Kunkel Erin - Williams-Sonoma Taco Night Din

Taco
NIGHT

KATE McMILLAN

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIN KUNKEL

CONTENTS

TACOS FOR DINNER

If you want a foolproof way to please friends and family, let them know that its taco night! Everyone loves to load up their favorite wraps with hearty fillings, flavorful toppings, zesty sauces, and more. The create-your-own nature of tacos makes them an easy and satisfying dinnertime solution.

In these pages, youll find dozens of recipes for homemade tacos. Many of the dishes come together quickly on a stovetop, and others feature protein and vegetables cooked on the grill. While some recipes require minimal prep worklittle more than seasoning a can of beans and chopping a few vegetablesothers have the taco purist in mind: homemade corn tortillas, house-pickled chiles, and restaurant-quality seasoned meats.

Tacos appeal to all ages and offer an easy way to accommodate both dietary needs and personal preferences at the table. For example, gluten-free eaters can use lettuce cups or pure corn tortillas as their preferred wrap. Vegetarians will like the chapter dedicated to vegetable- and bean-based creations. There are also plenty of fresh new recipes for anyone who enjoys meat, poultry, and fish, as well as a chapter devoted to easy sides and salads to round out any meal.

Tacos are also a great choice for entertaining. In the warm-weather months, load up the grill with your favorite ingredients for fillingsanything from hunks of meat or poultry to a whole fishand offer a selection of vegetables and soft tortillas. Set up a taco bar with an array of diverse toppings, sauces, and sides so that everyone can customize their own tacos. Salsas and toppings can be made ahead of time and refrigerated, and many of the other key ingredients are probably already in your refrigerator or pantry. Tacos are also an excellent way to use a wide array of leftovers. Leftover cooked meat or chicken from one nights dinner can be shredded or cubed and used as a quick filling the next night. Add a pot of rice or a few shaved raw vegetables to make it a meal.

The next time you reach for a take-out menu on a busy weeknight, or scramble for a dinner party idea, look to this inspiring cookbook for recipes that everyone will enjoy.

ANATOMY OF A TACO

Well-seasoned fillings, warm tortillas, fresh toppings, and spicy saucesthese are the ingredients that make up a perfect taco. Each element offers a multitude of possibilities, so you can customize your meal as you like. A taco can be as simple as a warmed corn tortilla wrapped around spiced black beans with a spoonful of purchased salsa, or as special as a homemade corn tortilla stuffed with grilled marinated pork and diced fresh pineapple. Here are a few tips to get you started.

THE FILLING

The most important part of a taco is the filling and should be the first thing to consider. It will help determine both the type of wrap and toppings. Proteins, such as meat, chicken, fish, beans, and tofu are all great options, but vegetables, eggs, and cheese are also satisfying and delicious. Because the filling is the highlight of the taco, the choice of seasoning is important.

THE WRAP

Whether a soft corn or flour tortilla, a crispy shell, or even a lettuce cup, the wrap should complement the filling. Grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or marinated pork are ideal wrapped in soft tortillas. Softer fillings, such as chorizo and grilled fish, work well tucked in a crispy taco shell or a crisp lettuce cup. When serving tacos in soft tortillas, whether corn or flour, be sure to warm them before serving.

THE TOPPINGS

Crunchy shredded lettuce or cabbage, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, fiery jalapeo slices, and shredded cheese in any combination enhance tacos. These items boost flavor and add both nutrition and color.

THE SAUCES

From fresh salsas to creamy guacamole, hot chile sauces to cooling crema, there are lots of taco sauces to choose from. Set out bowls of different sauces so diners can personalize the flavors in their taco. Spice lovers can amp up the heat with chile-based salsas, while those who prefer a mellower meal might add crema or guacamole.

TACO PRIMER

There are almost no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to making tacos. You can prepare everything from scratch, swap in purchased items, or employ a combination of homemade and store-bought elements. Here are some guidelines to help you create perfect tacos, every time.

TOOLS FOR SUCCESS

These basic tools will help you create foolproof taco dinners.

GRILLING TONGS & SPATULA A long-handled, heatproof set of tongs and a spatula will make easy work of flipping and transferring food when grilling.

DEEP-FRYING THERMOMETER Whether frying tortillas for crisp taco shells or cooking battered fish fillets, a deep-frying thermometer will ensure consistent results.

FOOD PROCESSOR A food processor is ideal for blending quick marinades, salsas, cremas, and more. Shredding and slicing blades come in handy for prepping large amounts of cheese and vegetables. Some processors come with different blades or they can be purchased with the model.

TORTILLA PRESS If you enjoy the flavor and texture of homemade tortillas, a tortilla press comes in handy. A rolling pin also does the trick.

MARINATE FOR FLAVOR Marinating meats, poultry, fish, tofu, or vegetables adds bold flavor and, in some cases, has a tenderizing effect.

SELECT THE BEST Whether youre shopping for fresh ingredients or selecting premade items like jarred salsa and packaged tortillas, choose the best quality possible to ensure tasty results. Fresh herbs, ripe seasonal vegetables, quality cheeses, pastured meats and poultry, and wild fish from a sustainable source are all good options.

PREP YOUR INGREDIENTS To put dinner together quickly, have all your ingredients and tools laid out before firing up the grill or turning on the stove. Many salsas and sauces can be made ahead, saving you time when it comes to getting dinner on the table. Then chop your ingredients, grate your cheese, and get cooking.

WARM THE TORTILLAS Tortillas taste best when warmed. If grilling the taco filling, place the tortillas directly on the grate and warm them for about 2 minutes on each side. If cooking indoors, heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes on each side, or wrap in aluminum foil and heat in a warm oven for 510 minutes. After heating tortillas, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm until ready to use.

BE BOLD Dont hold back on bold flavors. Customize the spiciness of tacos by adding more or less chiles or hot spices. Draw on ingredients and seasonings like fresh cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor; if the filling is mild, try a pepper-spiked cheese, fiery salsa, and chopped herbs or raw chiles.

MAKE THEM YOUR OWN Tacos are easy to customize, which makes them a great option for picky eaters and for big gatherings. Set out each of the taco components separately and let diners assemble their own.