Spicy Lentil Tacos

Mexican food is one of my favourite types of cuisine, however often times it’s tough to find a veggie option; especially when it comes to tacos. I was recently inspired to create a delicious vegan taco that packs some serious protein and nutrition. The mushrooms and lentils give this dish a meaty texture and delicious flavour. Gluten free, dairy free to boot!

Spicy Lentil Tacos 

Lentil Taco Filling:

1/2 cup dry lentils (I used french lentils but you can also use brown or green lentils)
2 cups vegetable broth (I used 2 cups of water and one bouillon cube)
1 tbsp olive oil
6 mushrooms, diced into small cubes
1 jalapeno pepper , diced (use less if you don’t like too much heat)
1 small shallot or onion, diced
1 small tomato, diced
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp cumin*
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano

*If you don’t have all of these spices, don’t fret. You can simply use cumin and it will still taste great.

Method:

1. Combine the lentils and vegetable broth in a pot on medium heat. Allow to boil for 20-30 minutes, adding more liquid if necessary. Cook until lentils are tender.

 

2. Meanwhile in another pan, saute shallots in olive oil for 3 minutes on medium heat until well cooked, then add mushrooms, jalapeno and diced tomato. Saute until all vegetables are well cooked, about 8 minutes. Add the spices.

3. Once the lentils are cooked (soft and starting to come apart) add them to the vegetable mixture and stir well. Allow taco mixture to simmer on the stove top for 5 minutes for flavours to meld, adding a bit of water if it starts to look dry.

To make this for dinner you’ll need:

corn tortillas

and

Toppings, which can include:
red or yellow pepper, diced
fresh tomato, diced
avocado, mashed or sliced
lime (for squeezing on top)
cilantro

Serve a spoonful of lentil taco filling on each tortilla and pile with toppings of your choice. Enjoy!