Chinicuiles Tacos with Spicy Salsa

Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) chinicuiles 200g (7 oz) chinicuiles
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas 8 small corn tortillas
• For the salsa: For the salsa:
• 2 ripe tomatoes, diced 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the chinicuiles thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the chinicuiles to the skillet and sprinkle with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chinicuiles become crispy and golden brown.
4. 4.
   In the meantime, prepare the salsa by combining the diced tomatoes, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
5. 5.
   Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a flame until they become pliable.
6. 6.
   To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of the sautéed chinicuiles onto each tortilla. Top with a generous amount of the spicy salsa.
7. 7.
   Serve the Chinicuiles Tacos immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chinicuiles — Ensure that the chinicuiles are thoroughly cleaned before cooking to remove any impurities. Pat them dry to prevent excess moisture during cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find chinicuiles, you can substitute them with dried shrimp for a similar texture and flavor.
• Adjust the spiciness of the salsa by adding more or fewer jalapeno peppers according to your preference.
• For an extra burst of freshness, squeeze some additional lime juice over the assembled tacos before serving.
• Serve the tacos with a side of guacamole and sour cream to balance the heat of the salsa.
• Experiment with different toppings such as diced onions, shredded lettuce, or crumbled queso fresco to customize your tacos.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinicuiles Tacos as a main course for lunch or dinner. Accompany them with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos on a platter, garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro, and serve with the salsa on the side. The vibrant colors of the salsa and the crispy chinicuiles will make the dish visually appealing.