Description
These Lentil Tacos are a flavorful and hearty vegetarian meal, featuring a spiced lentil filling cooked with aromatic vegetables and warm spices. Perfectly seasoned and served in soft tortillas or crispy taco shells, they’re topped with fresh tomatoes, avocado, lettuce, and salsa for a delicious taco experience without the meat.
Ingredients
Scale
Spice Mix
- 1 tsp dried minced onion
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown, rinsed)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 6 soft tortillas or taco shells
- Diced tomatoes, for topping
- 1 avocado, diced, for topping
- Shredded lettuce, for topping
- Salsa, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine the dried minced onion, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, paprika, cumin, cayenne, and oregano. Stir well and set aside for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and are fragrant.
- Add Lentils and Spices: Stir the rinsed lentils and the prepared spice mixture into the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Mix well to evenly coat the lentils with the spices. Continue to sauté for an additional 5 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Cook Lentils: Pour the vegetable broth into the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes. Cook until the broth is absorbed and the lentils are tender but still hold their shape without becoming mushy.
- Mash Lentils Lightly: Transfer the cooked lentil mixture to a bowl. Using a fork, lightly mash the lentils to create a textured filling suitable for tacos, leaving some lentils whole for bite.
- Prepare Tortillas: Warm the tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable, or bake them in the oven to make them crispy taco shells according to your preference.
- Assemble Tacos: Spoon the lentil filling into each tortilla or taco shell. Top with desired toppings such as diced tomatoes, avocado, shredded lettuce, and salsa. Serve immediately and enjoy your wholesome lentil tacos.
Notes
- You can substitute brown lentils with red or green lentils but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For added protein, add black beans or corn kernels to the lentil mixture.
- Use fresh lime juice over the tacos to add brightness and acidity.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure tortillas or taco shells are corn-based.
- Leftover lentil filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and makes a great filling for wraps and salads.
