How to Make Lentil Tacos
Tacos are one of the most delicious and versatile comfort foods.
When I was a kid, I remember eating tacos with ground beef and taco seasoning from a packet all encased in a store bought corn shell.
Now, I much prefer true home cooked and a plant-based lifestyle. Though lentils are no even swap for beef, they have a texture that works wonderfully in a tortilla. They soak up the flavor of the seasonings wonderfully. They are inexpensive, protein packed, and delicious!
The homemade seasoning mix contains way less salt than packets and best of all, you control the amounts of everything that goes in it. Add more chili and black pepper for extra heat or more garlic for a stronger flavor.
Begin by making the lentil taco filling by cooking lentils. I combine three cups of water with one cup of rinsed brown lentils in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until cooked through, about half an hour. Drain excess water and stir in the homemade seasoning mix.
I made some easy spelt tortillas using this recipe. They’re much easier to fill when warmed, so I suggest working with them right off the skillet. They only require four ingredients (one of which is water) so they’re perfect for an easy meal. After making the dough, flatten into tortillas and cook in a skillet. I followed the recipe but added a tablespoon less of oil and ended up with ten tortillas.
In the same skillet (less dishwashing!) cook up your fajita veggies. They’re a simple but flavor packed addition to the tacos.
Next, assemble everything. I’m working with a limited pantry, so I kept my tacos simple with the lentil filling, veggies, and a sprinkle of romaine for some added color.
Admittedly, this meal requires a fair amount of steps, so it takes more time to come together. It’s totally worth it! But in a pinch, feel free to use packaged tortillas or precooked lentils. The smokey, savory flavors of these tacos are a true hit and great to feed the whole family.
Enjoy!
Hungry for more? Check out my other recipes:
Garlic and Lemon Cauliflower Gnocchi
Lentil Tacos
Ingredients
Taco Filling
- 3 cups cooked brown lentils
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
Fajita Veggies
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion sweet, yellow, or white
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 large bell pepper
- 6 mushrooms white or baby bella
Lentil Tacos
- 10 tortillas
- taco filling
- fajita veggies
- toppings of choice lettuce, cheese, guacamole, salsa, cilantro, lime
Instructions
Taco Filling
- Combine seasonings and lentils until coated.
Fajita Veggies
- Heat oil over large skillet or cast iron.
- Add onions and cook until they've developed some color and softened. Add garlic and cook another minute.
- Add in bell pepper until softened but still firm.
- Lastly, add in mushrooms until they've softened. Remove from pan and set aside.
Lentil Tacos
- Heat tortillas over stove top. Add lentil filling, fajita veggies, and any other toppings of choice. Serve hot.
