Spice It Up: National Taco Day
When we see celebrations pop up like National Hamburger Day, National Pizza Day and National Margarita Day, we take that as a challenge. We believe in balance, but we also spend a lot of time in training for that next goal. Usually, that’s our cue to get in our kitchen and get crafty.
October 4 is National Taco Day. With Shawnie growing up in California, she’s always been exposed to great Mexican fare. For CaCera, tacos are nostalgic reminder of her childhood. There were many Friday or Saturday nights where her oldest sister would whip up a bomb taco bar (with all the fixings) before curling up in front of a good movie or that old school ABC Friday night line-up (Boy Meets World, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Family Matters? Now, that was good TV).
So, let’s “taco” bout it (corny, we know). What are some of your favorite taco recipes and healthy swaps. Below, we are sharing two easy versions for you to whip up tonight.
Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos
There is a lot that makes this “recipe” a favorite. The best thing part is how easy it was thanks to grabbing all of these ingredients at Trade Joe’s. Here's what you need:
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Ribbons, 1 container
Organic Black Beans, 1 can
Diced Organic Tomatoes, No Salt Added, 1 can
Organic Shredded Cabbage, 1 package
Taco Shells, 1 box
Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning Mix
Olive Oil, 1 Tablespoon
**We used Trader Joe’s mix the first time we made these tacos. However, we are firm believers in cutting down on sodium by making your own seasoning.
Recipe
Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil in a saute pan on medium heat.
Add sweet potato ribbons and saute for 2-3 minutes
Drain and rinse black beans. Add them to the saute pan with the sweet potatoes. Saute for approximately 2-3 more minutes.
Add tomatoes and seasoning mix. Saute for another two minutes.
Assemble tacos in shell with any additional toppings you like. Add additional spice to the mix by sprinkling a little cayenne or crushed red pepper to the sweet potato and black bean mixture.
One thing we love about taco bars is that it is easy to cater them across a variety of tastes and preferences by making sure your toppings spread is on point. Remember to keep healthy hacks on hand as well, like Greek yogurt as a swap for a dollop of sour cream.
Ground Turkey & Mushroom Tacos
This recipe is pretty straight forward, but super delicious.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey ( 1 lb. )
Mushrooms (One bag)
Mexican Shredded Cheese
Salsa Fresca
TJs Southwest Salad , 1 package or Romaine Lettuce
Tortillas, 1 bag
Homemade Taco Mix (Seasoning Salt, Garlic, Cumin, Paprika, Pepper)
TJs Cilantro Dressing
Olive Oil, 1 Tablespoon
Recipe
Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil in a saute pan on medium heat.
Add ground turkey, and cook until brown
Add mushrooms to cooked ground turkey
Remove turkey & mushroom mix
Warm up tortillas in non-stick pan (spray with oil first)
Assemble tacos in shell with remaining ingredients
What’s You Favorite Taco Recipe! Let us know!!