You may never have had tacos like this before. Tacos de canasta, also known as "basket tacos," are authentic street food in Mexico and are especially common in Mexico City. But you can find the delicious tacos in some restaurants in the United States, too. Is this delicious Mexican food worth adding to your plate?
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What Are Tacos de Canasta?
Tacos de canasta, which are sometimes called tacos al vapor or tacos sudados, are one of those Mexican recipes that aren't that difficult, but pretty specific. "Corn tortillas are filled with anything from tinga (stew) to potatoes, then the whole packet is fried and held in a basket, or canasta, until serving," Master Class reports.
The dish can have all sorts of goodies for fillings — chorizo with mashed potatoes, chicharrón, frijoles, cochinita pibil, barbacoa, ground beef, carnitas, al pastor carne, beans or refried beans, and more. They are often served with salsa Roja, salsa verde, or guajillo chile sauce. A few cloves garlic, jalapenos, and white onion are popular toppings.
How Do You Make Them?
If you're making tacos de canasta for the first time, you might need a little help.
First, you line the inside of the basket with a layer of aluminum foil to help keep the heat in, according to My Latina Table. Then, you line the basket with a large towel before adding a large plastic bag. You then add a layer of butcher paper or parchment paper where you will place the tacos and a salsa, then keep adding layers of paper before you seal up the bag and cover it up with the towel and aluminum. This method allows the tacos to cook with steam.
The tacos themselves are made by warming tortillas in an oven on low or medium heat or on a comal, then placing them on a kitchen towel until you're ready to put whatever filling you want inside. You'll just let them cook in the aforementioned bag set-up for about an hour, then let the tacos rest before adding cilantro, cumin, salsa, or whatever else you want on top.
If you're making a taco spread with things like quesadillas, enchiladas, burritos, and more, why not add tacos de canasta to the menu too? You won't regret it.
