Taco Tuesday - Jamaica meets Mexico
Happy Taco Tuesday! Since I’ve been able to spend time at home during quarantine, we have dedicated our Tuesday’s to eating a variety of taco-ish dishes and drinking margaritas.
While I have a lot of favorites, and each week I’m challenged to get more and more creative— our Jerk Chicken Tacos featuring Nick’s Jerk Seasoning has been such a hit and a repeated request.
Alongside the pico de gallo and guacamole, these recipes are sure to spice up your Taco Tuesday! This cross between the beautiful island of Jamaica and the birthplace of tortillas, Mexico is cause enough for a celebration. Serve with a pineapple margarita and you’re in for a night to remember
Homemade Guacamole
This staple side or starter is known around the world. Originated in Mexico, it is a household name internationally. Simply grab some ripe Hass avocados, fresh jalapeños, onions, garlic, lime, salt + Tony’s for some added flavor, and you’ve got a healthy alternative to the processed store brands.
What you’ll need:
4 large Hass avocados, ripe
1 red onion, diced
2 jalapeños
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lime, juiced
Salt + pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
Tony’s, to taste (optional)
1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
How to:
1) Blister jalapeños over fire (if you have a gas stove, use that— if not use a lighter). This wakes up the spice and adds a nice char to the pepper. Set aside and let cool. Remove seeds and chop.
2) In a medium bowl, combine avocados and lime juice.
3) Mash until smooth. Stir in onion, cilantro, and jalapeños. Season to taste
Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is a popular Mexican “salsa” often called Salsa Bandera (flag sauce) because of the same colors of the Mexican Flag, Pico de Gallo is made with simple and healthy ingredients— ripe tomatoes, onion, Serrano or jalapeño peppers, fresh cilantro, and lime juice.
What you’ll need:
1 cup Serrano and jalapeño pepper, deseeded and diced
1 cup white onion, diced
3 cups ripe tomatoes, diced
1 Lime, juiced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced
Salt to taste
How to:
1) Blister jalapeños or Serrano peppers over fire (if you have a gas stove, use that— if not use a lighter). This wakes up the spice and adds a nice char to the pepper. Set aside and let cool. Remove seeds and chop.
2) In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Season to taste with salt.
Homemade Tortillas Chips
Once you’ve made them at home, you won’t want to go back to the store brought kind. It only takes a couple of minutes and really no prep for these chips that’ll have you reaching for the last one.
What you’ll need:
6 tortillas (corn or flour)
1 cup oil
Salt to taste
How to:
1) In a skillet, heat oil on medium high.
2) Cut tortillas into 6 triangles. Add to oil and allow to fry until golden.
3) Remove from oil and drain excess grease. Season with salt to taste.
Note: For an extra kick, season chips with Tequila Lime Seasoning from Whole Foods.
Jerk Chicken Tacos
One of my most requested tacos features Nick’s Jerk Seasoning. While the seasoning stands alone, adding fresh herbs and veggies brings out the flavor in the dish.
What you’ll need:
1 lb. cubed chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1/4 cup Nick’s Jerk Seasoning
1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Olive oil
Dry Seasonings to taste:
Tony’s
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
8 tortilla shells
How to:
1) In a bowl, combine chicken thighs with olive oil, dry seasonings and Nick’s Jerk Seasonings. Add in bell peppers and onions and coat.
2) In a skillet, add chicken and vegetables. Sauteé until fully cooked.
3) Warm tortillas and equally divide. Top with cilantro and your favorite toppings :)
Note: feel free to sub the chicken for cauliflower, shrimp, fish, or beef!
Pineapple Margarita
Forget the usual triple sec and sour mix. We’re subbing all that for some refreshing pineapple juice. This margarita pairs perfect with the spice of the jerk chicken tacos.
What you’ll need:
4 parts Pineapple juice
1 part Simple syrup
1 part Lime juice
2 parts Tequila Añejo
Sugar to garnish
Lime wedge for garnish
Ice
How to:
1) Combine pineapple juice, tequila, simple syrup and lime juice. Shake.
2) Place sugar on a plate. Using the lime wedge, gently run over the rim of the glass. Put the glass over the sugar in the plate to coat the rim.
3) Put ice in the glass and pour drink. Garnish with lime and serve.