Homemade Taco Seasoning

The origins of the taco are really unknown. The first mention of taco in America, in a newspaper, 1905.

That’s a time when Mexican migrants are starting to come, working the mines and railroads and other such jobs. In the America Mexican food was seen as street food, lower, class food. It was associated with a group of women called the Chili Queens and with tamale pushcarts in Los Angeles. The Chili Queens of San Antonio, TX, were street vendors who earned a little extra money by selling food during festivals. When tourists started arriving in the late 1800s with the railroad, these occasional sales started to become a nightly event. Tourists came looking for two things in San Antonio, TX, the Alamo and the Chili Queens. Mexico was considered a dangerous place. The Chili Queens were a way of sampling that danger, but not at the risk of being robbed by bandits. The risk was that the food was hot. These women were also sexualized and seen as “available.” So the idea was that you would flirt with the Chili Queens. 

The children of those migrants who came in 1910 or 1920 are starting to advance economically. They’re gaining civil rights; many of them fought in World War II and are claiming citizenship. Their incomes are going up and they’re eating more diverse things, but they’re still eating Mexican. A lot of Mexican American tacos are really adaptations of Mexican food to the ingredients that are available through the U.S. food processing industry. Hamburger, cheddar cheese, iceberg lettuce, tomato, these are all foods that Mexican, Americans start to incorporate into their diet.

Research Source: Smithsonian

Great seasoning mix. As good or better than the package. Takes about 2 minutes to make.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Copyrighted 2014, Christine’s Pantry. All rights reserved.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Place in air tight container, until ready to use. Enjoy!

Christine’s Tip: Use 2 tablespoons taco seasoning for every 1 pound of meat.