Balkan-style Tacos Arabes

Ingredients

In the Balkan-style Tacos Arabes, we have made a few adaptations to suit the Balkan cuisine. Instead of using traditional Mexican spices, we have incorporated Balkan spices such as paprika, cumin, and oregano to enhance the flavors. Additionally, we have replaced the traditional Mexican salsa with a yogurt sauce, which is commonly used in Balkan cuisine. The pickled vegetables and fresh herbs add a Balkan twist to the dish, providing a unique flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Tacos Arabes, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 pita breads 4 pita breads
• 1 cup plain yogurt 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 cup pickled vegetables (such as cucumbers, carrots, and red onions) 1 cup pickled vegetables (such as cucumbers, carrots, and red onions)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the thinly sliced pork to the marinade and toss until well coated. Allow the pork to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Grill the marinated pork slices for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. 5.
   While the pork is grilling, prepare the yogurt sauce by combining the plain yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and chopped dill in a small bowl. Mix well.
6. 6.
   Warm the pita breads on the grill for a few seconds on each side.
7. 7.
   To assemble the tacos, place a few slices of grilled pork on each pita bread. Top with the yogurt sauce, pickled vegetables, and fresh parsley.
8. 8.
   Serve the Balkan-style Tacos Arabes immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For best results, choose a well-marbled pork shoulder for juicy and tender meat.
• Pita bread — If you prefer a crispier texture, lightly toast the pita bread on the grill before assembling the tacos.
• Pickled vegetables — You can use store-bought pickled vegetables or make your own by pickling cucumbers, carrots, and red onions in a mixture of vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sprinkle some sumac or smoked paprika on top of the yogurt sauce.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
• Experiment with different herbs such as mint or cilantro for a unique twist.
• If you don't have a grill, you can cook the marinated pork in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Serve the tacos with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Balkan-style Tacos Arabes as a main course for lunch or dinner. Accompany them with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos on a platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with a dollop of yogurt sauce on the side. The vibrant colors of the pickled vegetables and the green herbs will make the dish visually appealing.