Taco Lavash has found its place in kitchens due to its easy preparation at home and practicality when purchased ready-made. Tacos, one of the most prominent dishes of Mexican cuisine, are recognized worldwide for their incredible fillings, garnishes, and indispensable sauces. With their unique appearance, light-textured bread, and appetizing ingredients, tacos have many similarities with various types of bread-based dishes. This resemblance has increased their popularity across other cuisines.
They are served not only in restaurants and cafes but have also become a part of street food and fast-food culture, further piquing people’s interest. Tacos are frequently consumed in home settings and large gatherings. The most intriguing aspect of tacos is undoubtedly the structure of the flatbread. Whether purchased ready-made or prepared at home, tacos have become one of the most consumed Mexican dishes today.
What Is a Taco?
Taco is a Mexican-origin dish that has spread worldwide with its eye-catching fillings. Its history is long, and some parts are filled with struggles. It has undergone a few minor changes to reach its current form. Yet, there are still those who enjoy, sell, or prepare authentic Mexican tacos. As with any authentic dish, tacos continue to be appreciated in all their forms, never losing favor. Since tacos resemble many dishes, the question “What is a taco?” is frequently asked.
As mentioned, tacos are a Mexican-origin dish. They are served by wrapping desired fillings and garnishes inside flatbread or bread. Authentic tacos always include salsa sauce. Additionally, the flatbread in the original version is made from cornmeal, with fillings such as fresh fish, shrimp, and chicken. Ingredients like cilantro and white onions are also preferred. Tacos prepared freshly at home are served with fillings and sauces as needed. Corn holds divine importance in Mexico, making products derived from it, like cornmeal-based tortillas, highly valued. It has been one of the most essential food items for mine workers.
What Is Taco Lavash?
Taco Lavash is the primary ingredient of Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, and wraps. These dishes are filled and served within this flatbread. Other terms like bread, shell, or pastry are also used for the flatbread, depending on how it is utilized in the dish. For tacos, the flatbread may either have a crusty and firm texture or a more moist and soft texture. This variation is due to the use of different types of flour and the flatbread’s growing popularity outside Mexico.
The original recipe for Taco Lavash includes authentic cornmeal, extra virgin olive oil, warm water, and salt. These ingredients are mixed and kneaded to form dough. Once rested, the dough is divided into equal portions and rolled into flatbreads approximately 7 cm in diameter. The cooking process is brief, about one minute per side on a pan. After cooking, the flatbreads are set aside and covered with a damp cloth to retain their moisture and prevent drying.
They are then filled with desired ingredients and garnishes, rolled, drizzled with sauce, and served. Like all foods, tacos have evolved over time. For instance, Mexican laborers working in U.S. railways and mines adapted the taco into its U-shaped shell for quicker service. This design later gained popularity when patented by an American entrepreneur. However, the original shape originated with Mexican workers.
Characteristics of Taco Lavash
The characteristics of Taco Lavash vary depending on its usage. In general, Taco Lavash has a distinct texture. It may be moist, warm, soft, and flexible or have a firmer, crust-like texture and predefined shape. If Taco Lavash is made according to its original recipe, it uses cornmeal, giving it a pronounced corn aroma. It is commonly preferred for tacos. However, not all Taco Lavash is made with cornmeal, as the choice of flour depends on personal preference and intended use.
Cornmeal tacos are distinct in color and flavor, representing the authentic version. They can be cooked in special molds or shaped after cooking to allow for the modern U-shaped taco. Flatbreads made with whole wheat flour are nutritious, gluten-light, and have a thin, moist texture. These flatbreads can be filled and rolled easily.
Beyond tacos, flatbread can also be used to prepare burritos, wraps, and similar dishes. Especially when made with wheat flour, the neutral taste of the flatbread makes it suitable for both savory and sweet dishes. Additionally, wheat flatbreads often have a slightly brown color, while cornmeal flatbreads are more yellow.
Uses of Flatbread Beyond Tacos
Flatbreads used in taco preparation are sometimes referred to as bread or shells. This is because tacos are sometimes rolled into small wraps or held in a shell while eating. Flatbreads, which can be sandwiches or wraps, can also be used to create incredible flavors beyond tacos. As is known, when we think of Mexican tacos, we often envision small wraps made with cornmeal tortillas, filled with fresh fish, cilantro, white onions, and similar ingredients. When we think of American tacos, we picture firmer shells slightly bent into a U shape, eaten by hand. However, flatbreads are also found in other Mexican dishes.
Dishes such as burritos, fajitas, wraps, enchiladas, and quesadillas make use of flatbreads. Burritos and wraps are more akin to wraps, similar to rolled tacos but with larger flatbreads. Enchiladas involve flatbreads filled with chicken, beans, and vegetables, baked in the oven. Quesadillas feature cheese, grilled chicken, and onions, prepared and served after being fried. When flatbreads are made with wheat flour, they can also be used to create sweet treats with fruits, honey, jam, cream, and chocolate sauces. The use of flatbread beyond tacos depends on preferences and taste.
Similarities of Taco Lavash in World Cuisines
Taco Lavash has similarities in various world cuisines, most notably Turkey. The flatbreads and pastries in Turkish cuisine, such as börek, wraps, gözleme, and other pastries, are quite similar. Similar flatbread types can also be found in Asian, African, Spanish, and Swedish cuisines. Of course, a basic bread dough can be created with flour, oil, and water. Throughout history, cuisines have influenced each other, leading to similar products and flavors. However, each cuisine’s unique spices, aromas, and craftsmanship remain unparalleled.