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The History of Tacos: A Culinary Journey Through Time
The History of Tacos: A Culinary Journey Through Time
Pre-Hispanic Origins
Tamales are the heart and soul of Mexican food. These little packets of corn masa are filled with diverse ingredients like chicken in green sauce, beans and cheese, or pork with mole. Steamed in corn or banana leaves, they are a versatile and comforting treat found throughout Mexico.
The Birth of Nixtamalized Corn
Tostadas are fried corn tortillas with a satisfying crunch. Topped with an array of ingredients—from avocado and shrimp to ceviche or refried beans—they are perfect for sharing and experimenting with flavor combinations.
Moctezuma and Hot Tortillas
Emperor Moctezuma of the Aztecs used tortillas to hold his food. They were prepared on hot stones and adorned with cochineal, beans, and chili.
Coyoacán Taquiza: First Encounter with the Spaniards
Upon the arrival of Spanish caravels, Hernán Cortés organized feasts centered around pork with tortillas. Coyoacán witnessed the first taquiza in history.
Tacos Al Pastor
One of the most beloved types of Mexican tacos actually has roots in Lebanon. That’s right, the techniques and flavors of the Middle East came over with these immigrants that then combined with the ingredients of Mexico. To make these tacos, they skewer thinly sliced pork that was marinated in annatto and pineapple onto a vertical spit rotisserie. The meat slowly cooks and caramelizes the pineapple juice before it gets carved onto a corn tortilla. Al pastor tacos are garnished with pineapple, cilantro, onion, and a touch of salsa. Make sure to try some al pastor tacos in Mexico City!
Carnitas Tacos
Originating from Michoacan, carnitas is simply pork that is slow-cooked in its own fat for hours resulting in a tender texture with a caramelized and crispy exterior. This simple but semi-lengthy cooking process starts off with some fatty pig cuts like pork butt (shoulder), picnic ham, leg, belly, ribs, loin, and more that are cooked with oranges and hierbas de olor which is a bouquet of different herbs. When ordering carnitas tacos in Mexico, you will need to pick your cut or parts of the pig you want in your tacos.
Barbacoa Tacos
Barbacoa Tacos
Tacos Árabes
These tacos have their roots in Lebanon and are made with marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit. They are garnished with onions, cilantro, and a spicy salsa.
Tacos de Canasta
Also known as “basket tacos,” these are steamed tacos filled with various ingredients like beans, potatoes, or chicharrón. They are often sold by street vendors in large baskets.
Unique Types of Mexican Tacos
Other regional tacos you shouldn’t miss are cochinita pibil tacos and lechon al horno tacos from the Yucatan. Additionally, explore tacos arabes, chicharron prensado, and poc chuc tacos for a truly diverse taco experience.
Don’t miss out! Visit Los Jilbertos and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more. 🍽️ Explore our menu and learn more at Los Jilbertos Website. Buen provecho!