In Mexico, tacos al pastor are made with pork that is cooked on a vertical roasting spit, the same used for shawarma or gyros. This cooking method was handed down by Lebanese immigrants long ago- al pastor is still sometimes referred to as Arab tacos. It was almost certainly not made with pork at its inception. Very popular around the country, the recipe was adapted to local tastes to include spices, different chiles, and pineapple. Al pastor tacos are generally used to marinate meat, with a little vinegar or bitter orange juice. If you don’t have a vertical spit, just grill the meat on your BBQ or even in a wok. This lightly hot spice blend is also great on dishes made with pulses, grilled chicken, or to kick up a tomato sauce.

Ingredients: chiles, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, anis seeds, marjoram, cloves, bay leaf.