LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2022

IN FULL BLOOM

Carnations add a slight spicy and sweet flavour to dishes, which makes them a perfect addition to the ever-popular Mexican street food. These tacos are inspired by Baja cuisine, a fusion of Mexican and Mediterranean flavours. Centred in San Diego, Baja California, and other parts of Mexico, its menu is known for being fresh and flavourful. Carnation petals in the slaw and as garnish make this casual street food a little more sophisticated. 1/3 cup (80 mL) olive oil 1 lime, zest and juice Zest of 1 orange 1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh orange juice 1 garlic clove, minced 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt 1 tsp (5 mL) dried oregano 1 tsp (5 mL) ground cumin 1 tsp (5 mL) ground coriander 1 tsp (5 mL) smoked paprika 1/2 tsp (2 mL) chili powder 1/2 tsp (2 mL) onion powder 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) chicken thighs, skinless and boneless LIME CREMA 3/4 cup (175 mL) plain Greek yogurt Zest of 1 lime 1 tbsp (15 mL) lime juice 1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt CARNATION, MANGO & RED CABBAGE SLAW 1 mango, slightly firm, peeled, pitted and julienned 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) red cabbage, shredded 1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh cilantro, stems and leaves roughly chopped 1/3 cup (80 mL) red onion, thinly sliced 2 tbsp (30 mL) lime juice 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt 1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground pepper Petals of 8 organic carnations Baja Chicken Tacos with Carnation, Mango & Red Cabbage Slaw and Lime Crema

4. Remove chicken from refrigerator and let rest 15 minutes to bring to room temperature. Room temperature protein cooks more evenly with juicier results. 5. Preheat grill to medium- high heat. Grease well to keep chicken from sticking. Grill chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the meat. Remove and set aside. 6. Clean and grease grill again. Grill tortillas 45 seconds per side and wrap in a tea towel to keep warm and soft.

7. To assemble tacos, thinly slice chicken and divide among tortilla shells. Top with 1 tbsp (15 mL) crema and 1/4 cup (60 mL) slaw. Garnish with more carnation petals. Serve warm.

Petals of 6 organic carnations, for garnish

1. To marinate chicken, place all ingredients up to but excluding chicken thighs in a large bowl and whisk well. Add chicken and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. 2. To make crema, in a small bowl mix all ingredients together. Refrigerate until ready to use. 3. To make slaw, in a large bowl, toss mango, cabbage, cilantro and red onion with lime juice, salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use. Mix in petals just before serving.

Serves 4 to 6

[WHAT TO SERVE] Muskoka Cream Ale

LCBO 131490, 473 mL, $3.35 This cream ale is fruity with caramel and floral notes that soften the dish’s spice. A nicely bitter finish balances the sweetness, refreshing the palate.

12 corn or flour tortillas

146 FOOD & DRINK EARLY SUMMER 2022