I'm a busy working mom, and like lots of people I sometimes struggle with what to make for dinner. So we've create a Taco Tuesday habit. Tacos are easy, everyone can customize them to their own tastes, and you can load them up with healthy, inexpensive ingredients. Sometimes we make Asian-inspired tacos filled with flavorful sautéed tofu, quick pickled cabbage, and a drizzle of Sriracha mayo; other times we'll keep it authentic and have Mexican street tacos filled with meat, onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Easy. But our 6-year-old daughter likes her tacos Mexican-American style: soft corn tortillas filled with meat, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cheese and sour cream. For a hungry kid and tired parents, this was the perfect, healthy one-dish meal all wrapped up in one package! And dinner is on the table in less than 30 minutes. Mom likes that.
Keep It Easy:
I used two skillets for this recipe, but you just want to warm the tortillas in one pan, so no oil is necessary. Just wipe the pan out with a paper towel when you're done and put it away. To further keep dish washing to a minimum, plate the tacos in the kitchen in lieu of placing all the ingredients in serving bowls and dishes. Alternatively, have your family come to the kitchen and dish up there right out of the pan and off of the cutting board. Kids always like a buffet!
Make It Flavorful:
Whichever meat you use make sure you season it up! In my recipe I used turmeric, cumin, ground coriander - all of which are flavorful, loaded in antioxidants, and gentle on little tongues (i.e not spicy) - plus a bit of salt and pepper. Or, use a packaged taco seasoning or simply a bit of salt, pepper, and a mild chili powder. A splash of lemon or lime juice always add a nice punch of flavor too!
Our Easy Kid-Friendly Gournd Turkey Tacos
1 pound ground turkey, browned
1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
1/2 teaspoon each of turmeric, cumin, ground coriander (or to your taste)
1-2 tomatoes, sliced
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 a small onion, diced
Lettuce, torn into pieces
Cheddar cheese
Soft corn tortillas
Plain yogurt or sour cream for garnish
Fresh cilantro
Your favorite salsa
Heat oil in a skillet. Add ground turkey along with spices and mix well with a spatula. Cook until the meat is lightly browned; about 6-8 minutes.
While the meat is browning chop the vegetables and set aside (I leave them in little piles on the same cutting board - less dish washing!)
In a separate skillet over medium-high to high heat, warm corn tortillas one at a time on both sides for about 20 seconds each side. Tip: When I flip the tortillas a second time I place a little Cheddar cheese over it until melted.
Divide tortillas among plates and top with a spoonful or two of ground turkey, some sliced tomatoes and avocados, lettuce, diced onions (if using), a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream, and a few leaves of fresh cilantro. Add salsa, if you prefer, and enjoy!
