Tacos de Canasta

Tacos de Canasta, or “basket tacos,” are a traditional Mexican street food known for their soft, flavorful tortillas filled with various ingredients and steamed to perfection. These tacos are typically made in large batches and kept warm in a basket, making them perfect for feeding a crowd. The fillings can range from potatoes and beans to chicharrón and adobo, and the unique steaming process allows the tacos to absorb the rich flavors of the fillings while maintaining a soft, comforting texture. Tacos de Canasta are an iconic, portable snack, best served with a drizzle of salsa and a squeeze of lime.

Ingredients:

• 12 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup refried beans (or your preferred filling: mashed potatoes, chicharrón, or adobo)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Salsa and lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the filling: If using beans, warm them in a skillet. If using mashed potatoes, chicharrón, or adobo, make sure they are pre-cooked and ready to use.
2. Warm the tortillas: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for 30 seconds on each side, just until they are pliable. This will make them easier to fold.
3. Assemble the tacos: Spread about 1-2 tablespoons of your filling down the center of each tortilla. Fold the tortilla in half to create a taco.
4. Prepare the basket: In a large pot or steamer, place a layer of clean kitchen towels. You can also line the basket with parchment paper if using one. Lightly brush each taco with vegetable oil and stack them in the lined basket or pot, covering them with more towels to retain heat and steam.
5. Steam the tacos: Cover the basket or pot and let the tacos steam for about 30 minutes. The steam will soften the tortillas and allow them to absorb the flavors of the filling.
6. Serve: Carefully remove the tacos from the basket and serve them with chopped onion, fresh cilantro, salsa, and lime wedges.

Tacos de Canasta are a flavorful and comforting street food, perfect for sharing with friends and family at any gathering. Their unique steaming method gives them a deliciously soft texture and rich flavor!