When I was pregnant with my son, I ate a lot of Mexican food. It was not uncommon for us to go to the same Mexican restaurant twice a week. After my son was born, the waitress snatched up our “gringo” baby and showed him off to the kitchen staff. Our love for Mexican food is still strong but, now I cook at home more often. The numero uno request is for lentil tacos.
Lentil tacos are easy to make, tasty and affordable. I buy lentils from the bulk section and always have some on hand. Cooked lentils have 230 calories per cup. 0.5 grams of fat and 17 grams of protein. I prepare the lentils ahead of time and they are ready to make a quick meal on karate or soccer nights. These tacos can be made “vegan” or vegetarian.
What You Need:
2 1/2 cups cooked brown lentils
Water, oil or veggie broth to add to lentils
1 packet taco seasoning (or you can make your own)
Taco shells, corn tortilla or flour tortillas
salsa
taco sauce
chopped tomato
chopped lettuce
avocado
Sour Cream (I used a vegan brand)
Cheese (I used a vegan brand of this also)
What To Do:
Heat a bit of oil, water or veggie broth in a skillet. Add the cooked lentils to the pan. Mix taco seasoning with 1/2 cup water until dissolved. Add the seasoning mixture and heat on medium until the mixture boils. Add more water or broth if needed. As the mixture cooks, mash the lentils with a fork or potato masher. I like mine mashed but with some whole lentils left.
While the lentils are cooking, prepare your taco toppings.
Here are some suggestions.
salsa
taco sauce
chopped tomato, chopped lettuce, chopped onions
jalapenos
black olives
avocado
Sour Cream (vegan or regular)
Cheese (vegan or regular)
black beans
refried beans
rice
Once the lentil mixture has thickened to a desired consistency, you can start filling your taco shells or tortillas. It is that simple to make these delicious tacos that everyone will enjoy.
What are your favorite taco toppings? When you try this recipe, come back and leave a comment.
- 2 1/2 cups cooked brown lentils
- Water, oil or veggie broth to add to lentils
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or you can make your own)
- Taco shells, corn tortilla or flour tortillas
- salsa
- taco sauce
- chopped tomato
- chopped lettuce
- avocado
- Sour Cream (I used a vegan brand)
- Cheese (I used a vegan brand of this also)
- Heat a bit of oil, water or veggie broth in a skillet.
- Add the cooked lentils to the pan.
- Mix taco seasoning with 1/2 cup water until dissolved.
- Add the seasoning mixture and heat on medium until the mixture boils.
- Add more water or broth if needed.
- As the mixture cooks, mash the lentils with a fork or potato masher.
- I like mine mashed but with some whole lentils left.
- While the lentils are cooking, prepare your taco toppings.
Are you looking for more plant based inspirations? Here is my Pinterest Food Board link, http://pinterest.com/gpollick/food/
You can also find me chatting away on Twitter. https://twitter.com/MonkeyThreads
precious mae says
This looks great. Learned something new in here. I would love to try this one at home!
Peggy Greco says
I like lentils and for a good meatless dinner these lentil tacos would be fun to try.
Kara Marks says
I never would have thought about using lentils for tacos–the recipe sounds great! Thanks!
Cujo says
Hmm.. I prefer red lentils but I’ll try.
MonkeyThreads says
I like red lentils in a dal…hmmm now I want dal!
Kayce says
WOW! it looks so yummy and delicious! Ive got to try one of these! 🙂
Bonnie says
Looks like such a tasty AND easy recipe! Can’t wait to try it!
Aubrey says
looks good, I wonder if I could serve it to my husband without him knowing
Sandra Beeman says
What a well- thought-out plan to enjoy healthy, delicious tacos!
MonkeyThreads says
Sandra~ Thank you for your kind comment!
Chrystal D says
They look good & I love meatless meals!
charj says
My favorite toppings are pickled onions, avocado, sprouts, chopped tomato, and shredded vegan cheese.
MonkeyThreads says
Tacos are so versatile and easy to make. Ari I like your idea of smashed beans as a filling too!
Ari says
This is a great vegan option! I usually go with the home-cooked black or kidney beans and then mash them up so that I have a nice filling. The toppings I usually prefer don’t differ much from the ones you’ve listed! I love, love love guacamole as a topping.
Alisha says
This looks yum!
Patty V. says
I can’t wait to try these! We are big fans of Mexican food in our house, and we love how easy it is to adapt to our changing diets (meat/vegetarian/vegan). We love refried beans, and I make my own from canned pinto beans – I am thinking the texture of the lentils might be comparable. This will be a good way to get my husband eating yet another meat-free Mexican meal!
MonkeyThreads says
Patty~ My 8 year old loves these! I am excited to hear about your lentil experience.
lisa says
I’ve never tasted a lentil. I’m a total meat lover.
Sarah p says
These look absolutely delicious! And super healthy, I love that combination!
Paula V says
Yummo..that would be like some awesome bean tacos. I’ve had lentils once.
Thanks.
Sam Dock says
Ive really never cooked with lentils but I might have to try this.