I have long been a fan of homemade turkey tacos, particularly ones based on this recipe (thanks Molly!). A couple of nights ago, I cooked up a batch of the taco meat to spill over big bowls of greens (though folding these crumbles up in freshly warmed corn tortillas is my idea of heaven) and managed to get not just one, but two jars of home canned food into the mix.
The taco-spiced meat calls for a pound of turkey, spiked with minced garlic, cumin, a pinch of cayenne, lime and some jalapenos. I look at this recipe as a perfect way to use up some of those unfancy jalapeno peppers that I canned last fall. Because the pickling process takes some of the sting out of peppers, I simply mince up two or three, seeds and all, and add it to the mix. Frequently, I skip the cayenne and just rely on the heat of the jalapenos to flavor the turkey (we’re something of a heat sensitive household around here).
As I assembled the salads, I started longing for something tangy to go along with the turkey, greens and sauteed vegetables. Thinking back over what remains in my pantry, I remembered that a single jar of those pickled carrots and daikon I made last February (good grief, is time flying) remained. They weren’t quite as crunchy as they’d been when first canned, but their flavor was spot on for the salad and they added the perfect amount of zing.
I realize that this isn’t groundbreaking cooking, but I thought you guys would appreciate seeing some of the basic ways that I incorporate what I can into my everyday eating. Oh, and if you determine to eat this as tacos (as is truly intended), I highly recommend making a batch of this Cumin Cabbage Slaw to go with it. They match up really well.
As you can tell from the earlier post, I am quite a fan of these jalapeños. And you’ve reminded me to pull out other chutneys, jams, sauces to pair with food when I cook. Nothing like cooking some down and dirty gooood food.
What a great way to add canned veggies to the meal. Delicious.
Who cares about groundbreaking? 🙂 Looks quite yummy!
Yesterday I pickled a assortment of chiles I had on hand some I had grown myself. Last night I said to my daughter and her boyfriend that I wanted to roast and shred turkey breast and make a yucatan style tacos, yum… I just saw your post and said to my serendipity.
I love canning and your post is very inspiring. Makes me hungry just looking at the picture! Wish I had those items in MY pantry.
I make a similar turkey taco dish – I add a small can of black beans (undrained) for a little extra fiber! I add chipotle peppers as opposed to jalapenos, because I’m in love with that smokey chipotle flavor!!