Mushroom, Rajas, and Corn Tacos with Queso Fresco

Recipe by: Deborah Schneider | from Amor Y Tacos

Cookstr

Course: Main Course

Total Time: Under 30 Minutes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Moderate

mushroom-rajas-and-corn-tacos-with-queso-fresco

Photo by: Sara Remington

The earliest Mexican cuisine was vegetable-based, so in times past, before Spanish beef, chicken, and pork worked their way into every taco, there were no doubt plenty of satisfying vegetable taco recipes. Today most vegetables are consumed as salsas, in soups, or stuffed into quesadillas and empanadas, but there’s no reason why a vegetable taco shouldn’t be every bit as tasty and unusual as any other. This sumptuous vegetarian feast is based on the classic combination of roasted poblano chiles and mushrooms, with the addition of corn and mild-flavored, soft queso fresco. This taco is often favored by even the most committed carnivores. In other seasons, bits of diced cooked sweet potato, zucchini, chayote, squash blossoms, or golden winter squash would be welcome additions.

Fresh epazote, used as a flavoring in this taco, has a minty-oregano taste and is often available at Mexican markets. (It is also hardy and easy to grow.) Fresh or dried mint or Mexican oregano may be substituted, but do not substitute dried epazote.

Yield: Makes 6 large tacos

INGREDIENTS

2 Anaheim chiles
1 poblano chile
1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 1 ear)
1 1⁄2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt
1⁄2 white onion, peeled and cut into 1⁄2-inch dice
1 large clove garlic, thinly sliced
6 ounces cremini or white button mushrooms, trimmed and quartered
6 fresh epazote leaves, chopped (about 1 tablespoon, optional)
Fresh-ground black pepper
1⁄2 cup queso fresco, cut into small cubes
6 warm corn tortillas
Salsa Quemada (recipe follows)
1⁄4 cup grated cotixa or añejo cheese
Cilantro sprigs

Salsa quemada (makes 2 1::2 cups):

5 large Roma tomatoes, whole, not cored or cut in any way
1 serrano or jalapeño chile
2 cloves garlic, skin on
1/4 cup minced white onion
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 bunch cilantro

Directions

1. Roast the chiles as for rajas (see Notes) and cut them into ½-inch dice.

2. Heat a heavy pan (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat until very hot.

3. In a bowl, toss the corn with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil and a sprinkling of salt. Spread the corn in the hot pan and let it blacken slightly, without stirring, for 30 seconds. Have a lid ready in case the kernels begin to pop. Remove the roasted corn from the pan.

4. In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the onion and diced chiles and cook, stirring often, until the onion is soft and beginning to brown. Season lightly with salt and remove from the pan.

5. Reduce the heat and add the remaining olive oil. Add the garlic and mushrooms. Cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms are cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Return the corn and chiles to the pan and stir to reheat.

6. Turn off the heat and stir in the epazote, if using, black pepper, and queso fresco.

7. To assemble the tacos, spoon some vegetables onto a tortilla. Top with a generous tablespoon of salsa and sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of cotixa cheese over all. Top with a cilantro sprig.

For the Salsa Quemada:

1. Make sure your kitchen is well ventilated. Put a piece of aluminum foil in a heavy sauté pan(preferably cast iron) and set it over medium-high heat. Place the whole tomatoes, chile, and garlic cloves in the pan and dry-roast them on all sides until well charred and soft. The garlic and chiles will be done quickly; the tomatoes may take 10 minutes or longer to cook.

2. Peel the garlic and stem the chile. Place the tomatoes, garlic, and chile in a food processor with the onion, salt, and cilantro. Pulse until the salsa is smooth and taste for seasoning. The salsa will keep, refrigerated, for several days. Reseason before use.

Notes

To roast peppers as for rajas, char the whole peppers on all sides by placing them directly in a gas flame or under a hot broiler. Wrap them in a paper towel and allow to cool completely, then remove the stem and seeds. Rub off the charred skin with the towel--do not wash the chiles or you'll lose all that great smoky flavor.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Nutritional information includes 1/8 teaspoon of added salt per serving, and using half the recipe of Salsa Quemada. Serving size is 1 taco.

Calories 178kcal (9%)

Calcium 118mg (12%)

Vitamin C 30mg (49%)

Vitamin A 61mcg RAE (2%)

Potassium 451mg

Magnesium 44mg

Protein 6g

Sugar 6g

Fiber 4g