Introduction: Fully Vegan "Tacos De Jamaica" (Hibiscus Flower Tacos)

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Get yourself a serving of this typical Mexican delicacy... Perfect for a meatless Taco-Tuesday!

In Mexico we know the hibiscus flower by the name "flor de jamaica". This flower is usually used for teas all over the world because it is super healthy: it is antioxidant, has tons of vitamin C and it is diuretic, among other benefits. In Mexico we use it to make "agua de jamaica" a traditional cold drink, but we also eat the flowers which have a "citroucy" flavour.

Even if not known by many it is one staple recipe in many Mexican families. These fully vegan tacos are loved by everyone, even meat-lovers!

They are not only super healthy but easy to make, and DE-LI-CIOUS.

Supplies

These are the ingredients you will need:

For the taco filling:

  • 2 cups of dry hibiscus flowers (they are sold in many markets and health/diet shops, or even in amazon)
  • 1 small white onion (or any other type is ok)
  • 3-5 ripe tomatoes, depending on the size (about the same amount as the onion)
  • 1-2 small jalapeño or serrano peppers (depending on how much you like hot food)
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Corn or Sunflower oil

Other ingredients:

  • Corn tortillas
  • Avocado
  • Agave syrup (of sugar)
  • Lime (lemon)

Cooking utensils:

  • Pot
  • Spatula or ladle
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Bowl
  • Colander

Useful tip:

  • Make sure you use an apron, the stains these flowers get on your clothes might never go away!

Step 1: Clean the Flowers

First of all you want to rinse the flowers. Remember these are flowers, and they do come from plants in soil, so some dirt might be in the packet before cooking them. To do so:

  1. Place a colander in a bowl more less the same size and place the flowers in it.
  2. Pour clean water on the flowers so that they can be fully submerged.
  3. Toss around the flowers in the water so that any dirt that might be trapped in the petals can be released.
  4. Drain the water by removing the bowl and repeat if necessary.

Step 2: Boil the Flowers

The hibiscus flowers need to be fully cooked before we turn them into taco fillings. To do so:

  1. Bring a pot full of water to boil.
  2. Add the recently cleaned flowers to it.
  3. Cook in high heat for 7 minutes moving them with a ladle or spatula from time to time.
  4. After the 7 minutes, turn off the heat off and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Place the flowers and liquid back into the bowl with the colander and drain the flowers.
  6. IMPORTANT: do not get rid of the red water (concentrate), you want to keep it since we will use it later on.

Step 3: OPTIONAL: "pick" the Flowers

This is a totally optional step!

Depending on the hibiscus flowers you get, some of them might have some "hard" parts even after being boiled.

Personally I like my taco filling to be soft so I "pick" the flowers by taking away any hard part I find on them, leaving only the petals.

If you do not want to go through this process is totally fine, all the flower is edible anyway.

IMPORTANT: Make sure the flowers are cooled from the boiling process before you handle them with your hands, you do not want to get burnt.


Step 4: Chop Everything Down

Now is time to get the chopping board and knife out:

  1. Dice all your onion and tomatoes int the same size and reserve in separated plates.
  2. Take the nerves and seeds out of the chilies before chopping them down. TIP: Do not touch the chilies with your hands, use a knife and fork instead, or wear plastic gloves.
  3. OPTIONAL: Chop the hibiscus flowers the same size as the vegetables.

Step 5: Cook the Taco Filling

Let's make the magic happen:

  1. In the same pot you use to boil the flowers, add 3 tablespoons of oil and bing to heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and move around until translucent (3-5 min)
  3. Add the hibiscus flowers and mix.
  4. Add the chopped chilies and mix.
  5. Add the chopped tomatoes and mix.
  6. Add a pinch of salt and a black pepper to taste.
  7. Pour about 4 tablespoons of the red water (jamaica concentrate) that we got from boiling the flowers and put a lid on the pot.
  8. Let it cook for around 5 minutes in medium heat moving around from time to time.
  9. Turn off the heat when you see the amount of humidity you like in the mixture. Some people like it really dry others (like me) like it a bit wet.


Step 6: OPTIONAL: Make "Agua De Jamaica" to Pair With Your Tacos

If you want, you can use the same red water (jamaica concentrate) from boiling the hibiscus flowers to make a delicious soft drink.

  1. Add about one quarter of a glass of concentrate.
  2. Add some Agave syrup or sugar (to taste)
  3. Fill up with cold water
  4. OPTIONAL: Add ice
  5. Taste the "Agua de jamaica" (hibiscus water) and add more water/sugar/concentrate as desired.
  6. You can keep the concentrate in the fridge for up to 5 days to make more "Agua de jamaica"

Step 7: Plate Your Tacos

You are almost done making your tacos!

  1. Warm the corn tortillas
  2. Fill them up with a spoonful of jamaica taco filling
  3. OPTIONAL:Add an avocado slice to your taco and some lemon juice.
  4. Pair your tacos with your favourite drink (like the "agua de jamaica you just made")
  5. And... ENJOY!
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