Sunday Suppers: The Paleo Way, Part 3
I’m a Mexican food junkie, and, I admit, the transition to paleo has not been easy in this regard. I have been known to severely abuse the buffet at La Alameda. Mmmmm… chimichangas! But once you cut out the flour tortillas (gluten) and corn tortillas (grains) and the cheese and sour cream (dairy) you are left with…
Bleh!
Or so I thought…
It was necessary for me to find a remedy, a way to get a fix. First, I eat a LOT of avocadoes. A lot. I eat at least one avocado a day. I know they are loaded with fat, but they are loaded with good fat and lend creaminess to dishes. I LOVE avocadoes! My husband makes amazing guacamole, and, while not the traditional blend of ingredients, is something I am glad to eat by spoonfuls. I substitute cucumber slices for chips or add this to my tacos and carnitas.
Guacamole
3 avocadoes
Juice of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lime
1 diced shallot
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Pit your avocadoes and scoop the meat into a bowl. Mix remaining ingredients in to desired consistency. Enjoy.
Now, very strict paleo limits onions (shallots are in this family) and citrus. If you suffer from severe digestive issues, don’t incorporate this treat until you’ve quieted down a lot. Also, I only eat guacamole about once a week, if that.
Tacos
1 pound of grass fed organic beef (I like EarthFare’s)
Chili powder
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Cumin
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Cook meat crumbling as you go and add spices to taste. I have learned to add about 1 tsp of each except the salt and pepper which I just do in pinches as I cook. This will make enough for 6-8 tacos.
Now, my paleo plate generally involves two or three large romaine leaves spread with guacamole and covered with the beef. The guac help keep the beef in place and the leaf gives the feeling of a taco. My kids and husband like shells, and, I have not moved them totally over to paleo, so I buy the organic blue shells at EarthFare and they do dress their tacos with lettuce and tomatoes… and parmesan cheese. (Ben has strange tastes.)
WHAT? THAT’S IT?
Yes. I think the critical flaw is this idea that we have to gorge ourselves at every meal. The kids always have a fruit and another vegetable option. I generally have a plate split in half with veggies and meat. I know I am not adhering to any nutritional guidelines that include grains and dairy, so, as always, I encourage you to talk with your doctor about your specific health needs before following anything I am telling you. I’m not a doctor. I do what works for me. I’ve read it can work for most.
Carnitas
You’ll notice these are on a flour tortilla. My husband has his way. I have mine. I like these in lettuce with guacamole as well.
This makes about 8-12 carnitas.
2 lb flank steak
Chili powder
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Cumin
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 red bell peppers
1 green bell pepper
2 large shallots
Using roughly equal parts of the spices (about 1 tsp each) and about ½ tsp of the salt and pepper, make a rub and rub the steak top and bottom. Coat the bottom of your crock pot with olive oil and load in the pepper and shallots (I do a thick julienne on mine). Put the steak on top and cook on low for about 6 hours or until done. The meat will easily shred and will not be pink.
Want a margarita? If you have read The Paleo Solution, you have the ingredients for a Norcal Margarita! I quit drinking when I went paleo, but you don’t have to give up everything fun. Remember, your own health needs will dictate what you can and cannot do.
I know you guys are screaming, THIS IS IT? I’ll starve to death! You won’t. I graze all day. I love veggie and fruit loaded coconut smoothies, fresh, nitrate free beef jerky, and Theo chocolate bars. Have you seen me lately. I am not suffering for food. Trust me.
Enjoy the fiesta! Next week… BACON!
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Christa Landingham and her husband are Madison County natives and life-long residents. They have boy/girl twins and two crazy puppers. She loves all things teaching, organizing, and supporting local small businesses. In her “free-time” she loves to garden, travel with her family, volunteer, and comb local thrift stores. Pearl Jam is her jam.