The taco tortilla, which can be considered one of the greatest gifts of Mexican cuisine to world cuisine, is presented with its unique flavor. Especially consumed frequently by fans of Mexican cuisine, tacos have had to overcome many obstacles to reach their current global popularity. Similarly, tacos and tortilla bread have also faced significant challenges to remain integral to our meals today.
Tacos, sometimes referred to as taco tortillas, are traditional dishes from Mexican cuisine. They are prepared by filling tortilla bread with ingredients such as tomatoes, peppers, and meat, and enriching them with sauces. However, an essential detail here is the type of flour used for the tortilla bread. This is because the original version of a taco requires the tortilla bread to be made with cornmeal.
What Does the Word Taco Mean?
Taco is a dish native to Mexico, consumed by Mexicans before it spread to the rest of the world. However, the name taco was given to it by the Spanish. The word comes from “tlahco” and is now recognized globally under this name. According to the definition of taco, the term translates to “half or in the middle.”
Are Taco and Tortilla the Same Product? Why Did the Spanish Name It Taco?
Although tacos and tortillas are closely associated with Mexico and their origins trace back to the region, their names are often linked to the Spanish. Why are the Spanish so prominent in these dishes? Because these traditional Mexican flavors began to come to light with Spain’s colonization of Mexico. They later spread to Spain, then Europe, and eventually the world. For this reason, the dishes were adopted and named by the Spanish.
Today, while many people believe these dishes originated in Spain, their actual origin is Mexico. Moreover, they are often marketed and sold as part of Mexican cuisine delights.
What Is the Connection Between Tacos and Tortillas?
There is a close relationship between tacos and tortillas. While tacos come in many varieties, the primary ingredient in all of them is tortilla bread. This is because the tortilla bread used in tacos is a delicious, uniquely Mexican bread. Therefore, to enjoy tacos in their original form, you must use taco tortilla bread.
Attempting to make tacos with bread other than tortilla might not provide the same flavor and could lead to complications. Tortilla bread is versatile, offering both soft and crispy textures. Its ability to securely hold the fillings ensures a pleasant eating experience. Other types of bread and flatbreads cannot provide this convenience and flavor. Therefore, when making and eating tacos, ensure they are made with tortilla bread.
What Are the Types of Tacos?
Although tacos (taco tortilla) are a type of dish, they come in various forms. The differences arise based on the ingredients used as fillings for the taco tortilla bread, highlighting the richness of Mexican cuisine. Types of tacos differ based on the ingredients used, but they all share the same visual structure: fillings placed in the center of a tortilla bread. Now, let’s explore the flavors!
Carne Asada Quick Recipe
Carne Asada is one of the most popular taco types (taco tortilla). Among Mexican street foods, it could easily be described as the most filling taco variety due to its generous and flavorful grilled steak.
For Carne Asada preparation, you’ll need thinly sliced steak. Additional ingredients include olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, black pepper, finely chopped onions, cilantro, and chili powder, all tailored to your taste. Of course, cornmeal tortillas are the essential ingredient.
To prepare Carne Asada, the steak needs to be marinated with the spices. Mix the steak and spices in a bowl and let them sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Then, cook the steak in a pan or on a grill over high heat. Once done, slice the steak into thin strips. Warm the tortillas and place the steak in the center. Add thinly sliced onions and cilantro to the tortilla. Serve with lime wedges, if desired.
Baked Chicken Taco Quick Recipe
For those who prefer white meat over red meat, this is a delicious and satisfying option. This taco is visually appealing and caters to the taste buds, making it perfect for preparing at home. Among taco types, this is a favorite for chicken lovers and a must-try for everyone.
For chicken taco preparation, you’ll need chicken breast, shredded cheddar, onions, garlic, black pepper, salt, and olive oil. Add any greens you like. Taco Tortilla bread is also required. First, dice the chicken finely and sauté it with garlic and onions. Then, arrange the tortilla bread on a baking tray and place the chicken mixture in the center. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) until the cheese melts.
How to Make Tacos at Home?
Tacos (taco tortilla) offer numerous variations, so there isn’t a single definitive recipe. However, considering the general framework, you can prepare them at home using options like red meat, white meat, or even tuna. The essence of tacos lies in the fillings placed on tortilla bread. This means you can create a taco by preparing fillings tailored to your taste and placing them on tortilla bread. This also proves that tacos and tortilla flatbreads are an inseparable duo.
How to Prepare Taco Dough?
Taco dough essentially corresponds to tortilla dough since a taco tortilla is a Mexican dish made with fillings placed inside tortilla bread. Therefore, rather than searching for taco dough, it’s more appropriate to ask, how to make tortilla bread?
To make tortilla dough, you first need to decide on a preference. While traditional tortilla bread is made with cornmeal, it has also been prepared with wheat flour as it spread from Mexico to the world. Although wheat flour tortillas are an option, we recommend using cornmeal for an authentic taste. Thus, our recipe will guide you through making authentic tortilla bread.
For tortilla bread, you’ll need 3.5 cups of cornmeal, 1.5 cups of warm water, and 1 teaspoon of salt. A deep bowl will also help with kneading. Start by pouring 2 cups of cornmeal into the bowl. Gradually add water and salt while kneading. Slowly add the remaining cornmeal as you knead, continuing until the dough reaches a play-dough-like consistency. Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes. Afterward, take a portion of the dough and flatten it using a rolling pin or place it in a plastic bag and press it with a heavy object. Once the desired shape is achieved, cook it in a pan to complete the preparation.