- Tacos al pastor are a variation of the dish known as shawarma that is quite popular in the Middle East.
- They were introduced in Mexico by the Lebanese community at the beginning of the 20th century.
- In 2019, tacos al pastor were chosen as the best food in the world by the gastronomic guide site Taste Atlas.
Mexican cuisine is considered one of the best and most varied in the world. Its diversity is so great that even in each region there are distinctive dishes that manage to conquer the most exquisite palates. Although of all the options there is one that distinguishes the entire country and is already considered a national emblem. It’s about the tacos al pastor but an eternal discussion prevails as to whether they really are healthy or harmful.
The popularity of this culinary delight can be seen by the numerous places that offer them. In most of the big cities of the country there are from street stalls to renowned restaurants that offer them.
For its part, another of the characteristics of this dish is its low cost. For this reason, it is accessible to the majority of the population. In this way it has managed to conquer people of all economic classes and even tourists.
Is its consumption good for health?
But now the discussion about whether tacos al pastor are healthy has resurfaced thanks to the opinion of a doctor who defends them. This is Dr. Ana Cecilia Jara Ettinger, who is a specialist in Genetics.
Recently, he has gained popularity on social networks thanks to his constant activity. She in fact she also collaborates frequently in television programs and is the current ambassador for the Liverpool campaign focused on women breaking stereotypes.
In your case, published a video in which he affirms that tacos al pastor are healthy but the most important thing is that he mentioned the reasons. To begin with, he indicates that the tortilla is rich in fiber and calcium, so its consumption is suitable for all people. Although the main indication is to prevent it from being fried with oil.
Regarding meat, it is an excellent source of protein. While the complement of cilantro and onion provides vegetables. While pineapple is a fruit that contains vitamin C (contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative damage) and iodine (contributes to normal energy metabolism and the production of thyroid hormones and normal thyroid function).
@draanaceci Tacos al pastor for life
From all of the above, it is concluded that the tacos al pastor are healthy as long as a minimum amount is consumed. As with other aspects of life, excess is harmful and is the basis for developing problems such as overweight and obesity.
How did they come about?
Based on historians, the origin is found in the Lebanese immigrants who arrived in Mexico at the beginning of the 20th century. Once in our country, they tried recreate the dish called shawarma that is quite popular in the Middle East. Although due to limitations, they substituted pork for the lamb meat and marinated it with different spices, resulting in a new version that prevails to this day.
Regarding their characteristics, they are made up of marinated meat that is placed in a top for cooking. For its preparation, a traditional marinade called adobo is used, which is made with achiote, spices and ground red chilies, which gives the meat its characteristic reddish color. While the final result is served in thin slices on small corn tortillas and is accompanied by pineapple.
Why are they called tacos al pastor?
The name comes from the term “shepherd” because originally the meat was ram. Although the raw material has already changed its name, it stayed for life. For its part, the popularity of this dish is so great that in July 2019 it was chosen as the best food in the world by the gastronomic guide site Taste Atlas.