I’m always excited about my drive home from work, especially when I get to stop at Komal in Mercado La Paloma for fresh tortillas. The excitement grows as I see the exit signs. Once I pull into the mercado parking lot, I make a beeline for Komal, skipping the long lines at other stands.
At Komal, Fátima Juárez prepares the best heirloom corn tortillas. They are made on-site from nixtamalized corn. You can buy them by the half dozen or a full dozen for just $6 or $11, and they come wrapped warm in paper.
In February, they even added a refrigerated section with goodies like Oaxacan quesillo, salsa, mole, and more. I usually pick up a ball of the quesillo for $13 and a jar of salsa for $9, along with my tortillas.
What goes into my tortillas? I love making homemade suadero, a delicious brisket dish. The recipe comes from the new cookbook, Vitamina T by Jorge Gaviria and Fermín Núñez. Gaviria, who runs a masa harina company, will be at the Festival of Books today, signing copies.
In his words, suadero is “meat cooked in a hot-fat Jacuzzi.” To make it, you melt tallow, add brisket, and bake it on a low heat for several hours. The result? Tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for tacos.
Besides suadero, I often use leftovers or favorites like Moo’s shredded beef ribs or Dunsmoor’s green chile stew.
Here are some easy and delicious taco ideas:
Oaxacan String Cheese Tacos: Melt Oaxacan cheese on a tortilla and top with guacamole and radishes. Quick and satisfying.
Fingerling and Raja Tacos: Fill with smoky grilled potatoes, poblano peppers, and corn. Vegetarian-friendly and perfect for gatherings.
Grilled Steak with Guacamole Salad: Marinate a flavorful steak, sear it, and serve it atop fresh pico de gallo.
Breakfast Tacos: Quick and tasty! Bake bacon while scrambling eggs, and assemble with cheese in a tortilla.
Spring Onion Home Fry Tacos: Sauté new potatoes and spring onions for a fresh side dish.
Dandelion Greens and Lima Bean Tacos: A great vegetarian option that’s simple and satisfying.
Hatch Chile Pork Tacos: Use summer’s Hatch chiles for a smoky, tender pork taco experience.
In recent studies, tacos have been found to be a well-balanced meal, offering ample protein, vitamins, and fiber depending on the fillings used. The taco trend continues to show up in social media, with beautiful taco images dominating Instagram feeds.
Alternative taco recipes not typically seen in restaurants are gaining attention too. With this variety, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
