lentil tacos

Justin has the benefit of coming home everyday for lunch-  on the occasions I have a weekday off I look forward to surprising him with a hot lunch that we get to enjoy together . After Christmas I was able to take a few days off which was welcomed with open arms after all the crazy holiday excitement, Justin unfortunately had to head back to work. To make his day a little brighter I made a favorite of his  - tacos! These tacos were a bit different than he was use to, instead of black beans or his beloved veggie crumbles Spanish pardina lentils were subbed in. I know that this isn't a "new" idea using lentils as a filler for tacos, but it certainly was a first for us. Let me tell you, it may have been a first but it certainly wasn't the last - they were amazing!

One of the reasons tacos are a favorite around our house is the endless possibilities of fresh veggies and toppings that can be added - olives, tomatoes, avocado, greens, caramelized onions and peppers are just a few of our must haves on taco night- making it super easy to eat the rainbow in one sitting.

Spanish Pardina Lentils are called for in the recipe however any lentil would work well - canned lentils would cut your prep time in half, getting dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes.

Aside from the lentils, my favorite thing about these tacos are the caramelized onions. Caramelized onions can magically transform an ordinary meal into one that is pretty special. The best part, caramelized onions are easy to make - not sure what to make for dinner? Slice some onion, throw in a bit of vegan butter and let the onions go to work while you get inspired on what to make for dinner - 9 times out of 10 the onions you have caramelizing on the stove top will compliment just about any meal.

Even better, this meal is pocketbook friendly; I typically have everything on hand to make this meal at least once a week. If you have any leftover lentils & caramelized onions, they make a great salad topper the next day.   What is your favorite super quick & cheap weeknight meal? Do you get to enjoy lunch at home on a weekly basis or are you a slave to your desk during the week?    

Lentil Tacos
makes 4 large tacos/burritos or 6 small
 
you will need:
1 large onion - cut in half & each half thinly sliced
1 tbsp coconut butter
 1 1/2 cups cooked lentils/ (1) 15oz can

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp chipotle seasoning

1/2 tsp liquid smoke
1/2 tsp salt
juice of 1 lime

4 vegan soft tortillas (I used Trader Joe's Jalapeno)

toppings
handful of greens

1 tomato sliced or cubed

assembly:
 Thinly slice each onion half - in a medium pan melt coconut butter over medium heat. Add onion slices, tossing to coat. Cook onions over medium - low heat stirring occasionally for 15 minutes or until onions begin to caramelize.

Meanwhile, in a medium sauce pan add lentils, tomato paste, smoked paprika, chipotle seasoning + liquid smoke - simmer over medium/low heat for 10 minutes. Just prior to assembling tacos stir in salt & lime juice.

To assemble tacos, create a base layer of greens in the tortilla, then add your tomatoes & top with lentils and caramelized onions.

enjoy!