Taco Party

Who said a party always means lot of people and loads of dishes? Few weeks back we had a taco party, on a weekday, just the two of us. I spiced up a so-so meal into a celebration. Celebration of… well, nothing; barely making through the work week. Though it may sound crazy, it did lighten our spirits. No dishing out dinner course after course, no trouble getting dressed and looking civilized. A casual party in our PJs did make us feel ‘special’. It worked out so well that I am planning to do it more often.

It is totally stress free and you can prepare whatever you are in the mood for. This can be served for 2 or 20. You can make it vegan or vegetarian. It can be healthy or indulgent. Towards the end, I even gathered everything in one bowl, crushed few taco shells and made myself a big bowl of salad; crunchy, tasty and bold. Well, you get the idea.

Taco Party

1. Refried beans

Ingredients

Pinto beans – 1 can, drained and rinsed
Onion – 1/2 , chopped
Bell pepper – 1/2 , chopped
Tomato paste – 1 tbsp
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Cumin powder – 1 tsp
Chipotle chili (in adobo) – 1, minced
Adobo sauce – ½ tsp
Oregano – 1 tsp
Salt
Oil

Method

Chipotle in adobo sauce is available in small cans. Chipotle is smoked jalapeno and is sold in a preserve called adobo sauce, which is ketchup, vinegar and other seasoning depending on the brand. I have used the adobo sauce for heat, omit if you cannot handle much heat.

Heat oil and sauté onion and bell pepper until soft. Add all other ingredients with ½ cup of water and bring it to a boil. Simmer until everything comes together.

2. Pico De Gallo

Ingredients

Ripe tomatoes – 3, seeded and chopped
Red onions – ¼, chopped
Jalapeno – 1, minced, seeded if desired
Cilantro – a handful, chopped
Juice of a lemon
Salt

Method

Mix all of the above and let it sit for the flavours to develop.

3. Nupur’s Salsa Verde

Follow the recipe blindfolded. It works every single time.

4. Shredded Lettuce and Taco Shells

Shred lettuce as needed. Slightly warm the taco shells by microwaving 'em for 30 seconds. Use tortillas for soft tacos or fajita party.

Taco Party

For more ideas visit Nupur’s taco party.

32 comments:

Latha Narasimhan said...

Lovely pictures as usual! In your blog I forget to read the recipe properly, gaping at the pictures! :)

Anonymous said...

What a colorful party! It's always fun to have a party mid-week!

Rachna said...

oh i love tacos.... yummy side dishes too...

Srivalli said...

wow...those dishes looks so appealing..including the bowls as well..lathamma said so well..me too me too...you have a great apt for lens suganya..

sunita said...

Suganya, that looks "D-lish"...I would certainly have gatecrashed if you were near :-D

Nupur said...

Tacos translate to a party every single time, don't they?! What tasty pictures you have there, Suganya.
Yes, Molly Katzen's salsa verde simply rocks!

Rajitha said...

oooh! yummy..i would have loved to join the party too girl..next time??..and the pics are lovely
as-usual!!

Cynthia said...

You know, G would have loved to have me there at that party? :)

I was just scrolling through your blog and realised how many of your posts I missed. Sorry about that. Been crazy busy with end of semester work like grading assignments arrrgggghhh!

Cynthia said...

Oh forgot to mention. LOVE THE HEADER!

FH said...

Am I invited? I would love a Taco party!!:))

KALVA said...

Wow so cool!! very appetizing pics as usual.. Your pics look so preofessional!!

Kribha said...

Three years back when we were in Michigan we used to cook a lot of mexican foods at home. You reminded me of all that. Lovely presentations and 'Thanks' for sharing the Pico De Gallo recipe.

Ramya's Mane Adige said...

hahaha... Party with just the two of you??!?!?! Funny, but sounds like a real good idea! real stress buster, I'm sure.... :) Lovely pics like always, Suganya!! Tell me one thing.. which camera do u use to take your pictures?? Digi SLR? they are really good!

Laavanya said...

The bowls make everything look extra festive.

Priya said...

Thats a wonderful party Suganya ! I seem to be having salads and other quick dishes. This one sure sounds yummm

TheCooker said...

Great pictures.
A mid-week party....what fun.

Manasi said...

YUMMY!! and a pj party, mid week!! what a wonderful way to de-stress!

Shweta said...

Beautiful pictures! For the first time in my life, I am craving for Mexican food! :)

Namratha said...

Makes me want to have some right away! Yummm!

Mansi said...

we both love mexican food, or rather he loves it a little more than me:) so we got all ingrdients for taco last week, and in the lst min we decide to make enchiladas instead:) we still have the shells, so we are having a Taco party soon!!

Dr. Soumya Bhat said...

Lovely recipes and mindblowing pictures too.Have you been taking some photograpy classes or what? hmm simply beautiful

musical said...

This is would make any meal a big party, Suganya :). Really lip-smacking stuff!

Bharathy said...

I second lathamma!...eyes get hooked up in your pics are rarely read through your recipes..:)
If only V's realtives had accepted taco parties .I would have really enjoyed making them and serving these lovely varieties...:)
...I have a couple of them coming tonight and already getting ready to prepare dinner and leaf lunch as always,tommorrow..

Suganya said...

Latha Maami, Pls read my recipes too. I put equal effort in writing 'em as I do taking photos :).

Lotsss of fun, Manisha.

Thanks Rachna.

Gee thanks Srivalli. Those bowls were a gift from my SIL.

I know what you are talking about, Sunita ;).

Its simply superb Nupur. Thanks for introducing me to the recipe. BTW, your taco party was my inspiration to this one.

Sure Rajitha. Let me know when you drop in.

Cynthia, You naughty gal. ok ok... you are always welcome. And you know that :). I understand you are busy. I was/am busy myself. Take your time. Header is totally G's work. I will let him know.

Anytime Asha. come join us...

Thanks Curry in Kadai.

You mean you don't cook Mexican now, Kribha? I cannot totally rule out Mexican anymore :).

Ramya, I use two cameras depending on the photo. Canon Powershot Pro1 and Canon 40D.

Don't they, Laavanya? Thanks to my SIL.

This is totally easy Priya. Refried bean makes it a warm salad.

TC, it sure was fun :).

You said it right, Manasi.

Shweta, I cannot think dinner w/o Mexican food atleast once a month.

They were very tasty, Namratha. You would like it too.

Dr.Soumya, Photography classes? Me? No way... BTW, I don't see you blogging for a long time now. Hope everything is fine.

I am planning to do a potluck on this theme, Musical. Everyone can bring what they want and fill their tacos.

Banana leaf dinner? I am coming Bharathy. Reserve a seat for me.

bha said...

wonderful party and nice party pics as well

Susan said...

Getting through the week is an ideal reason for a pj picnic. Quite adorable, really. There something to be said for comfort...and deliciously colorful dishes, as usual, Suganya.

Seena said...

Love Tacos, whenever I visit here, I go to the older posts just to see your recipe pictures..lovely! :)

Grihini said...

:) good pictures of ur taco party.

Bong Mom said...

Such beautiful colrs, looks like spring and a happy party

Miri said...

really creative that! and yes, making it through a work week is reason enough to celebrate I think :)

Lovely pics - your blog is sooo sunny!

Bharathy said...

We have banana leaf lunch every day!..Welcome anytime!..no reservation needed :D

amna said...

so nice and colorful :D

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