Hibiscus Flower and Yucca Hash Brown Tacos

Ingredients:

For the Hibiscus Flower Filling:

• Dried hibiscus flowers (also known as Jamaica or flor de Jamaica)

• Water

• Olive oil

• Onion, finely chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Cumin

• Paprika

• Salt and pepper

For the Yucca Hash Browns:

• Yucca root

• Olive oil or cooking spray

• Salt and pepper

• Optional: onion powder, garlic powder, paprika for added flavor

Additional Taco Ingredients:

• Taco shells or tortillas

• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, salsa, lime wedges, cilantro, etc.

Instructions:

For the Hibiscus Flower Filling:

1. Preparing Hibiscus Flowers:

• Rinse the dried hibiscus flowers to remove any impurities.

• In a pot, bring water to a boil, remove from heat, and steep the hibiscus flowers for about 15-20 minutes until they are rehydrated.

• Drain and set aside.

1. Sautéing Hibiscus Flowers:

• In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

• Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened.

• Add rehydrated hibiscus flowers to the skillet.

• Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.

• Sauté until the hibiscus flowers are well coated with the seasonings.

For the Yucca Hash Browns:

1. Preparation of Yucca Hash Browns:

• Peel the yucca root and cut it into manageable chunks.

• Use a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment to grate the yucca.

• Place the grated yucca in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out excess moisture.

• Season the squeezed yucca with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, or paprika.

• Form small portions of the yucca mixture into hash brown patties.

1. Cooking Yucca Hash Browns:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

• Carefully place the yucca hash browns in the skillet, ensuring they are not too crowded.

• Cook until the bottom side is golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook the other side.

• Place the cooked yucca hash browns on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Assembling Tacos:

1. Warming Taco Shells:

• Warm the taco shells or tortillas in the oven or on a dry skillet.

1. Assembling Tacos:

• Fill each taco shell with a combination of hibiscus flower filling and yucca hash browns.

1. Toppings:

• Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and any other toppings you prefer.

1. Garnishes:

• Garnish with salsa, a squeeze of lime, and fresh cilantro.

1. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the hibiscus flower and yucca hash brown tacos immediately while warm.

This fusion of hibiscus flowers and yucca hash browns creates a taco with vibrant colors and a delightful blend of flavors. Customize the toppings to your liking and savor this unique and delicious taco experience!