Stories & Features

A tasty example of a traditional recipe with an energy-efficient spin

BC Hydro employee spokesperson Dave recently joined colleague and home chef Andrea for a lesson in preparing a delicious taco recipe to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Andrea learned to cook from her parents and grandparents, and this recipe is one of her favourites that she's adapted to cook in an energy-efficient air fryer.

Food brings together people, celebrates culture

For Andrea, growing up learning to cook traditional Mexican dishes means that food is closely intertwined with family and tradition. The delicious taste, fresh ingredients and vibrant colours are a few reasons why Mexican cuisine is so well-loved around the world. Not only is it delicious, traditional Mexican cuisine has been named an "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO.

"Funny to say I've never had anyone tell me they don't like Mexican food," jokes Andrea. "I guess I’m lucky to have grown up in a household where I learned multiple recipes from my mom. That always makes me feel close when I miss Mexico."

Why do we celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

For many in North America, Cinco de Mayo is a day synonymous with enjoying Mexican food and a frozen beverage. For Andrea, the day provides opportunity to share her culture and heritage with friends and colleagues.

"I'm happy that five de mayo means 'Mexico' to North America and I’m glad to be able to share a little bit of my culture with everyone," explains Andrea. "And of course letting them know it's not our Independence Day and helping change this misconception. Mexico's Independence Day is September 16."

Cinco de Mayo commemorates a historical event known as 'la Battala de Puebla' or 'Battle of Puebla' when the Mexican army defended Puebla against the French during the second French intervention on May 5, 1862.

Get cooking: Tacos dorados de pollo (Chicken rolled tacos)

We’re lucky that Andrea is sharing her family recipe with us. For this recipe, Andrea leaned on her air fryer to create tasty tacos dorados de pollo, and we caught it all on video. "Buen provecho!"

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of shredded chicken
• 5 corn tortillas
• Cooking spray
• Toothpick

For garnish:

• Lettuce
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Premade salsa (red or green)
• Cotija or shredded cheese

How to prep it:

1. Preheat an air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

2. Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and warm them in the microwave on high for about 20 seconds.

3. Put a tablespoon or two of shredded chicken in a thin rectangle on the first third of a tortilla.

4. Gently wrap up each tortilla tightly and place aside with the seam down. Tip: Close each taco with a toothpick to prevent it from unrolling.

5. Working in batches, place each taco in the basket of an air fryer.

6. Spray the top of each taco with cooking spray and cook until crispy, about 5-10 minutes.

7. Transfer to a serving platter. If you used toothpicks to close the tacos, don't forget to take them out.

8. Top each taco with lettuce, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and cover with cotija cheese. Enjoy!

Feel like you need more help? See this YouTube video by Sam the Cooking Guy.