These new and improved mashed potato tacos include sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and Monterrey Jack cheese. Now you can make them at home with this simple recipe.
Place the potatoes and 1 tablespoon of salt in a large pot of water and boil over high heat. Lower the heat to medium and continue to boil until potatoes are soft when pierced with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Strain potatoes and put them back into the pot. Add butter, milk, 1 tablespoon salt, and garlic (optional). Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes. Mix well until all the ingredients are well combined and potatoes have a whipped consistency. Salt to taste.
Add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and mix until well combined.
Heat corn tortillas in the microwave for about 2 minutes, just until soft and pliable or on a hot griddle to prevent cracking. Lay tortilla flat and fill half with about 1 tablespoon of the mashed potatoes. Fold in half. Continue until all the tortillas have been filled.
Meanwhile heat the canola oil in a frying pan until very hot. Test oil by dipping an edge of the tortilla in the oil, if it sizzles it’s ready for the tacos.
Using a pair of tongs, carefully place about 3 to 4 tacos into the hot oil. If available, cover with a splatter screen to avoid the hot oil from splattering you. Fry for about 2 minutes, just until tortilla looks crunchy, turn over and fry the other side.
Remove tacos from the oil and place, upside down on a paper-towel lined plate, allowing any excess oil to drip from the potatoes. Continue to fry the rest of the tacos. As soon as you are able to handle the tacos, open each one and drop about 1 tablespoon of Monterey Jack cheese and salsa of choice along with the hot potato, careful not to open the tacos too wide or they will break open.
Notes
I usually serve these with a side of rice, frijoles de la olla, or sometimes I forgo the rice and serve with some thinly sliced iceberg lettuce. A large pitcher of our Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Tea) compliments the tacos well. If you want to give your Jamaica a splash of tequila you can always make a pitcher of our Hibiscus Margaritas.