It's almost Tuesday! Why does that matter?
Well, it will no longer be Monday. We're one day closer to the weekend.
But, most importantly,it's TACO TUESDAY!
While some people believe it's all about cheap tacos at most Mexican restaurants and bars, I say bring this tasty tradition into your own kitchen and really enjoy your Taco Tuesday!
Being Vegetarian can make Taco Tuesday difficult. Beef is perhaps the most common way to fill a taco, with chicken and fish/shrimp close behind. I LOVE tacos, and while most people have a go-to taco game plan, let's start off with some recipes for our Vegetarian and Vegan friends, so everyone can get their taco on this Tuesday.
Tortilla Chip Crusted Tempeh Tacos
Grilled Vegetables and Black Bean Tacos
Even if you are the carnivorous type, traditional store bought taco seasoning can leave lots to be desired. Check out Arizona Rub for some of the best spice blends and dip mixes around. Their “Rattlesnake” blend is my favorite.
Now, for the tastiest tacos, you need some serious sides. Salsa is one of the most common, and no matter if you like it mild, medium or hot, it's the perfect accompaniment for tacos.
Remember, you can make salsa hotter by leaving in pepper ribs and seeds – to keep it mild, remove the ribs and seeds. If you got it too hot, a bit of vinegar can take it down a notch or two.
Salsa Verde
This recipe uses tomatillos instead of green tomatoes. Similar in taste and texture, but slightly more tart, they're a great alternative for people who are sensitive to the acid tomatoes can often generate. There's also an enchilada recipe on this page. Consider that a bonus.
Pico de Gallo
Chunky, fresh and usually very few ingredients.
Maybe you love it, maybe you hate it, but guacamole gets people talking.
Avoid the restaurant up-charge for this delicious dip and have all your lame, Taco Tuesday take-out friends green with envy.
On the Border Copycat Guacamole
Since you're making guacamole, why not try out the ABC Cocina “Peamole” recipe that almost broke the internet a couple weeks ago.
What would tacos be without a side of rice? Lonely, that's what.
Five Star Mexican Rice
Chipotle Copycat Cilantro Lime Rice
Zarella's Famous Mexican Rice Casserole
Chef Aaron Sanchez's mother, one of the first Hispanic women in a professional kitchen, developed this recipe. You may recognize Aaron from foodie shows like “Chopped” and commercials for Mexican cheese.
You can't have tacos without rice.
And, you can't have rice without beans.
Black Beans With Mexican Beer
Had you at beer, didn't I?
Mexican Charro Beans
They won't try to sell you a paint job, either.
Gosh, I'm old (and if you get that reference, so are you).
Refried Beans Without the Refry
That covers the basics. If you have a large family, are throwing a taco party or just want more variety (it is the spice of life), try some of these Mexican and Southwestern style recipes with your tacos, or as an appetizer.
Street Corn Salad
I love Mexican street corn! If you've never tried it, do yourself a favor and give it a go. Slathered with Mayo, lime, chili powder and cheese (parmesn works great in a pinch) it's one of those foods that sound absurd until you try it.
Southwestern Corn Bread
This seems like it would be delicious with chili or dunked in dip. I'd substitute green chilies for the bell pepper, though.
Beer and Black Bean Tortilla Stacks
Shrimp Ceviche Stuffed Avocados
What makes some peppers so dang hot?
Find out more about hot peppers,pepper sauces and which pepper dethroned the “Ghost Pepper” as the world's hottest.
Sweet and Spicy Jalepeno Poppers
This recipe includes bacon, which I'm sure breaks everyone's bacon-loving hearts. If it does, substitute fake bacon (yes, it's called “fake-on”) or omit all together and roll the jalepenos in the sugar. A bit of cooking oil on the peppers first will help it stick.
Beer Battered Jalepeno Bottle Caps
These little nuggets of happiness are great on their own, with dips or as a spicy, crunchy topper for tacos, burgers, nachos and more.
Pickled Hot Peppers
Add these to tacos, dips, burgers, hoagie sandwiches, salads…anywhere you'd add hot pepper rings. Or, when they're ready, dice them up for salsas and relishes.
Are you a family divided when it comes to Taco Tuesday? Add some Mexican food flare to other international family favorites and make it a compromise. It's the American thing to do.
No meal, in my mind, is truly complete with dessert. Why should Taco Tuesday be any different?
Churros
Crispy on the outside, warm and soft on the inside and covered with cinnamon sugar.
Sopapillas
One of my all time favorites; lightly sweet dough “pillows” that are hollow inside. Some people swear by chocolate or warm fruit compotes to fill these fried squares of heaven, but trust me – it's all about the honey for this hombre-ette!
Flan
Mexican style custard; the south of the border answer to creme brulee.
11 Seduce Mexican Chocolate Recipes
Because, I love chocolate and I can't choose just one.
What's Taco Tuesday without an ice cold margarita to wash it all down?
Sad.
A sad Taco Tuesday.
27 Memorable. Margarita Recipes
If you don't drink, maybe whip up some horchatta instead.
If you're ambitious and value quality, especially when it comes to food, you might want to try making your own corn and flour tortillas. It's worth it.
And, here's tips to make your own tortilla shells and bowls.
You might also want to grow your own veggies for salsas and authentic Mexican flavor.
A salsa garden is an easy and fun project for the whole family, and fresh produce makes a world of difference.
Now, you might also want to grow your own garlic, to add to your salsa, which is not included in most kits, and if you're really ambitious, consider growing an avocado tree. Remember, it's a tree, so you won't have farm fresh avocados any time soon. It's a labor of love.
That's what Taco Tuesday is all about.
Images:pinterest, reddit
