Monday, January 7, 2013

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!

lentil tacos
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.
DSC09974.jpgDSC09941.jpg
lentil tacos

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.
lentil tacos lentil tacos
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.
DSC09994.jpg
lentil tacos lentil tacos
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
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!



Yum

89 comments:

  1. I love lentils in tacos, but I don't do that nearly enough! I usually lean towards chickpeas or black beans. However, lentils have a texture that really works. I like your additions of smoked paprika, chipotle seasoning, and liquid smoke. That sounds wonderful! It's sweet of you to make your husband's work day a little brighter!

    For super quick weeknight meals, we have a big salad several times a week with grilled garlic sourdough. (When it's too cold outside, then we warm it in the oven instead.) Tacos are definitely on the list and a pizza with whatever toppings we have on hand on a frozen cornmeal crust.

    ReplyDelete
  2. i have been craving mexican food like crazy lately and made a huge mexican inspired salad last night for dinner. these look fabulous! i always use lentils instead of black beans when i make tacos, too. i actually cook them WITH the rice. so easy ;)

    ReplyDelete
  3. These pics are so amazingly gorgeous!! I love the idea of using lentils for the filling.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I always had black beans in my tacos too... but i've never thought of trying ''lentil tacos'' it looks so delicious and the texture looks just perfect !

    ReplyDelete
  5. I've never had lentils in taco form--super intriguing! What a great idea. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I know what I'm making for dinner this week! These sound perfect! I honestly never get sick of mexican inspired food. Love the use of lentils as the filling for these tacos.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oooh, this sounds amazing! I've never heard of using lentils in tacos, so it's new to me, too. I also love tacos because of all the topping possibilities. Plus they're easy and delicious, of course! Also, I agree with you 100% on the caramelized onions... there aren't many things that don't benefit from them! I hate to say it, but most of my favorite quick lunches are actually reheated dinners. It doesn't get much easier than leftovers!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow that is so lovely of you to make these for Justin to cheer him up! and lucky him for getting to come home everyday for lunch! I would looooove if I could come home for this :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh my - saved to try as soon as I pick up a couple missing ingredients! Liquid Smoke is not part of my usual pantry staples, and finding chipotle seasoning and smoked paprika will mean a 45 minute (each way) trip, but since these are (mostly) items I will use again it will be worth it ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. This has got to be the most tempting, most delicious vegetarian taco I've seen! The colours just pop and that must mean it's good for the body. You know, coz we must eat the colours of the rainbow everyday...this meal looks like a complete, well-balanced vegetarian meal! If I came home to this, I would be a happy girl!

    ReplyDelete
  11. It's new to me but this definitely looks like a healthy taco recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  12. i dont make tacos enough.. i love spicy and smoky lentils/beans and these will be a sure hit in this house! love the picture of the veggies and tomatoes in the back!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love your twist on making tofu my friend :)

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

    ReplyDelete
  14. I don't think I've ever tried lentil tacos, but I love the idea - especially with the smoky flavours you added! It would be a nice change from just black beans, because sometimes I don't like eating too much of them. I also wish I lived near a Trader Joes so I could try those tortillas!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am a huge taco fan - it just makes such an easy meal to toss in whatever veggies you have around. I love your use of the lentils here... these taco look delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi! I tried these last night and overall the flavors were great. I used chipotle powder (I don't have chipotle seasoning) and 1 TBL is definitely too much for one can of lentils. I had to add more lentils to mellow out the heat. Maybe 1 tsp chipotle powder and some garlic (and sugar?) if you don't have chipotle seasoning? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Excellent! I am so happy to hear you tried out the recipe - definitely 1 tbsp of straight up chipotle powder would be over powering, 1 tsp of chipotle plus sugar & garlic, maybe even some dried cilantro or Mexican oregano would be a perfect substitute!

      Delete
  17. Yum! I always want to make an alternative to the meat I make for the hubby for taco night but I usually just have my homemade refried beans with whatever toppings we have... This looks delicious! I bet it would freeze good too, so I can just reheat a little on taco night! :) I love the liquid smoke... I think that might actually make my hubby want to try it, he loves that stuff, lol!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Beautiful and sounds so yummy! ;)

    Can I be a slave at my desk AT home? 'cause that's what I do, but it's great to make fresh lunches at home ;) (well... not all the time because clean up is no fun if it's 3-5 meals a day!) But still great ;)
    xoxo
    Ella

    ReplyDelete
  19. These are my kind of tacos, Heather! I'm swooning over those lentils! And the tortillas looks so soft and inviting! I need these. Like, now.

