Al Pastor Pork Tacos Tulum

We were lucky enough to have tasted authentic tacos al Pastor in Tulum, Mexico - a most beautiful seashore town we recently visited. Made from thinly sliced pork roasted on a spit, they were delicious, and only 30 cents a piece! No pork on a spit at home, I'm sure - so use the next best thing - country ribs.

1 lb pork boneless country ribs

Dry Rub Mix:

1 tsp garlic powder

1 Tbsp HOT chili powder (add crushed red pepper flakes as needed!)

1/2 tsp cumin (sorry, Mexicans)

1 tsp coarse Kosher salt

1/2 red pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 orange pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 sweet yellow onions, thinly sliced

1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)

about 3 cloves garlic, minced

about 2 cups thinly sliced cabbage, green or red

8 corn tortillas

1/2 cup salsa verde

1 cup favorite grated cheese - Monterrey Pepper Jack or a Mexican mix

Toss the ribs with the dry rub as soon before you cook as possible - a day in the refrigerator would be great; otherwise an hour or so works.

Preheat grill to high.

Sauté the peppers and onion in a skillet with the fennel seeds in a dash of olive oil over medium-low heat. You want the veggies to soften and caramelize well. This should take about 15 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook another 2-3 minutes. Set veggies aside.

Grill the pork over high heat while the veggies cook. Remove pork to a cutting board when nicely browned and just cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes covered with foil.

While the pork cooks, toast the tortillas on a gas burner or on the grill until just browned on the edges.

Lay 2 tortillas on each of four plates and spread about a tablespoon salsa verde in center. Slice the pork and divide among the tortillas. Divide the peppers, cabbage and cheese to top. Serve with lime wedges and extra salsa verde on the side. Serves 4.

Tacos al Pastor, Tulum, Mexico

Mayan Ruins by the sea, Tulum, Mexico

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