Homemade Taco Night

I love Mexican food. Actually, I think I’d love any food that covered itself in avocados but that’s beside the point. What I don’t love about Mexican food is how it so often is served fast-food style with very little of the authentic fresh flavours that are the mainstays in the traditional dishes. I figure I can count myself as an expert as on my last trip to Mexico City I had guacamole and salsa made at the table in front of me. When my fabulous sister-in-law suggested a family homemade taco night, I was on board! She had attended one with friends a few weeks earlier and led the charge of assigning tasks and responsibilities to different people for dinner.

Here’s how we had a homemade taco night that rivalled some of the best Mexican meals I’ve ever had.

Homemade Taco Night Secret Ingredient #1 : Mexican Pulled Pork

Unfortunately, this is not something you can do when get home from work and decide you just want to have for dinner. You’ll need to start early in the morning or the night before to have pork that pulls apart with perfection and deliciousness. This recipe is easy, delicious and will make you lots of pork. So much pork. We used the extras the next day on buns for pulled pork sandwiches and it was still equally as delicious.

Homemade Taco Night Secret Ingredient #2 : Pico de Gallo

Salsa from a can? No way. This was easy to make (save from all the chopping) and the taste is so incredibly fresh. It’s probably what made me think the most of authentic Mexican cuisine.

Homemade Taco Night Secret Ingredient #3 : Mexican Rice

What do you put all your delicious toppings on? A delicious base of flavoured rice, which is also really easy to make ahead and reheat.

We also made a buttermilk-based avocado crema (a creamier alternative to guacamole) and black beans to go with the dishes. Was extremely delicious when paired with the homemade corn tortillas (great recipe and tutorials here).

Don’t forget the toppings, either! We used shredded cabbage, lime wedges, hot sauce, creamy feta cheese and pickled jalapeños. Enjoy your Mexican fiesta!