Taco Tuesday Every Day
Photograph copyright 2018 Anna Pelzer
You guys. I could eat this every day. Fresh Mexican food is absolute perfection!! Here, let me count the reasons (or at least, three of the reasons):
1. You can make all of the components in advance and keep them on hand - hence, meal prep for the week is easy and manageable.
2. Mexican food (when plant-based) is actually very healthy and nutritious. This surprises many people, I've noticed. They think Mexican food = unhealthy decadence. However, when you use whole grain (flour or corn) tortillas, beans, veggies, brown rice, salsa, etc, you're comprising your meal of truly light and nutrient-dense foods. Win!
3. Hey there, delicious. SO! MUCH! FLAVOR!
So, yes. I absolutely LOVE this way of eating. However, if you've followed my social media/website for a while now, you may be wondering why you've never seen a "Taco Tuesday" post before. Here's the truth: I think deep down there's this little part of me that rebels against "Taco Tuesday" because I'm like "Uhhh, Tuesday??" But I can get over myself and post this on a Tuesday, because social media and all of that. But, yeah, I will be eating this on the other days as well.
Fun fact: One of the ways I lost weight (after being an obese vegan for most of my twenties) was through eating more healthy Mexican food! After eating mostly vegan junk food for years, I finally learned the importance of foods like beans, whole grains, and veggies. You can read more about my story here.
OK, enough with the chit-chat. Let's eat!!!
Taco Tuesday Every Day
My current favorite way to do Mexican food is to have several components on hand, and then put them all in soft corn tortillas. Kind of "family style" where everyone can choose from the items and individually make their tacos up just the way they like.
Here are some of my favorite components:
* Tortillas (obviously): I like to use whole grain tortillas, whether flour or corn, and warm them in a pan before serving. If you're using corn, you can double them up, Mexican street food style.
* Fresh Salsa: You can make it yourself (my favorite recipe is the one in my 100 Vegan Entrees eBook), or you can purchase it. Where I live, a local Mexican restaurant makes wonderful fresh (and so spicy!) salsa for when I don't want to make my own. And of course, you can also use hot sauce (I'm a fan of the Yellowbird brand hot sauces).
* Beans! In my house, it's usually pinto (or fat-free refried) for me and black beans for my daughter. Beans are very high in fiber, low in fat, and really stick with you. A great food for maintaining a healthy weight.
Photograph copyright 2018 Anna Pelzer
* Rice or quinoa: You can go with plain, or do the "Cilantro Lime Rice" shown in the above photo. Here's the recipe . . .
Cilantro Lime Rice (recipe from Radiant Health Inner Wealth):
1 cup long grain brown rice
2 cups water
2 tablespoons EACH: fresh lime juice and finely minced onion (white or yellow)
¼ cup (packed) finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 medium-large clove garlic, minced or pressed
2 teaspoons oil (coconut, olive, sunflower, or safflower)
½ teaspoon sea salt
Place the rice and water in a covered pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer (covered) until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. This should take about 35-45 minutes. Mix all of the remaining ingredients into the rice and stir well to combine. (Serves 3; GF/SF/Green - according to the health guidelines in my cookbooks and coaching programs.)
Photograph copyright 2018 Anna Pelzer
* Fresh veggies! We love grated carrots, chopped cabbage, minced onion (or scallion), and cilantro. However, I am dying to try Anna's pretty pink onions as shown in the photo above!! They're super healthy and easy to make, and add such a fun element. Here's her recipe (thank you, Anna!!):
Anna's Quick Pickled Onions
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
2-3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar vinegar
Juice from half a lime
1/4 teaspoon salt
Place all items in a glass jar and shake well. Refrigerate, shaking a few more times, and "they're perfect by the next day."
* Guacamole (or avocado): This just makes the thing. Here's our go-to recipe for guacamole. It's from Radiant Health Inner Wealth and sooo flavorful and fresh!
1 avocado, ripe and ready
1 tablespoon EACH: fresh lime juice and minced fresh cilantro
1 medium clove garlic, minced or pressed
⅛ teaspoon sea salt
Remove the avocado flesh and place it in a bowl. Mash it very well with a fork. Stir in the lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and salt until very well combined. Enjoy!
(Serves about 2; GF/SF/Blue - according to the health guidelines in my cookbooks and coaching programs)
Thanks for reading - and I hope you have fun making up your own healthy, delicious Taco EVERY DAY feast! As always, it makes my day to see people enjoying my recipes, so if you post any photos of your creations online be sure to tag me in them!! : ) xo Tess