These vegan lentil tacos are super easy to prepare and you don’t even miss the meat! The perfect way to add more plant-based meals into your weekly menu! {vegan & gluten-free}
As mentioned in my Mediterranean Lentil Salad post, we have been LOVING lentils lately.
I recently returned back to work after being on mat leave, so I have been trying to come up with more simple recipes that can be made in less than 30 minutes.
Because let me tell ya, dinnertime is a struggle.
Our little guy gets home from daycare not only hungry, but HANGRY. For those who have never heard the term, HANGRY = the state in which you’re so hungry that you become angry.
Yeah. So not only is mama trying to scramble to make dinner and recover from a long day at work, she also has a hangry little monkey clinging to her leg.
Fun times.
So let’s just say that these Vegan Lentil Tacos have been a life saver.
Why do we love these Vegan Lentil Tacos so much?
Well, where do we even begin?!
These vegan lentil tacos are:
- A one-pot meal. What does that mean? Less dishes. WIN.
- Plant-based. A great way to switch it up from the traditional meat-filled tacos and a more heart-healthy option too!
- An excellent source of fibre and protein so you’ll stay full for hours.
- A rich source of both iron and folate.
- Low maintenance. Basically dump everything in a pot and allow all of those flavours to infuse together. Very little maintenance required.
- Budget-friendly. All that you need for this recipe are dried lentils, spices, broth and salsa, so it is not at all an expensive meal to prepare.
- Customizable. You can top these tacos up with all the things.
What type of lentils should I use?
You can use green, brown or black lentils. I usually make these tacos with green lentils and they turn out great every time!
The one type of lentil that I would recommend NOT using are the red lentils since they tend to have a mushier consistency once cooked. If you don’t mind a mushier lentil taco mixture, then you can certainly use them.
Just keep in mind that you’ll get more of that mouth feel resembling taco meat with the other varieties of lentils mentioned above since they’re a little more hardy once cooked.
How to Make Vegan Lentil Tacos?
It really doesn’t get much easier than these tacos! The lentil taco mixture can be prepared in a matter of minutes. Then, all that you have to do is sit back, relax and watch the magic happen.
To start, heat the oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium high heat. Cook the onion and garlic until tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the spices, dry lentils, and broth to the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are cooked.
Add in your desired salsa and give the mixture a stir. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Distribute lentil mixture among 12 taco shells or corn tortillas.
Top them up with all of your favourite toppings!
This is the fun part.
Can I freeze the Lentil Taco Mixture?
Absolutely! This is actually another reason why we love this recipe. You can make up a large batch and freeze the extras.
You can seal the mixture in an air-tight container or Ziploc bag and place in the freezer for up to three months.
To defrost, place in the fridge overnight and then dump into a pot or place in the microwave for a few minutes to reheat.
Toppings for Vegan Lentil Tacos
So once you’ve cooked the lentil mixture, that’s all fine and dandy, but what REALLY makes these tacos are the delicious toppings.
Here are some of our favourite toppings:
- Diced avocado
- Diced tomato
- Shredded cabbage
- Additional salsa
- Cilantro
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Guacamole
- Sliced jalapeno peppers
- Lime juice
- Or top with some of this Grilled Corn, Avocado & Tomato Salad
Absolutely mouthwatering!
And the best part is, you don’t even miss the meat!
If you’re looking for more taco recipes, be sure to check out this Crock Pot Taco Meat or these Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw.
More delicious Meatless Meals:
- Vegetarian Quesadillas
- Lentil Bolognese
- Rainbow Vegan Falafel Wrap
- Vegan Black Bean Tostadas
- Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a rating and review!
Easy Lentil Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp. chili powder
- 2 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 cup dry green lentils can also sub in black or brown
- 2 1/2 cups no salt-added vegetable broth
- 1 cup salsa
- Salt to taste I used a little more than 1/4 tsp. salt
- 12 taco shells or corn tortillas
Instructions
- Heat oil in medium-sized saucepan over medium high heat. Cook onion and garlic until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the spices, lentils, and broth to the pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are cooked and liquid has fully absorbed.
- Add salsa and stir. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Distribute lentil mixture among 12 taco shells or corn tortillas. Garnish with desired toppings.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Taste of Home
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