    It depends on if I'm working or not, but even when I'm not working (otherwise, at home, doing blog stuff), I tend to make pretty simple, quick lunches. I don't like to go through a lot of trouble when it's just little old me. :-) When I'm working, however, I tend to bring leftovers from dinner the night before, so I guess my lunches are better when I'm actually working.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Stunning!!! I LOVE colorful meals. This is going to be a favorite :) mmmm tacos tacos tacossss

    www.thebootlegcook.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. LOVED this! I ended up making it as a taco salad for a potluck for my running club's post holiday/awards party. It was a big hit! I had to make some more the next day because there wasn't any left.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I've been making lentil tacos for a while, I love them so much better than the ground crumbles or any other type of legume in this application!I love that you added liquid smoke and caramelized onions. I need to come visit you and pay you to teach me how to take better photographs. I seriously can't be bothered to learn and it shows. Sigh.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love lentil tacos! And, carmelized onions make everything better! Delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  24. thanks for the taco tips - but glad I know how to add ingredients when not told how....this is great, cause can make extra lentil filling ahead of time, to keep on hand for a quick lunch or snack! TY again!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Out of all the lentil taco recipes out there, I think this may be my favorite!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I hope you will forgive my ignorance but where do you add in the Chipotle, Tomato paste and Paprika??? These sound amazing and would love to make them :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is in the directions, add lentils through liquid smoke which includes the ingredients you listed. I hope you enjoy the recipe as much as we do! Thanks for stopping bu :)

      Delete
    2. Okay maybe it's just me but nowhere in the directions does it say to mix the spices and tomato paste with the liquid smoke and I have no idea what "add lentils through liquid smoke" means!

      Delete
  27. I saw this recipe posted on one green planet and asked a couple questions there, but got no reply. So here I am. The directions to this recipe seem to be missing info and confusing. For one what exactly does "add lentils through liquid smoke" mean? How does one simmer the lentils in only 1/2 tsp of liquid? When do you add in the spices and tomato paste?

    ReplyDelete
  28. I was very pleased to find this web-site. I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

    Contraloriavalledupar.gov.co
    Information
    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks for sharing this.,
    Leanpitch provides online training in CSPO during this lockdown period everyone can use it wisely.
    Join Leanpitch 2 Days CSPO Certification Workshop in different cities.

    CSPO certification

    ReplyDelete
  30. DescriptionA traditional Mexican dish made from a hand-held corn or small wheat tortilla stuffed with fillings similar to a tortilla. Tortillas are flat unleavened breads that are wrapped in banana leaves and made into a sandwich. The tortillas are then folded over the filling and eaten on their own. In Mexico and South America, the traditional breakfast food for poor people is tacos. You can also eat tacos and play https://casinoofthekings.com/casino/ilucki/. In the United States, a taco can be found at many fast-food restaurants.

    ReplyDelete
  31. If you want to grow your business, we are providing top qualified MCA Live Transfer Leads in best prices & We offer best Merchant Cash Advance Leads to grow your business.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Pharmamedsstore is the Best place to Buy Modalert Online and to also buy other medicines online with overnight delivery. Modalert 200 is made by Sun Pharma. it is an energiser drug that improves individuals’ memory, Vigilance, and attentiveness

    sun pharma modalert 200
    modalert 200 mg by sun pharma
    sun pharma modalert
    buy modalert

    ReplyDelete
  33. What an amazing post to learn all about Phentermine Medicine.

    ReplyDelete
  34. ONLINE PHARMACY THAT DEALS IN ALL PAIN RELIEF PRODUCTS and provides overnight shipping all over United States and Canada. You can pay by credit/debit card, Paypal or COD, call or text +18584617138
    https://www.realpharmaneeds.com/index.html

    ReplyDelete
  35. You make a bigger impact on our mind. Because i am shocked to see your website. It is really awesome. I love to come here again and again.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thank you for the informative article. order armodafinil online from Genericpanda pharmacy to treat various sleep disorders and increase wakefulness.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks lot for sharing this informative blog with us. I really like it.Buy Celebrex Online from trusted pharmacy used to relieve some symptoms caused by arthritis, such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. It will help you only as long as you continue to take it.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thanks for this informative post. Buy Propecia Online at a powerful cost. Propecia is a solution-based medication utilized for the treatment of balding issues in men.

