Tacos de Canasta Filled with Spicy Potatoes and Cheese
As a kid, during the summer, I remember riding with my Dad on day trips. Most of these trips were for hours at a time. I have the most vivid memory of us enjoying lunch out of his black Stanley lunch box. My Mom would pack homemade tacos, carefully stacked and wrapped in foil paper and a kitchen towel to keep them warm. The story behind the tacos de canasta, also known as tacos sudados, years back the women in Mexico, would prepare assorted tacos stacked in a basket that was lined with a plastic bag and paper, then covered to keep them warm. Many times they would have to travel for a distance before selling these wonderful homemade tacos. The tacos were usually filled with potatoes or beans, foods that could hold up at room temperature for long periods of time.
As a kid, during the summer, I remember riding with my Dad on day trips. Most of these trips were for hours at a time. I have the most vivid memory of us enjoying lunch out of his black Stanley lunch box. My Mom would pack homemade tacos, carefully stacked and wrapped in foil paper and a kitchen towel to keep them warm. The story behind the tacos de canasta, also known as tacos sudados, years back the women in Mexico, would prepare assorted tacos stacked in a basket that was lined with a plastic bag and paper, then covered to keep them warm. Many times they would have to travel for a distance before selling these wonderful homemade tacos. The tacos were usually filled with potatoes or beans, foods that could hold up at room temperature for long periods of time.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/3 cup cilantro chopped
- 1 large poblano pepper
- 4 guajillo peppers
- 3 tablespoons olive oil plus more for brushing tortillas
- 2 large white potatoes peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch cubes (about 4 cups)
- 1/3 cup white onion diced
- 1 - 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 - 2 chipotles in adobo depending on heat level
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 cup jack cheese shredded
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 roma tomatoes sliced or diced
- 4 cups lettuce shredded
- 1 cup your favorite salsa
- Carbohydrate 258.211459218063 g
- Cholesterol 1020.57 mg
- Fat 237.865077504495 g
- Fiber 41.6656845525734 g
- Protein 290.601005001686 g
- Saturated Fat 77.2537691673306 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Recipe (3949g)
- Sodium 1794.83300505393 mg
- Sugar 216.54577466549 g
- Trans Fat 19.0346830001605 g
- Calories 4336 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat broiler to high for 5 minutes.
- Add poblano pepper to baking sheet and cook under the broiler for 5 to 6 minutes per side.
- Remove from broiler, cover with kitchen towel and let cool.
- In a large skillet, preheat the oil to medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the potatoes and lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for a good 8 to 10 minutes, stirring as needed.
- While the potatoes cook, remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo peppers and tear them into smaller pieces.
- Transfer to a glass bowl and cover with 4 cups of water.
- Cook on high in the microwave for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Remove from microwave, cover with a plate and let the peppers steep and cool slightly.
- Add the onions and garlic to the potatoes and continue cooking for 3 minutes.
- Peel the blistered skin from poblano pepper, remove stem and seeds and dice.
- Add the poblano to potato mixture.
- Drain the guajillo peppers and transfer to the blender.
- Add chipotles, cumin, oregano, paprika, vinegar and chicken broth.
- Blend on high until smooth and pour into the potato mixture.
- Stir well to combine, taste for salt and continue cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes or until sauce reduces.
- Mash the potato mixer slightly with masher before adding to tacos.
- Once sauce reduces, preheat a large comal or skillet to medium heat.
- Brush the corn tortillas on one side with olive oil.
- Lay them, oil side down onto hot comal.
- Fill one half with potato filling and some cheese.
- After a minute, fold tortilla close to form a taco.
- Continue cooking until both sides are lightly browned and crispy.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plate, cover with kitchen towel and let tacos rest for 10 minutes.
- Serve with tomato, cilantro, lettuce and salsa.
A Taste of Home: My Mom's Famous Tacos de Canasta
The scent of warm corn tortillas, spicy potatoes, and melting cheese – it's a smell that instantly transports me back to childhood summer days. Long car rides with my dad, the anticipation building with each passing mile, culminating in the magical moment when he'd open his trusty black Stanley lunchbox. Inside, nestled amongst foil and a warm kitchen towel, were my mom's homemade tacos de canasta, a treasure trove of flavor and comfort.
These aren't just any tacos; they're tacos de canasta, also known as tacos sudados – "sweaty tacos." The name hints at their preparation, a method passed down through generations of Mexican women. The tacos, typically filled with hearty ingredients like potatoes or beans (perfect for keeping warm on long journeys), are stacked carefully in a basket lined with plastic and paper, then covered to retain their heat. Imagine the dedication and resourcefulness of these women, preparing these delicious treats and traveling long distances to sell them, sharing a piece of home with others.
My mom's recipe has always been a source of pride and joy in our family. The vibrant colors, the tantalizing aroma, the satisfying textures – each element combines to create a culinary experience that goes beyond a simple meal. It's a taste of tradition, a connection to my heritage, a reminder of countless joyful moments spent with loved ones. These tacos aren't just food; they're a story, a legacy, and a delicious piece of my family's history.
The preparation itself is a labor of love. From meticulously broiling the poblano peppers to patiently cooking the potatoes until they're tender yet firm, each step is infused with care and attention. The rich, smoky guajillo pepper sauce, punctuated by a hint of chipotle heat, is the heart and soul of these tacos. The process requires time and effort, but the result is undeniably worth it; the perfect balance of flavors and textures is simply unforgettable.
The joy of these tacos extends beyond the culinary aspect. They evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting me back to those carefree summer days spent with my family. They’re a symbol of love, care, and the enduring power of tradition. These tacos aren't simply something I eat; they're a tangible link to my past, a delicious reminder of the warmth and comfort of home.
The simple act of assembling the tacos, folding the warm, slightly oily tortillas around the flavorful potato filling and cheese, is a ritual in itself. The final touch – garnishing with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, lettuce, and a generous helping of salsa – elevates these humble tacos to something truly special. Each bite is a burst of flavor, a symphony of textures, and a comforting reminder of the love and care that went into their creation.
More than just a recipe, these tacos de canasta are a story – a story of family, tradition, and the enduring power of simple, homemade food. They are a testament to the unwavering spirit of the women who originally crafted them, and they continue to be a source of comfort, joy, and connection for my family and me.
Beyond the nostalgic connection, the practicality of these tacos is remarkable. Their robust fillings hold up well at room temperature, a feature perfectly suited to those long journeys that were part of my childhood. The fact that they remain delicious even after some time speaks volumes about the quality of the ingredients and the care put into their preparation.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, I highly recommend giving these tacos de canasta a try. They're more than just a meal; they're an experience, a journey through time and flavor, and a chance to connect with a rich culinary tradition. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let the aroma of these amazing tacos fill your kitchen. You might just find yourself transported back to your own cherished memories, savoring every delicious moment.
