The delicious layers of this versatile Taco Salad harmonize beautifully to present a complete dinner entrée…. …or an appetizer!
Layered Taco Salad
Number of Servings: 4
Salad Layers Ingredients:
½ pound (230 g) lean ground sirloin
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons (30 mL) olive oil
Seasoning mixture:
1 tablespoon (15 mL) chili powder (chipotle)
1 teaspoon (5 mL) cumin
1 teaspoon (5 mL) hot smoked paprika
½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) coriander
¼ teaspoon (1.5 mL) cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) dry mustard
½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) sea or Kosher salt
¼ teaspoon (1.5 mL) ground black pepper
½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) cornstarch
1/3 cup (85 mL) beef broth
Iceberg and/or romaine lettuce
1 cup or a small can of black beans, drained and rinsed
¾ cup (185 mL) corn, minimally cooked
½ of a red pepper, fine dice
½ of a poblano pepper, fine dice
½ teaspoon cumin
Sea salt; freshly ground black pepper
1 or 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and chopped into bite-size pieces
1 cup (250 mL) chopped fresh tomatoes
¼ cup (60 mL) chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon (15 mL) olive oil
Sea salt; freshly ground black pepper
Grated sharp cheddar cheese
Creamy Dressing:
½ cup (125 mL) salsa (hot or mild)
¼ cup (60 mL) sour cream
Method:
On a large salad platter, you will be making 5 layers:
Layer 1: Crisp lettuce, chunks of iceberg or romaine hearts
Layer 2: Mix black beans, corn, chopped red pepper, and chopped poblano pepper with a little cumin, salt and pepper. This layer can be served at room temperature, or heated through. Place on top of the lettuce layer.
Layer 3: Mix avocado and tomato pieces with the cilantro, olive oil, and salt & pepper. Place on top of the black bean layer.
Layer 4: Taco Mix: Heat oil in a sauté pan; add beef and saute until it is broken up and starting to brown (15-20 minutes); add onion and continue to sauté until onion is soft and fragrant. Add all of the spices seasonings. Add the corn starch and thoroughly combine. Pour in the beef broth and heat through until mixture is thick. Add more broth if it is too thick. Adjust the seasonings to taste. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Pour over the tomato-avocado layer.
Layer 5: Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese and extra chopped cilantro over top.
Make Dressing: Puree the salsa and sour cream; Add more salsa or cream as needed. Drizzle dressing on top, or serve on the side along with some tortilla chips.
Questions and comments are always welcome alex@chilipeppersandpears.com
