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Mexican Tacos de Papa Recipe

Mexican Tacos de Papa Recipe

Tacos de papa, also known as potato tacos, is a popular Mexican dish of tacos filled with potatoes, lettuce, cheese and salsa.

Tacos de papa are typically made by mashing cooked potatoes and mixing them with spices commonly found in Mexican dishes, such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder.

This dish is believed to have originated in Northern Mexico, where potatoes are a common staple crop. Tacos de papa have since become a beloved Mexican dish and can be found on the menus of many taquerias throughout Mexico.

Origin & Cultural Significance

The history of tacos de papa is closely tied to the history of potatoes in Mexico. Potatoes were first introduced to Mexico by the Spanish in the 16th century, but they were not always a popular ingredient. 

In the 19th century, when Mexico experienced a period of food scarcity, potatoes became a far more popular crop. The potato’s popularity grew throughout the 20th century, and today it is a staple ingredient in many Mexican dishes.

Some variations of the dish also include cooked ground beef or chorizo. Although, tacos de papa can be enjoyed as a vegetarian or vegan dish by omitting meat and cheese.

Tacos de papa are particularly popular during Lent in Mexico due to the fact that they can be made without meat.

Tacos de Papa

Mexican Tacos de Papa Recipe

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Additional Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Tacos de papa, also known as potato tacos, is a popular Mexican dish of tacos filled with potatoes, lettuce, cheese and salsa.

Ingredients

  • Corn tortillas - 8
  • Potatoes, peeled and diced - 4
  • Onion (diced) - 1
  • Garlic cloves (minced) - 2
  • Cumin - 1/2 tsp
  • Paprika - 1/2 tsp
  • Chili powder - 1/2 tsp
  • Salt and pepper - to taste
  • Oil
  • Lettuce (shredded) - 1 cup
  • Cheddar cheese (grated) - 1/2 cup
  • Salsa - to serve
  • Sour cream - to serve

Instructions

  1. Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are soft, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Drain the potatoes and mash them with a fork or potato masher. 
  3. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the mashed potatoes and mix well.
  4. Add two to three heaped tablespoons of the potato mixture to a warm tortilla and fold in half. Repeat this until all of your mashed potato has been used up.
  5. Heat two spoonfuls of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 
  6. Place the tacos into the skillet and cook, for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the outside becomes crispy and golden brown.
  7. Top with shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and salsa.
  8. Serve the tacos hot, with sour cream and extra salsa as desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 384Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 290mgCarbohydrates: 63gFiber: 8gSugar: 4gProtein: 11g

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