San Antonio-Style Puffy Tacos With Ground Beef Filling
"San Antonio-style puffy tacos shells with a well-seasoned ground beef filling. [Photographs: Joshua Bousel] Puffy tacos, a San Antonio specialty, are made from fresh masa that puffs and crisps in hot oil. The shells end up crisp outside and soft within, and full of robust corn flavor. They can be stuffed with your favorite variety of taco-night fillings—this recipe uses a flavorful ground beef mixture that's earthy, spicy, and slightly smoky. Why this recipe works: * Fresh masa makes the most flavorful and puffiest tacos, although masa harina can be used with decent results. * Hot oil at 375°F results in the puffiest shell with little greasiness. * Adding chicken stock and canned fire-roasted tomatoes to the ground beef mixture and letting it simmer down until thickened creates an intensely flavored filling. Note: Fresh masa can be purchased at local tortillerias, if you are lucky enough to live near one. If not, masa harina, such as Maseca (available at most well stocked supermarkets) can be used, though it won't puff as well or offer the same intensity of flavor...."