I love pumpkin season. It’s a time for cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and delicious pumpkin-flavored treats. And, of course, it’s also a time for pumpkin pig tacos!
I first discovered pumpkin pig tacos a few years ago at a local food truck. I was immediately hooked by the unique and flavorful combination of pumpkin and pork. The tacos were sweet, savory, and slightly spicy, and they were absolutely delicious.
Since then, I’ve made it a mission to try pumpkin pig tacos at every restaurant and food truck I can find. And, I’m happy to report that I’ve never had a bad pumpkin pig taco yet!
If you’re looking for a delicious and unique way to enjoy pumpkin season, I highly recommend trying pumpkin pig tacos. You won’t be disappointed!
In this blog post, I’m going to share my favorite recipe for pumpkin pig tacos. It’s a simple recipe that’s easy to follow, and it produces tacos that are just as good as anything you’ll find at a restaurant. I will also share their nutritional profile, where you can find them and much more. Letโs dive in!
How to make pumpkin pigs tacos at home
Ingredients (for 4 servings):
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup diced pumpkin
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 corn tortillas
- Your favorite taco toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, cilantro, and avocado
Instructions:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground pork and continue cooking until it turns brown. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the pumpkin, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook until the pumpkin is softened and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Heat the tortillas as per the instructions on the package.
- To assemble the tacos, divide the pork and pumpkin mixture evenly among the tortillas. Add your preferred taco toppings and savor the deliciousness!
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, brown the ground pork in bacon fat or butter instead of oil.
- If you don’t have diced pumpkin, you can use canned pumpkin puree. Just be sure to drain it well before adding it to the skillet.
- For a spicier taco filling, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the skillet with the other spices.
- To make the tacos even more special, serve them with a homemade pumpkin salsa. Simply combine diced pumpkin, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt to taste.
Read also: Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos
Where to find the tacos
Here are some places where you can find pumpkin pig tacos:
- Los Angeles, CA:
- Taco Maria: This popular taco shop in Koreatown is known for its creative and seasonal tacos. The pumpkin pig tacos are a fall favorite, made with roasted pumpkin, pork shoulder, and a pumpkin seed salsa.
- San Francisco, CA:
- Nopalito: This award-winning Mexican restaurant in the Mission District serves up a variety of delicious tacos, including the pumpkin pig taco. This taco is made with roasted pumpkin, pork chorizo, and a pumpkin seed mole.
- New York, NY:
- Los Tacos No. 1: This East Village taqueria is known for its authentic Mexican tacos. The pumpkin pig taco is made with roasted pumpkin, pork carnitas, and a pumpkin seed salsa.
- Chicago, IL:
- Big Jones: This popular spot in the West Loop serves up a variety of creative small plates, including the pumpkin pig taco. This taco is made with roasted pumpkin, pork belly, and a pumpkin seed pesto.
- Seattle, WA:
- Taqueria del Sol: This Seattle-based taqueria chain serves up a variety of delicious tacos, including the pumpkin pig taco. This taco is made with roasted pumpkin, pork shoulder, and a pumpkin seed aioli.
If you don’t live near any of these cities, you can also find pumpkin pig tacos at some food trucks and festivals. You can also make your own pumpkin pig tacos at home using the recipe above.
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Nutritional value of pumpkin pig tacos
The nutritional value of pumpkin pig tacos will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but in general, they are a relatively nutritious meal option. Pumpkin is a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. Pork is a good source of protein and iron. However, it is important to note that pork is also high in saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Here is a breakdown of the nutritional value of a typical pumpkin pig taco:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated fat: 4 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sodium: 400 milligrams
- Vitamin A: 10% of the daily recommended value
- Vitamin C: 5% of the daily recommended value
- Iron: 10% of the daily recommended value
- Potassium: 5% of the daily recommended value
As you can see, pumpkin pig tacos are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and iron. However, they are also relatively high in fat and sodium, so it is important to consume them in moderation.
See also: Best cheese for shrimp tacos
Tips for making them more nutritious:
- Use lean ground pork.
- Drain off any excess grease from the pork after cooking it.
- Opt for whole-wheat tortillas instead of white ones.
- Top your tacos with healthy toppings, such as salsa, avocado, and Greek yogurt.
- Limit your intake of cheese and sour cream.
Ideas for serving pumpkin pig tacos
- With a side of rice and beans. This is a classic Mexican side dish that pairs well with the them.
- With roasted vegetables. Roasted vegetables are a healthy and delicious side dish that pairs well with the pumpkin pig tacos. Try roasting some broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
- Alongside chips and salsa. This is another classic Mexican side dish that pairs well with the pumpkin pig tacos.
- Served alongside some guacamole and sour cream. These two toppings are a classic for a reason! They add a delicious creaminess and richness to the pumpkin pig tacos.
- With pickled onions and jalapeรฑos. These toppings add a bit of acidity and spice to the tacos.
- Alongside fresh herbs, such as cilantro and parsley. These herbs add a bit of freshness and brightness to the pumpkin pig tacos.
- With a side of lime wedges. These wedges can be squeezed over the tacos for a bit of extra acidity and brightness.
You can also serve the them with a variety of different sauces, such as:
- Pumpkin seed salsa. This salsa is a delicious and unique way to enjoy pumpkin. It is made with pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Mango salsa. This salsa is a sweet and tangy way to enjoy mangoes. It is made with mangoes, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Avocado crema. This sauce is a creamy and delicious way to enjoy avocados. It is made with avocados, sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro.
- Chipotle sauce. This sauce is a smoky and spicy way to enjoy chipotle peppers. It is made with chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and tomatoes.
No matter how you choose to serve them, pumpkin pig tacos are a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Conclusion
These tacos are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy. The pumpkin adds a touch of sweetness, while the pork adds a savory and slightly smoky flavor. The spices, such as chili powder and cumin, add a bit of heat, but not enough to overwhelm your taste buds.
And let’s not forget about the toppings! Pumpkin pig tacos can be topped with all of your favorite taco toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, cilantro, and avocado. But I highly recommend trying them with a pumpkin seed salsa. It’s the perfect way to add even more pumpkin flavor to your tacos.
So next time you’re looking for a delicious and unique taco to try, give pumpkin pig tacos a go. You won’t be disappointed!
P.S. Pumpkin pig tacos are also a great way to get your daily dose of pumpkin. So don’t feel guilty about indulging in this delicious treat!
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