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Puffy Tacos take Taco Tuesday to new heights. They’re light and crunchy, fun to make and even more fun to fill with your choice of fillings. I’ve chosen to use a classic picadillo, a Latin American stew of beef, tomatoes, peppers, onions and seasonings, but you’re only limited by your imagination and creativity. Once of my favorites is actually and veggie one made with Hubbard or butternut squash and kale. Sweet potato can also be used.

If you’ve ever been to San Antonio, you’ll recognize these guys. Puffy Tacos are pretty much the standard among the Riverwalk restaurants. They are so popular in the area that the mascot for the San Antonio Missions baseball team is Henry the Puffy Taco!

The taco shells are easily  made using masa harina. I’m not in a location where fresh masa is readily available. If you are, you can certainly use that. Honestly, the dough is so easy to make, you’ll probably just stick with that. I think the shells puff more if the dough is prepared just a short time before frying.

The picadillo can certainly be prepared ahead of time and reheated. In fact, I think the flavors improve over time.

Picadillo diningwithdebbie.net

It may take a little practice before you get the shells like you want them. These will not be like the more familiar boxed taco shells, but I just know you are going to love the taste and texture.

Puffy Tacos frying diningwithdebbie.net

You get the little crunchy crispiness of the outside with the tender chewiness of the inside. If you’re having trouble folding them, just let them puff up in a flat shape and then crack the “bubble” to make space for your filling. Either way, these are incredibly delicious.

Puffy Tacos folded diningwithdebbie.net

Pass around bowls of shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, avocado, radishes, tomatoes, pico de gallo, sour cream — whatever your family loves as toppings. If you want a little more heat since this picadillo isn’t really spicy, chop up some fresh jalapeños if you like.

Isn’t it time you tossed the box? The taco kit box, I mean. 

Why not make Taco Tuesday fun at your house with these mouthfuls of Latin America. 

As an option, you can take fresh corn tortillas and fry them up. They will puff although not quite as much as your freshly made ones. 

Picadillo may also be served along side Cilantro Lime Rice for a quick and easy dinnertime entree.

Tune in to THV11 This Morning this Tuesday at 6:15 AM. I’ll be making these Puffy Tacos with Picadillo. Your mouth’s gonna’ water. Promise.