These are possibly the best and maybe the healthiest tacos you’ll ever eat, but honestly the name was never meant to be. Here’s what happened. It’s a common story that as the New Year begins, many people typically resolve to get in shape, loss weight, eat better – whatever. Sadly, I have never hopped on this bandwagon with any success, but I believe in the dream! So with that in mind, and considering my family’s ridiculous obsession with Mexican food, I set to work making a taco that would not only satisfy but at the same time be a bit on the lighter side – quite a challenge. I started by ignoring sauces and seasoning packets for tacos and making my own. It’s not hard – I used tomato sauce, chicken broth (could be beef or vegetable) and spices from the cabinet – nothing exotic – it was all on hand. Either lean ground beef or turkey are fine, my guys can’t tell the difference. The biggest change was that we used lettuce leaves instead of taco shells. It was great – just like Asian lettuce wraps – ummm except not Asian – Mexican. But really – why not? We use all these great toppings and it’s fun to put out the choices and let everyone create their own personalized tacos. I’ve made this several times recently – the requests keep rolling in. But back to the story – the request is really for Redemption Tacos. My family insists that the first time I made these tacos I called them Redemption Tacos. I swear I said Resolution Tacos – you know – like a New Year’s Resolution. But that’s not what anybody but me remembers. Even Richard’s friends call them Redemption Tacos, so I guess it stands. Richard actually made Redemption Tacos their own movie poster – disclaimer – he made several – but only one is going to make the cut for my blog….he can publish the rest on his own! The bottom line is that whatever you call them – we absolutely adore this recipe – it’s a favorite family meal and a fun party dish. It also has the distinct advantage of being a one- pot dish! Truly, no one but me acknowledges these tacos as a healthier alternative. I believe that redeems them! So please enjoy Redemption Tacos – they are fabulous!
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey or lean beef
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz can tomato sauce
1 cup chicken (or other flavor) broth
3 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp vinegar
1 Tbsp brown sugar
Hot sauce to taste
Romaine lettuce leaves
Topping of choice: cheese, green onions, cilantro, diced tomato, diced avocado, black olives, jalapenos – the sky is the limit!
Cilantro survived the mild winter in Nashville
Directions
Heat oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium high heat; add turkey (or beef) and sauté until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
Add onions and garlic to the beef and continue to cook until onion is soft.
Stir in tomato sauce, broth, and all seasonings and reduce heat to a low simmer.
Allow sauce to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to let flavors blend adding additional water if sauce is too thick.
Taste for hot sauce and salt.
Serve with Romaine lettuce leaves, toppings and lots of napkins. Delicious!
