Soulful Puffy Tacos

Ingredients

In this adaptation of the traditional Mexican puffy tacos, we incorporate the flavors and ingredients commonly found in soul food. The filling is seasoned with soul food-inspired spices and herbs, and the toppings include tangy coleslaw and creamy avocado slices, adding a unique twist to the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Puffy Taco, so you can check it out.

• 8 corn tortillas 8 corn tortillas
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or chicken 1 pound (450g) ground beef or chicken
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5g) cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) chili powder 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (235ml) chicken or beef broth 1 cup (235ml) chicken or beef broth
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying
• Tangy coleslaw, for topping Tangy coleslaw, for topping
• Sliced avocado, for topping Sliced avocado, for topping
• Hot sauce, for drizzling Hot sauce, for drizzling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the ground beef or chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula.
3. 3.
   Stir in the paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Pour in the chicken or beef broth and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the filling has thickened.
5. 5.
   In a separate skillet, heat vegetable oil for frying over medium-high heat.
6. 6.
   Gently fry each corn tortilla in the hot oil for about 30 seconds on each side, until it puffs up and becomes golden brown. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
7. 7.
   To assemble the puffy tacos, spoon a generous amount of the filling into each taco shell. Top with tangy coleslaw, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
8. 8.
   Serve the Soulful Puffy Tacos immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Corn tortillas — Make sure to fry the tortillas until they puff up and become golden brown for the perfect crispy texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with cooked black beans or grilled vegetables.
• Customize the toppings to your liking by adding diced tomatoes, pickled jalapenos, or shredded cheese.
• Serve the puffy tacos with a side of seasoned rice or a refreshing cucumber salad.
• If you prefer a spicier filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
• Make sure to drain the fried tortillas on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Puffy Tacos immediately after assembling to ensure the crispy texture of the taco shells.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Soulful Puffy Tacos on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for an appealing presentation.