Taco Tuesday Is Back And Better Than Ever!
Reinventing this classic dinner time meal with a healthy twist
Growing up as a first generation American, I remember how assimilating to the culture had been difficult and confusing. I spoke a different language, looked a bit different, but most of all I remember how my meals were nothing like what my classmates were bringing in for lunch. As a child, we begin to notice our differences from our peers, and food was one of the biggest ones.
It was due to these differences that I started to look at my culture through a negative lens. I begged my mom to make life at home more American, starting in the kitchen. It was then that I experienced the glory of "Taco Tuesday"- finally, something that I could participate in that my classmates did as well. Ironically, the american diet that I had so wanted to attach myself to in order to belong, is now known to have numerous health consequences, some of which are spreading through the immigrant groups that now call this country home. I am so grateful to have grown up on fresh herbs and spices- the same ones that science is finally showing evidence of having medicinal effects.
So am I done with Taco Tuesday? No! This meal is a fun way to get to know other cultures through food, and it can't get more American than that. Here is my Taco Tuesday meal:
Turmeric Marinaded Cod Taco:
Ingredients:
Turmeric
Cumin
Cayenne
Salt
Lime
Olive oil + toasted sesame oil
Cod
Directions:
In a ziploc bag, add ingredients to your taste. I don't put serving sizes because cooking is so personal to the individuals taste! So go slow with the spices, and get to know the profile of each and how you like it
Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes, the longer the better
Once marinaded, remove cod from the bag and sautée in a pan with 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil.
Cook until golden brown on each side, and fully cooked through
Chipotle Slaw
Ingredients:
Cole slaw mix of cabbage, carrots, and beets
Primal Kitchen Chipotle Lime Mayo
Lime to taste
Directions:
In a bowl, combine ingredients so that the slaw mix it lightly coated by the mayo.
Avo-Mango Salsa
Ingredients:
Avocado
Mango
Lime
Salt, pepper, and cumin to taste
Directions:
Dice avocado and mango, add to bowl
Add lime, salt, pepper, and cumin to taste
Layer your meal components on top of butter lettuce for a healthy taco! Use as many layers of lettuce, as it's a bit fragile. Enjoy!