Spicy lentil tacos
Vegetarian Spicy Lentil Tacos, a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional meat tacos, are a favorite dish among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Lentils, which are a great source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients, make for an excellent substitute for ground beef or chicken, making them ideal for those looking for a plant-based protein source. These tacos are versatile and customizable, giving you the opportunity to add your favorite veggies and spices to your liking.
What makes this recipe unique from others is the spicy twist on the traditional lentil taco recipe. Adding spices and fresh chili peppers as a flavoring ingredient brings out the recipe’s boldness, elevating the tacos to a new level of taste. Not only do they provide an explosion of flavor in your mouth, but they are also easy to make and a quick meal for those on a tight schedule.
To begin, we will need to gather our ingredients to make these delicious spicy lentil tacos. The essential spices for this recipe include chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, and garlic powder. We’ll also need canned lentils, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, diced green chilies, and optional toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado. For the taco shells, you can use any type of taco shell, including traditional hard shells, soft tortillas or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
To make the tacos, we’ll start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then adding onions and garlic until they become translucent. Next, we will add the lentils, tomato sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, dried oregano, and garlic powder, stirring and cooking for 5 to 7 minutes. Then we will add diced green chilies, stir, and cook for another minute, creating a delicious spicy lentil mixture.
We can now move on to assembling the tacos. Using a taco shell of our choice, we’ll add a generous amount of the lentil mixture, followed by any toppings we desire. For a protein-packed meal, consider adding shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro. For a lighter option, try skipping the cheese and adding fresh salsa or guacamole to your tacos.
What makes these spicy lentil tacos unique is their versatility. They can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use, making them ideal for meal prep. Additionally, the lentil mixture can be used as a base for other dishes, such as lentil burritos or lentil bowls.
In conclusion, Vegetarian Spicy Lentil Tacos are a perfect solution for those looking for a plant-based taco recipe with bold flavors. They’re easy to make, customizable, and-most importantly-delicious. Whether you’re a vegetarian or looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these tacos are a must-try recipe.
Ingredients:
1 cup red lentils 1 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 tbsp chili powder 1 tbsp ground cumin 1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp sea salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/2 cup vegetable broth 8-10 corn tortillas 1 avocado, sliced 2 limes, cut into wedges 1/2 cup chopped cilantro 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
Instructions:
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Rinse the lentils and transfer them to a large saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until they are translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
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Add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
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Add the cooked lentils and vegetable broth to the skillet. Mix everything together and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the lentils have soaked up all the liquid.
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Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat. You can also heat them up in the microwave or oven.
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Divide the lentil mixture evenly among the tortillas. Top each taco with sliced avocado, a squeeze of lime juice, chopped cilantro, and diced tomatoes.
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Serve the tacos immediately and enjoy!