Betsy’s Tacos

I started making tacos when I was around 16 years old. My mother’s friend was from Guatemala and she made Guatemalan-style tacos. I got her recipe and the way they were served, putting out a spread of all the different foods (beans, meat, lettuce, cheese, onions, etc.) and letting everyone put together their own tacos. I liked that idea. Later on I was able to go to Mexico a few times. There, I noticed all the ways they serve tacos, using corn tortillas. Their seasoning is a little more bland because they add very hot peppers to everything.

Since I am originally from the Dominican Republic, I liked the idea of creating a true fusion by making the beans and meat with Dominican seasonings. They carry the tacos without having to go very spicy.

The Taco recipe includes my beans and Picadillo.

I use either fresh tortillas, or store-bought and fried. I use flour tortillas because my family prefers them. However, I like fresh corn tortillas bought from Mexican tortilleria the best. If you have a tortilleria in your town, get your tortillas there. They are very cheap and nothing compares. These are white corn tortillas, not the crappy, yellow tortillas already shaped they sell in the supermarkets.I don’t usually fry the fresh corn tortillas. There is no need.

Betsy's Tacos

This is a stock photo. Not the correct way to fill a taco. You should always add the cheese first so it melts with the beans and meat.

Serve With:

  • shredded iceberg lettuce
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • chopped tomatoes
  • chopped onions
  • sour cream (for the people who like this, it’s not my thing)
  • salsa
  • hot sauces
  • lots of napkins
Tips

To put together a taco…

Get a tortilla, add the cheese first, then the beans and meat, this way the cheese melts. Then pile some lettuce, tomatoes and anything else you want to add to your taco. Don’t over fill or you won’t be able to fold the ends.