, olive oil, fresh rendered lard or bacon drippings
  • 1large white or red onion, sliced ¼ inch thick
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped or crushed through a garlic press
  • About 1teaspoon chile flakes
  • 1/2cup chicken broth, vegetable broth or water
  • Salt
  • 12warm corn tortillas
  • About 3/4cupChipotle Salsa
  • 1cup (4 ounces)crumbled Mexican queso fresco or other fresh cheese such as feta or goat cheese for serving

Instructions

Cut the chard crosswise in ½-inch slices (small spinach, lamb’s quarters and amaranth leaves can be left whole). In a very large (12-inch) skillet, heat the oil (or its stand-in) over medium-high. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until browned but still crunchy, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and chile flakes, stir for a few seconds until aromatic, then add the broth or water, ½ teaspoon salt and the greens. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan (if you don’t have a lid, a cookie sheet works well) and cook until the greens are almost tender, anywhere from 2 minutes for tender spinach and amaranth greens to 7 or 8 minutes for thick collard greens—Swiss chard needs about 5 minutes.

Uncover the pan, raise the temperature to medium-high and cook, stirring continually, until the mixture is nearly dry. Taste and season with additional salt if you think necessary.

Serve with warm tortillas, salsa and crumbled cheese for making soft tacos.

Comments

  1. hello rick,
    i am a huge fan. i am currently working on introducing tempah into my diet i would appreciate some help and recommendations on how to use this ingredient.

    thank you

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