Heart Health
Meal of the month: A Mexican-inspired meal
- Reviewed by Deepak L. Bhatt, M.D., M.P.H, Former Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter
At many Mexican restaurants in America, the food tends to be quite filling, with tortilla chips and other deep-fried options alongside entr'es smothered with cheese. But you can make a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying Mexican-inspired meal — tacos with fish or black beans — in very little time at home.
Choose any white fish you prefer, such as cod, tilapia, or haddock. Season the filets with a mix of spices (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper, for example). Then either grill, bake, or pan-fry the fish in a nonstick pan with a little olive oil. For a vegetarian alternative, saut' a small amount of onion, then add the same spices to taste, saut' for a minute, then add a can of black beans. Simmer until the mixture thickens up a bit.
Prepare a selection of toppings, such as shredded red or green cabbage and diced avocado, tomato, and onion. Put out lime wedges, your favorite salsa or hot sauce, and full-fat Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream. Just before serving, warm corn tortillas in a skillet on high heat. Diners can then assemble their tacos to suit their taste. (Search online for a recipe if you want more guidance or detail.) If available, corn on the cob is good side dish.
Image: © TheCrimsonMonkey/Getty Images
About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
About the Reviewer
Deepak L. Bhatt, M.D., M.P.H, Former Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter
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