Tacos al Pastor with a New Nordic Twist

Ingredients

While the essence of Tacos al Pastor remains intact, this adaptation incorporates elements of New Nordic cuisine. We substitute traditional ingredients with Nordic alternatives, infusing the dish with a distinct Nordic twist. The use of local, seasonal produce and a focus on simplicity and purity of flavors are key characteristics of New Nordic cuisine that we incorporate into this recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Tacos al pastor, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp rapeseed oil (canola oil) 2 tbsp rapeseed oil (canola oil)
• 8 small tortillas (preferably whole grain) 8 small tortillas (preferably whole grain)
• 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, thinly sliced 1 apple, thinly sliced
• Fresh dill, for garnish Fresh dill, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (Sugars: 8g)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground nutmeg, apple cider vinegar, and rapeseed oil. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the thinly sliced pork shoulder to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the marinated pork slices on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred.
4. 4.
   While the pork is cooking, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat until soft and pliable.
5. 5.
   Assemble the tacos by placing a few slices of the roasted pork on each tortilla. Top with thinly sliced red cabbage, apple slices, and fresh dill.
6. 6.
   Serve the Nordic-inspired Tacos al Pastor immediately and enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For tender and juicy meat, choose a well-marbled pork shoulder and slice it thinly against the grain.
• Red cabbage — To add a vibrant crunch, slice the red cabbage as thinly as possible. If desired, you can lightly pickle it in apple cider vinegar for extra tanginess.
• Apple — Opt for a crisp and slightly tart apple variety, such as Granny Smith or Braeburn, to provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can grill the marinated pork slices instead of roasting them in the oven.
• Experiment with different Nordic herbs, such as lovage or sorrel, to enhance the Nordic twist in the marinade.
• If whole grain tortillas are not available, you can use regular tortillas or even lettuce leaves as a low-carb alternative.
• Serve the tacos with a side of lingonberry jam or a dollop of skyr (Icelandic yogurt) for an extra Nordic touch.
• Don't forget to warm the tortillas before assembling the tacos to make them more pliable and enjoyable to eat.

Serving advice

Serve the Nordic-inspired Tacos al Pastor as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad or a side of roasted root vegetables. Offer additional toppings such as pickled onions, sliced radishes, or a squeeze of lime juice for guests to customize their tacos according to their taste preferences.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos on a wooden serving platter, garnished with sprigs of fresh dill and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an appealing visual contrast. Serve them alongside a small bowl of lingonberry jam or skyr to highlight the Nordic influence.