Hosting dinner parties is a way to get feedback on which recipes to publish. One recipe that is always a hit with vegetarians and carnivores alike is my chipotle mushroom tacos. These tacos pack heat and flavor, and the best part is that these vegetarian tacos take less than 30 minutes to make.
The inspiration for these chipotle mushroom tacos stems from my love for Mexico. The bustling markets, the endless variety of corn and chiles, and the rich culinary traditions have always captivated me. I wanted to bring that essence back to my kitchen, and these tacos are my way of doing just that.
What are Chipotle Peppers?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about our star ingredient: chipotle peppers. Chipotle peppers are essentially smoked and dried jalapeños, giving them a smoky and spicy flavor. They’re typically found in adobo sauce, which adds a rich, tangy depth. One of my former Mexican coworkers introduced me to Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and it’s become a staple in my pantry. You can add them to meats, veggies, and chilies for a unique depth of flavor. For my chipotle mushroom tacos, I find them indispensable for that signature smoky heat that sets them apart. You can find canned chipotle mushrooms at most Latin supermarkets or buy them online.
How to Prepare Chanterelle Mushrooms
Central to these chipotle mushroom tacos are, of course, the mushrooms. I chose chanterelles for their unique texture and earthy flavor profile. They hold up beautifully to the chipotle’s bold flavors and are hearty, making them a great meat substitute. The process begins with selecting the freshest mushrooms, gently cleaning them with a damp cloth to remove any dirt, and tearing them into hearty pieces.
How to Prepare the Chipotle Peppers
Then comes the magic of the Chipotle peppers. I’ve always loved the smoky, spicy depth it adds to dishes. I finely chop the peppers for these chipotle mushroom tacos. It’s a delicate balance: too much, and the heat overwhelms; too little, and the flavor falls flat. Note: Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are very spicy, so if you’re sensitive to spice, start with 1/4 of the can and add more until you find a flavor that works for you. Also, note that you can cut some of the spice with cheese or sour cream as a topping. Since we’re making vegetarian tacos, we can also load up with a vegan topping for those who don’t eat dairy.
Homemade Tortillas and Garnish
I often opt for homemade tortillas to make these chipotle mushroom tacos even yummier. I learned to make tortillas by hand five years ago when I first started The Dining Traveler Cooking series, and I fell in love with the process! There’s something truly special about the warmth and freshness of a tortilla made from scratch. It adds an authentic touch that complements the smoky mushrooms beautifully. Of course, quality store-bought tortillas can also work wonders. A good corn tortilla (I love Masienda masa and tortilla press) is the perfect base for a good vegetarian taco.
The final act is assembling the tacos. With its creamy texture, Queso Fresco provides a cooling contrast to the chipotle’s heat. Pickled red onions add a tangy crunch, while fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime bring a burst of freshness. Each element plays a crucial role in balancing the flavors of these chipotle mushroom tacos. You can also add some sliced avocados or guacamole for the ultimate vegan taco, topped with vegan sour cream to complement the spiciness of the peppers.
Enjoy your Chipotle Mushroom Tacos
Taking that first bite of these delicious vegetarian tacos is always a moment of pure joy. The tender, smoky mushrooms, the creamy queso fresco, the tangy onions, and the fresh herbs all come together in an explosion of flavors. It takes me back to my trips to Mexico, even if I am cooking in my kitchen in Brussels!
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How to Make Easy Vegetarian Chipotle Mushroom Tacos
Discover how to make delicious chipotle mushroom tacos at home! Learn my tips for perfect roasting and flavor combinations to make quick and easy vegetarian tacos.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 Tacos 1x
Ingredients
1 lb chanterelle mushrooms
1 can of chipotle peppers in adobo2 tbsp of olive oil
Salt to taste
10 corn tortillas
My Garnish:
Queso Fresco
Limes
Pickled red onions
Cilantro
Note: If you want vegan mushroom tacos, top them with avocado sauce or fresh avocados with vegan sour cream.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400
Empty the can of chipotle into a bowl and loosen with a fork. If you like a very spicy use a whole can; if not, just use half.
Clean Chantrelle mushrooms by quickly running water in a sieve, and dry with a paper towel
Mix Chantrelle mushrooms with adobo sauce in a baking tray; roast for 20 min until softened
While the mushrooms are baking, prepare or warm the tortillas.
Garinish the the toppings of your choice. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Mains
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
