In the mid-1990s Durham’s Hispanic population was about 2,000 people. Since then, the population has grown to more than 38,000, about 14 percent of the city’s population, according to the 2010 U.S Census.

The growth of the Hispanic population has changed Durham economically, culturally, and socially. Today there are dozens of Hispanic restaurants, groceries, bakeries, and food trucks serving diverse Durham customers. Latinos in Durham come from many places in Central and South America and bring many different food traditions to their new home.

This taco recipe comes from Los Primos Supermarket, on East Main Street.

Los Primos opened August 21, 2002 by brothers Miguel and Fausto Collado. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Fausto asked Miguel to relocate to Durham from Las Vegas to open the store. Despite competing markets opening in the area, Los Primos garnered the support of the neighborhood by offering a free grocery delivery service and by supporting local churches and community groups.

When the building was in danger of being demolished as part of a NCDOT project to widen Alston Avenue, the neighborhood rallied around Los Primos to make sure the building was spared. Today, Los Primos is still family-owned and operated by Miguel Collado and his son, Chris.

Los Primos “Tacos de Carne Asada”

Origin: Mexico. Serves 4-5 

3-4 lbs. flank steak, sliced into strips

1 fresh whole onion, diced

1 green pepper

2 cloves diced garlic

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves 

In a frying pan, lightly coat with olive oil enough to keep meat from sticking, since the meat’s juices will add to the mixture. Add steak, garlic, green pepper, onion, and cilantro. Lightly season ingredients with adobo seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook to desired preference. 

Warm tortillas (flour or corn) in a pan on stovetop. Add toppings of choice: cheese, salsa, etc.

The Museum of Durham History and the North Carolina Collection at the Durham County Library are partnering to bring you food lore and recipes from Durham, just in time for the Durham A-Z: F is for Food exhibit, on display at the History Hub through July 27.

Originally published in the Herald-Sun 6/7/2015