How to Make Mashed Mexican Potato Tacos

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As many of you know, Mexican food is one of my all-time favorites! I'm all about Taco Tuesday and anything to do with tacos. But, I also like variety in my taco experiments, so I made potato tacos for dinner this week. Instead of cooking my corn tortillas in a pan or warming them in the oven, I made crispy potato tacos in a pan, kind of like a quesadilla. Of course, my potato tacos are oil-free and full of yummy potato goodness. 

First, let's discuss potatoes. I've never met a potato I didn't like. When I was younger, french fries were my favorite food until I grew up and learned about fat, cholesterol, and cooking without oil. Then, I discovered the beauty of a convection oven, an air-fryer, and ways to enjoy my french fries and other potatoes without the fat. 

Although given a lousy reputation by carbohydrate haters, potatoes are a wonder food. According to Healthline, "cooked potatoes with skin are a good source of many vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and vitamin C.

Aside from being high in water content when fresh, potatoes are primarily composed of carbs and contain moderate amounts of protein and fiber — but almost no fat.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF POTATOES

The nutrients found in 2/3 cup (100 grams) of boiled potatoes — cooked with the skin but without salt:

• Calories: 87
• Water: 77%
• Protein: 1.9 grams
• Carbs: 20.1 grams
• Sugar: 0.9 grams
• Fiber: 1.8 grams
• Fat: 0.1 grams
• Potassium. The predominant mineral in potatoes, potassium, is concentrated in the skin and may benefit heart health.
• Vitamin C. The main vitamin found in potatoes, vitamin C, is significantly reduced with cooking — but leaving the skin on reduces this loss.
• Folate. Concentrated in the peel, folate is mostly found in potatoes with colored flesh.
• Vitamin B6. A class of B vitamins involved in red blood cell formation, B6 is found in most foods. 

WHAT KIND OF POTATOES SHOULD BE USED FOR POTATO TACOS?

Although any potatoes can be used for potato tacos, I chose gold potatoes because of their buttery taste. Since all potatoes are different sizes, you have to select any potatoes you like and make sure to cut them the same size before boiling them. 

For instance, I used 12 gold potatoes cut into quarters. If you choose different types of potatoes, use this as a reference:

• Baking potatoes (2 large = 12 gold potatoes)
• Red potatoes (12=12 gold potatoes)
• Baby white potatoes (18=1 gold potatoes)

First, I cut the gold potatoes into equal sizes to cook them equally. Also, I leave the skins on to maximize the nutritional value of the potatoes.

Once boiled and drained, smash the potatoes with a fork or a hand potato masher. Even though that may sound easier, do not mash potatoes with an electric mixer. Instead, you want a somewhat thicker texture with some chunks.

OTHER INGREDIENTS IN POTATO TACOS

• Red onion
• Jalapeno
• Taco Seasoning
• Cilantro
• Lime Juice (fresh is best)
• Corn Tortillas (oil-free or flour tortillas of choice)
• Pinto Beans
• Salsa of Choice

To get the pinto beans the texture of refried beans, I blend 1/2 cup salsa with my pinto beans in a high-speed blender. 

HOW TO ASSEMBLE THE POTATO TACOS 

I lay a corn tortilla on a flat surface when assembling each Taco. Then, on one side, I place the pinto bean mixture, and on the other side, I put some of the potato mixtures, with additional salsa in between; next, I fold each corn tortilla over and cook them in a non-stick pan until crispy. 

After all the tacos are assembled, it's time to cook them. Because the kids came over for dinner, I used two non-stick skillets simultaneously to make sure all 8 tacos were ready at the same time. The trick to making the tacos crispy is to cook them low and slow. Similar to a pancake, only flip them once. 

As a result, the thick potato filling is piping hot inside the crunchy shell. However, if you use flour tortillas, they cook more quickly, so be sure to have the temperature very low in that case. 

Air fryer option

Another way to enjoy even more crispy tacos is to use an air fryer! 

• Assemble the tacos and fold them over in half
• Air fry on 400°F for 6-7 minutes, flipping once, or until the tortilla is crispy and the filling is hot.
• Repeat as needed.
• The tortillas will continue to crisp up as they cool. Let rest on a rack while you are prepping your remaining tacos.

