subject: Tacos Al Pastor: From Lebanon To Mexico [print this page] Tacos Al Pastor: From Lebanon To Mexico Tacos Al Pastor: From Lebanon To Mexico
The taco is a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine and has seen many variations over the years. One of the most famous however comes not from the taco motherland but from Lebanon. Tacos al Pastor are amongst the favorite dishes of Mexicans and Americans who adore food from South of the Border. They are also a main feature of Mexican restaurants in Texas such as Guero's Taco Bar.
History
It is believed that Lebanese immigrants are responsible for the creation of Tacos al Pastor. They brought over their shawarma method of spit-roasting lamb from their native land in the 1930s which was in turn used as an inspiration for experts in Mexican cuisine who changed the lamb used by the Lebanese to pork for their purposes. Puebla in Mexico could be seen as the birthplace of Tacos al Pastor as this is where the Lebanese brought theircooking method first.
Creation
Another name for Tacos al Pastor is 'tacos de trompo' which are created by marinating pork within a condiment made of spices, achiote and pepper. An iron rod is then used to skewer thisdelicious concoction. The rod is turned around a wall of fire to ensure that the outside is the first to roast. Once the meat is properly cooked, it is sliced away with the inner meat revealed and cooked. The roasted meat is put inside a tortilla with additional ingredients such as pineapple, chopped onion and salsa added.
Those who go toGuero's Taco Bar and order one of these scintillating tacos should realize that the process of marinating takes time which is why the restaurant will always have it on display, cooking in the background. Of course, another reason for the visibility of the meat is to whet the appetite of all that enter the premises. It is impossible for hungry stomachs to resist the temptation of the beautifully roasted meat as its fumes permeate around the room, the aroma andflavor a heavenly combination.
Secret Ingredients
It should be noted that the marinade used varies depending on restaurants. It is a well known fact that the secret ingredients used in Guero's has made it the most popular location forTacos al Pastor in Austin. In fact, Mexicans who now reside in Austin regularly frequent Guero's because the tacos created there are the closest thing they have experienced to home since they left Mexico. Although the marinating process is a lengthy one, the fact that Guero's have it already cooking before you arrive means that you will receive a slice of Mexico via Lebanon in double quick time.
