What is a puffy taco? That is a question that has been on my mind for like two years. My dear friend, and who I consider family, finally shared the mystery with me this week!
This is Pam’s recipe, so I will keep it in the family! BUT don’t worry I won’t leave you hanging. On the back of a package of instant corn masa flour, there is usually a recipe for making corn tortillas. She said that recipe is just as good, and very close to what she makes.
You mix together 2 cups of masa, loosely packed, 1/4 tsp salt, and about 1 1/4 cups of water. You don’t want the mixture too dry, but you don’t want it too wet. It should have a nice consistency to make into a ball, and when you press it out the edges will not look dry.
A fun trick – cut the sides of a lunch size ziploc bag, to place the ball in between.
You need a large pan about 4 inches deep, you can use vegetable oil or canola oil. Vegetable is better, it heats up faster.
You want to use a spoon and push oil on the tortilla quickly, you continue to splash oil with the spoon on the top of the tortilla until golden brown, and it will puff up.
I asked what temperature to have the oil, but she said she does not monitor that. She waits, and adds the tortilla after a certain amount of time. I believe for most recipes that deal with oil, you want the temperature about 350 degrees F.
NOW Behold the puffy taco!!!
If you are wondering why it is not shaped like a taco, that is because we don’t have the cool contraptions that the restaurants use. Soooooo…a flat taco, or a tortilla will do us just fine!
Now you all have heard me talk about living in Tucson, Arizona….BUT have I mentioned my favorite restaurants? There are too many to name, but a couple of them are El Minuto, El Charro, and La Fuente. When she made this taco for me, so many lovely memories flooded back into my mind. This taco looks like a gordita, one of my favorite options on La Fuente’s menu.
They put a gordita on a plate and they will top them with your favorite meat. Then you have to top with some sour cream and homemade hot salsa…..oh man, I miss that delicious restaurant!
Now why do I call it “Happy?” Because this little taco danced with joy when I placed homemade shredded beef, lettuce, tomatoes, Greek yogurt, and salsa! I also believe I did a happy dance too!
Thank you to Pam, I finally have enjoyed the delicious puffy taco!!! I kinda may have eaten too much….but I am okay with that!
Have you had a puffy taco, or homemade gordita?
Until next time, Come on it, Have a seat,
Hugs, Terra