For example, I served my potato tacos with avocado and cilantro with a side of black beans and rice and salsa. Another option is adding Vegan Sour Cream, Pico de Gallo Recipe, Fruit Salsa Recipe, or Tomatillo Salsa.

FAQs

Are potato tacos at Taco Bell vegan?

• Yes. As per Taco Bell's website, the Spicy Potato Soft Taco is certified vegan by the American Vegetarian Association. 

Can vegans eat taco shells?

Yes, of course. There are plenty of vegan-friendly taco shells available in the market. However, you may also make your vegan taco shells for your peace of mind. 

IF YOU ARE A TACO TUESDAY FAN, ENJOY THESE OIL-FREE VEGAN TACO RECIPES

• Walnut Meat Tacos
• Tofu Tacos
• Vegan Lentil Tacos
• Tempeh Tacos
• Vegan Breakfast Tacos
• Sweet Potato Tacos
• Mushroom Chorizo Tacos
• Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Avocado-Cilantro Cream
• Roasted Vegetable Tacos

Yield: 4 servings

Potato Tacos

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Crispy potato tacos are full of a savory potato mixture, pinto bean puree, and salsa, cooked inside corn tortillas, and topped with fresh avocado and cilantro. Crispy on the outside, soft and delicate on the inside.

Print

Ingredients

• 12 gold potatoes, skin on, cut into equal-sized quarters 
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 2 jalapeños, seeds and deveined, and diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup lime juice 
• 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning 

Additional Ingredients

• 8 corn tortillas (I used oil-free or flour tortillas)
• 1 avocado, sliced thin
• 1/4 cup cilantro for garnish
• 1 cup fresh salsa

Pinto Bean Puree

• 1 15 ounces can pinto beans, drained
• 1/2 cup salsa

Instructions

1. Combine quartered potato and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium-sized pot and cover potatoes with water.
2. Boil uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and can be pierced with a fork.
3. While the potatoes cook, saute the garlic and onions in a saute pan until the onions are translucent
4. Add the cilantro, jalapenos, and lime juice. Cook for a few minutes until jalapenos and cooked
5. Drain the potatoes in a colander and transfer them to a bowl
6. Using a fork or a hand potato masher, mash the potatoes, leaving them somewhat chunky
7. Add the sauteed onions, jalapenos, and cilantro, and Taco Seasoning
8. Stir until combined
9. In a high-speed blender, combine the pinto beans and salsa
10. Blend on high until smooth
11. Lay each corn tortilla on a flat surface.
12. Then, spread half the tortilla with pinto beans and the other half with the potato mixture.
13. Add a little extra salsa in the center for added flavor
14. Fold each tortilla over; the beans and potato mixture glue the tortilla together
15. Fold all 8 before cooking in a non-stick pan
16. Place folded potato tacos in a non-stick skillet (you DO NOT NEED OIL); they will get crispy without oil.
17. Cook each side for 10 minutes on LOW heat; check to make sure the tortilla is brown and crispy on the underside before flipping.
18. Cook the other side for 10 minutes
19. Serve with fresh avocado slices, cilantro, and a side of salsa.
20. I also made black beans and rice for a side dish.

Air fryer option

Another way to enjoy even more crispy tacos is to use an air fryer! 

1. Assemble the tacos and fold them over in half
2. Air fry on 400°F for 6-7 minutes, flipping once, or until the tortilla is crispy and the filling is hot.
3. Repeat as needed.
4. The tortillas will continue to crisp up as they cool. Let rest on a rack while you are prepping your remaining tacos.

 

Notes

If using flour tortillas, the cooking time is cut in half. Also, be sure the potato mixture is hot before cooking.

Do not mash potatoes with an electric mixer; use a fork instead.

Make sure potato mixture and beans are the base on the corn tortilla. The salsa goes last, or it will make the tortillas break before cooking.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 207Total Fat 2gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 0mgSodium 410mgCarbohydrates 164gFiber 25gSugar 14gProtein 24g

Nutrition facts may not be 100% accurate.

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