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Creating recipes isn't a pastime—it's a passion. And a lot of fun.

The rules are few: Use 99% fresh ingredients (or thereabouts); make the dish simple but flavorful; make the dish flavorful but simple; be creative, not silly.

With this blog, I want to share new recipes, along with tips on ingredients and preparation, and, hopefully, show new cooks (and non-cooks) the pleasure in setting the table with a delicious homemade meal. The Briny Lemon is about fresh, simple, flavorful ingredients and easy cooking methods that help you bring the best to your family table. Your comments are welcome!

Sunday, January 13, 2013

California Tacos with Ground Turkey and Fresh Vegetable Slaw



These big-flavored, soft-shell tacos are all about freshness—from the lean, freshly ground turkey to the slaw and aromatic vinaigrette that dresses it. Add some cilantro leaves, simple, homemade guacamole, and a little sour cream to complete this casual California-style taco dinner.

Tips: Use a vegetable peeler to shave the carrots. Cut off the thick end of the baby bok choy stalk and thinly slice the remainder, including stalk and leaves.   

Makes 7-8 tacos

Ingredients

For the Slaw
  • 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped shallot
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 2 small carrots, shaved
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 baby bok choy stalk, thinly sliced crosswise
  • 1 habanero chile, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1/2 small red bell pepper, cut into matchsticks
Shaved Carrots
Baby Bok Choy
Thinly Sliced Baby Bok Choy
For the Tacos
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground turkey thigh meat (or breast)
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion 
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper   
  • 7-8 6-inch flour tortillas, warmed
  • cilantro leaves with thin stems, guacamole, and sour cream, for serving
Preparation

For the Slaw
  1. Combine the vinegar, lime juice, and shallot in a small bowl. Whisk in the oil and season with salt and pepper. 
Balsamic-Lime Slaw Dressing
  1. Combine the cabbage and remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate if not using right away. Toss with the dressing 30 minutes before using.
Combined Slaw Ingredients
Slaw Tossed with Dressing
For the Tacos
  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Add the turkey, garlic, onion, oregano, and cumin and season with salt and pepper. Cook 7-8 minutes until the turkey is cooked through and the onion is soft. (Cook about 6 minutes if using turkey breast.)
Ground Turkey Mixture Beginning to Cook 
Cooked Turkey Mixture
To serve, place the turkey mixture in a bowl and serve the tortillas, slaw, cilantro, guacamole, and sour cream alongside to allow your guests to build their own tacos.

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