    ReplyDelete
  39. You have performed a great job on this article buy dank vapes cartridges
    I really appreciate your website

    ReplyDelete
  40. Our physicians Doctors can prescribe medications online during your consultation. Once you receive a prescription Letter,
    you'll have the option to have it delivered to your door in discreet packaging and at no additional cost.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is a National level Board of Education in India for Public and Private Schools, Controlled and Managed by Union Government of India, CBSE 7th Study Class CBSE 7th Maths Exemplar Problem Start in Month of July 2023, CBSE Every Year 7 Class High Schools Open in Month of Jun 2023, Summer Holidays After Schools open Students your School Headmaster Distribution CBSE 7 Class Books 2023 English, Hindi, Urdu Medium Complete Textbooks

    ReplyDelete
  42. thanks contacting lessonpharma your order has being taken into consideration to ease communication with are customer client we will wish you contact us via the following canals so we can proceed with payment and shipment for your package below you will see are what app,kik ,wickr ,and telegram adress hope to read from you ass soon as possible so we can proceed
    Equally we want to assure you that shipment worldwide is free for first time clients so hope to read from you as soon as possible equally you will receive and email from are customer clients below you see the contact adress

    text/Whatapp :+1‪(434) 278-0343
    kik ID: jamespope22
    Wickr id : romeopope
    telegram: @jamesharrisson :+1(323)546-9732

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thanks for sharing your details with us
    This is one of the best online pharmacies where you can easily buy different types of medicines.
    http://www.onlinepillsrx.co/Men-Health/Buy-Kamagra-Jelly-Online
    http://www.onlinepillsrx.co/Hair-Care/Buy-Propecia-Online
    http://www.onlinepillsrx.co/Eye-Care/Buy-Bimatoprost-Online

    ReplyDelete
  44. With the authorizing of cannabis for sporting use in California and different spots, we track down the business fit as a fiddle. Probably excessively well.
    Cheap Weed

    ReplyDelete
  45. پنل اینستاگرام https://Followerabzar.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. پنل فالوور اینستاگرام فالوورابزار

    ReplyDelete
  47. Acquista Online La Prescrizione Di Perdita Di Peso
    Crediamo che i farmaci a volte possano essere molto urgenti da assumere. Se hai urgente bisogno di farmaci, possiamo anche fornirti una consegna espressa,



    a-215-ossicodone-actavis

    ReplyDelete
  48. Acquista Online La Prescrizione Di Perdita Di Peso
    Crediamo che i farmaci a volte possano essere molto urgenti da assumere. Se hai urgente bisogno di farmaci, possiamo anche fornirti una consegna espressa,



    a-215-ossicodone-actavis
    acquista-adderall-30mg
    acquista-adipex-online
    acquista-adma-online
    acquista-ambien
    acquista-ativan-online
    acquista-botox-online

    ReplyDelete
  49. Quando si tratta di questioni di salute, è fondamentale sapere quali sono le farmacie buone e cattive.
    Devi imparare cosa cercare in una farmacia per sapere se è quella giusta. Ricorda, hai a che fare con la vita, ecco perché devi stare attento a dove
    acquista-vyvanse-online
    acquista-xanax-2mg
    acquistare-dapoxetina-online
    acquistare-rohypnol-2mg

    ReplyDelete
  50. Quando si tratta di questioni di salute, è fondamentale sapere quali sono le farmacie buone e cattive. Devi imparare cosa cercare in una farmacia per sapere se è quella giusta. Ricorda, hai a che fare con la vita, ecco perché devi stare attento a dove acquistare i tuoi farmaci e altre necessità farmaceutiche.
    acquista-ambien
    acquista-ativan-online
    acquista-botox-online
    acquista-cerotti-al-fentanil
    acquista-codeina-linctus-online

    ReplyDelete
  51. I appreciate the depth of your research and the structure of your article. Thanks for publish the unique type of post with all the users. We are waiting for new one. Keep posting. Read more if arlo camera keeps going offline

    ReplyDelete
  52. Thank you for addressing such an important issue in your blog post. While I found your article informative and well-written, I believe there is an additional aspect that could have been explored. Read here for - NETGEAR EXTENDER LIGHTS MEANING [AN UPDATED GUIDE]

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thank you for addressing such an important issue in your blog post. While I found your article informative and well-written, I believe there is an additional aspect that could have been explored. Read here for - Resolve Rockspace ac750 extender not connecting to router.

    ReplyDelete
  54. May your life be filled with love, laughter, and beautiful moments. Sending you warm wishes for a wonderful day!
    My Site:Rice Purity Test

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by - your comments make my day!