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5 lentil tacos lined up on a piece of parchment paper.

Vegan Lentil Tacos

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Deryn Macey
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 10
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

These easy-to-make vegan tacos are a great option for weeknight dinners. The mashed lentils make an excellent base and the spices give them an awesome kick. This recipe makes enough to fill approximately 10 small tortillas.


Ingredients

For the Lentil Taco Filling

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 19 oz cans of cooked green or brown lentils, well-rinsed (4 cups cooked lentils)
  • 1 white or yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 3/4 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (use more or less depending on how spicy you want them!)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

For the Taco Toppings

  • 1 diced green pepper
  • 1/2 cup packed chopped cilantro
  • 1 chopped avocado
  • 4 grated carrots
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • small corn or wheat taco shells

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan (or use water or broth for an oil-free recipe).
  2. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often.
  3. Stir in the lentils and all of the spices. 
  4. Cook for 7-8 minutes until completely heated through, mashing slightly with a wooden spoon to create some texture. If the pan starts to dry out, add a splash of broth to add moisture.
  5. Prepare the green peppers, carrots, cilantro, avocado, salsa and any other taco fillings you’d like.
  6. Remove the mashed lentils from the pan and place in a serving bowl.
  7. Set out the tortillas. Begin by filling them with the lentil mixture and then add your toppings and enjoy.

Notes

Storing: Lentil taco filling will stay fresh in the fridge if stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat using the microwave or on a skillet over medium heat. 

Freezing: Cooked and cooled lentil taco filling can be stored in the freezer in small portions packed into freezer-safe bags for 4-6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving.

Nutrition Facts: The nutrition facts are estimated for 1/10th of the lentil taco mixture and do not include any fillings or the taco shells.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 taco
  • Calories: 127
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 7 g