Charales tacos, the perfect recipe for Lent

They can be found in markets, supermarkets and local fishmongers; ideal for incorporating into the daily diet.

• Before cooking them, it is advisable to check that they are clean and free of residue.
• In some cases, dried charales may have excess salt, so they can be rinsed quickly with water and then drained well.
• Place them on absorbent paper to remove moisture.
• Put a frying pan over medium heat and add the oil.
• Add the chopped garlic and onion and cook for a few seconds until fragrant.
• Add the charales to the hot oil and fry them for 2 or 3 minutes, stirring constantly so that they cook evenly.
• Add the sauce, salt and cook for 2 minutes.
• Heat the tortillas on a griddle or skillet. Place a portion of charales on each tortilla.
• Add chopped cabbage or lettuce, slices of avocado, and you can serve it with a few drops of lemon.

The tacos should be served immediately so that the charales maintain their crispy texture.

What are charales?

Charales are small freshwater fish belonging to the scientific genus Chirostoma, which includes several species that live primarily in lakes of the Mexican highlands. These species inhabit various bodies of water in central Mexico and are part of the region's aquatic ecosystems.

They generally measure between 6 and 12 centimeters, have a long, slender body, and a silver stripe running along their sides. Due to their small size, they are often caught in large quantities and used in various traditional dishes.

The consumption of charales in Mexico has ancient roots. Since pre-Hispanic times, these fish have been part of the diet of communities living near lakes and lagoons. Over time, their use has remained in regional cuisine and they continue to be found in many markets and family kitchens today.

One of the areas where they are best known is Lake Pátzcuaro, in the state of Michoacán. In this region, charales are prepared in various ways, although one of the most popular is fried and served with lemon and salsa.

They are also very common in Lake Chapala, where they have been consumed for generations as part of the local cuisine. During Lent, many people in Mexico change their diet and prefer to eat fish or seafood instead of red meat.

For this reason, charales are often a highly sought-after alternative during this period, as they are inexpensive and easy to prepare.

One of the simplest dishes you can make with this ingredient is charales tacos. This preparation consists of frying the fish until crispy and placing them on corn tortillas with various accompaniments.

Besides being easy to make, these tacos are considered a traditional snack that can still be found in markets, family kitchens and food stalls in different regions of the country.

Benefits of charales

Besides their distinctive flavor, charales also provide important nutrients. Various sources indicate that these fish contain protein, a nutrient necessary for growth and tissue repair.

Proteins also help the body maintain various functions, such as muscle formation and the proper functioning of the immune system.

Another relevant aspect is its mineral content, such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron, which participate in different processes of the body, including the health of bones and teeth.

A unique characteristic of charales is that they are usually eaten whole. Due to their small size, the bones soften after cooking, allowing the minerals they contain to be absorbed.

They contain vitamins such as A, B, and C, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which are present in many fish. These nutrients are part of a varied diet and help complement other foods consumed daily.

Another advantage is that charales (small fish) are typically low in fat and carbohydrates, making them a light food. For these reasons, they are considered a nutritious option in traditional cuisine in various communities.

Furthermore, their affordable price has allowed them to remain a popular food in many regions of the country.

Tips for cooking charales

Although the preparation is simple, there are some tips that can help improve the final result.

• Fry small quantities: If too many charales are added at the same time, the oil may lose temperature and the fish will not be as crispy.
• Use hot oil: When the oil is very hot, the charales brown faster and absorb less fat.
• Pay attention to the cooking time: Charales are very small fish and cook quickly. If left in the oil for too long, they can become tough or burnt.
• Dry them before frying: If the charales are wet, the oil may splatter and the frying will not be even.
• Serve with fresh ingredients: In many regions where fried charales are eaten, it's customary to serve them with fresh vegetables such as lettuce, onion, or tomato. This helps balance the strong flavor of the fish and adds freshness to the dish.
• Serve with sauces: Spicy sauces, both red and green, usually combine very well with the flavor of charales.
• Eat them freshly prepared: To maintain their crispy texture, it is best to serve the tacos right after preparing them.

Charales tacos are an example of the richness of traditional Mexican cuisine. Besides their cultural value, charales also provide protein, minerals, and vitamins that can complement a daily diet.

Thanks to their flavor and ease of preparation, charales tacos continue to be a popular choice during the Lenten season and in the everyday gastronomy of many regions of Mexico.