Peaty Tacos al Pastor

Introduction to Tacos al Pastor

Tacos al Pastor is a quintessential Mexican dish with roots that trace back to the influence of Lebanese immigrants in the 20th century. The dish is a beautiful amalgamation of traditional Mexican flavors with hints of Middle Eastern culinary practices brought by Lebanese cooks, particularly the method of roasting meat on a vertical spit similar to shawarma or gyros. The word 'Pastor' refers to 'shepherd', and traditionally, this dish involves marinated pork that's slowly cooked and served on warm tortillas with a host of vibrant accompaniments.

The Evolution of Tacos al Pastor

Initially crafted by Lebanese immigrants in Puebla, Mexico, this dish has transformed over decades. While shawarma was initially made with lamb, Mexicans replaced it with pork due to its availability and cultural preference. Over time, the marinade has evolved to include quintessential Mexican flavors such as dried chiles, pineapple, cilantro, and onion, making it a unique delight distinct from its Middle Eastern cousins.

In this version of the dish, we're introducing a peaty twist to a standard taco al pastor, infusing it with a hint of smoke reminiscent of whiskeys from Islay. This interpretation stays authentic to the roots while providing a new layer of complexity to the dish.

Ingredients

• Pork shoulder - 2 pounds, thinly sliced
• Guajillo chiles - 4, dried
• Ancho chiles - 2, dried
• Achiote paste - 3 tablespoons
• Pineapple juice - 1 cup
• Apple cider vinegar - 1/2 cup
• Garlic cloves - 4, minced
• Oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1 teaspoon
• Peat smoke essence - a few drops, optional for smokiness
• Salt - to taste
• Lard - 2 tablespoons
• Pineapple - 1, fresh and sliced for garnish
• Onion - 1, diced
• Cilantro - chopped, for garnish
• Corn tortillas - to serve
• Lime wedges - to serve
• Salsa - your choice, to serve

Preparation

Step 1: Marinating the Pork

Begin by soaking the guajillo chiles and ancho chiles in hot water until they are rehydrated, which should take about 15 minutes. While the chiles are soaking, thinly slice the pork shoulder, ensuring the strips are even and uniform.

In a blender, combine the rehydrated chiles, achiote paste, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic, oregano, cumin, black pepper, and a few drops of peat smoke essence. Blend until the marinade is smooth. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 2: Preparing the Grill

To achieve the authentic al pastor style, the meat should be cooked on a vertical spit or a grilling pan that can mimic the effect. Prepare your grill by preheating it to medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C). If using a traditional grill, skewering the meat is advisable for ease of handling and flipping.

If you don't have a spit, an oven roast is also possible. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).

Cooking Process

Step 3: Grilling the Pork

Skewer the marinated pork slices neatly, layering them around a central skewer if you're using a vertical spit or line them flat on the grilling pan. Cook the meat for about 1-1.5 hours, rotating periodically to ensure even roasting. When cooked through, and a slight char has developed, slice the pork thinly off the spit.

If you're roasting in the oven, place the pork on a baking rack and roast for approximately 35-45 minutes or until fully cooked and lightly charred at the edges.

Step 4: Preparing the Toppings

While the pork is roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the lard. Dice the pineapple slices and sauté until lightly caramelized. Prepare other toppings by dicing the onion and chopping the cilantro.

Assembling the Tacos

Step 5: Serving the Tacos

Heat the corn tortillas briefly over a skillet or directly on the grill. To assemble the tacos, place a generous serving of the roasted pork on the tortilla, garnish with the caramelized pineapple, diced onion, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of lime and your favorite salsa.

Enjoying the Peaty Tacos al Pastor

The beauty of these tacos lies in their versatility and rich array of flavors. Enjoy them fresh off the grill with a chilled Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita. The balance between the smoky peat essence, the sweetness from the pineapple, and the tang of the marinade creates a culinary experience that transports your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mexico City, where every bite tells a story of history, culture, and flavor.

Cooking Tips

• Use fresh ingredients for the best taste and textures.
• Don't rush the cooking time; patience is key to achieving perfect flavor.
• Experiment with salsa flavors to match or contrast the flavors in the tacos.