CRISPY POTATO RAJAS TACOS

Crispy Potato Rajas Tacos image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h50m

Yield 12 tacos

Number Of Ingredients 35

Ingredients

3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch dice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 medium onions, halved and cut in 1/4-inch slices lengthwise
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 medium red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, seeded, and julienned
4 medium poblano chiles, roasted, peeled, seeded, and julienned
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Mexican Manchego or Monterey Jack cheese
2/3 cup grated Cotija cheese
1/3 cup grated Panela cheese
Vegetable oil, for frying
12 small corn tortillas
Chipotle Crema, recipe follows, for serving
Border Guacamole, recipe follows, for serving
Corn Relish, recipe follows, for serving
1 cup sour cream
1/4 to 1/2 chipotle en adobo, to taste, finely minced into a paste
1/4 lime, juiced
Salt, to taste
5 ripe California avocados, preferably Hass, halved, seeded, and peeled
6 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 medium red onion, diced
4 jalapeno chiles, stemmed, seeded, and finely diced
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 5 ears)
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch dice
4 poblano chiles, roasted, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch dice
4 scallions, white and light green parts, thinly sliced on the diagonal
1/2 cup red wine vinegar

Steps:

For the potato rajas: Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil and cook potatoes until just tender, about 6 to 8 minutes, being careful not to overcook. Drain, pat dry, and spread in a single layer on a tray to cool.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute onions with salt and pepper until they begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Stir in red bell peppers and chiles. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. Cook 4 minutes or until cream begins to thicken. Add grated cheeses and potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until just heated through. Remove from heat.
For the tacos: Heat vegetable oil to 350 degrees F in a large, deep pot or deep fryer. Dip tortillas briefly, one at a time, into the hot oil, just to soften. Spoon potato rajas mixture into center of each softened tortilla. Fold in half to enclose mixture and secure with a toothpick threaded through the top edge of the tortilla. Deep fry tacos for 3 to 5 minutes, until crispy and lightly golden. Remove and drain thoroughly.
To serve, spoon Chipotle Crema onto four serving plates, spreading a bit to create a bed for the tacos. Place Crispy Potato Rajas Tacos on top of crema. Finish by topping with generous spoonfuls of Border Guacamole and Corn Relish and serve immediately.
Combine ingredients thoroughly in a small mixing bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Chill until ready to use.
Cut the avocados into quarters and place in a mixing bowl. Mash with a potato masher or fork until chunky. Add the remaining ingredients and combine with a fork. Serve immediately.
Heat 1/2 cup of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the corn with the salt and pepper, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and set aside to cool.
Add diced peppers to the sauteed corn along with the scallions, red wine vinegar, and remaining 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix well and let sit 20 to 30 minutes to blend the flavors. Serve at room temperature.