Vegan Taco Meat (Lentil Taco Meat)
This simple to make Vegan Taco Meat is packed with fiber, plant protein, and big on flavor. In 30 minutes or less you have a family friendly meal on the table. Add your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, chopped tomato, cilantro, and green onion!
Servings: 8 tacos
Calories: 172kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups prepared brown lentils
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 crunchy or soft corn tortillas
- 1 avocado sliced
- ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
- cilantro for garnish
- scallions/green onion for garnish
Instructions
- If you have prepared lentils, you can skip this step. If not, rinse 1 cup of dry lentils. Cook on stovetop with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until lentils are soft. Lentils will double in size. Be sure to use a large enough pot.
- In a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, add onions, garlic and diced peppers. Sauté until soft about 3 minutes.
- Add spices to onion mixture. Sauté an additional minute.
- Add cooked lentils.
- Assemble tacos. Add avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, and any additional toppings you desire.
Video
Notes
Tips for Making Lentil Taco Meat
- Keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Keep frozen for 2-3 months.
- Chop all the vegetables while the lentils are cooking to help you save time with this vegan taco recipe.
- Use packaged lentils, I use the ones from Trader Joe's in the vegetable section if you do not want to prepare the lentils from dried.
- Mash the mixture a bit with a potato masher to achieve a vegan ground beef-like texture, or use a food processor to mix the lentils before adding to the pan with the veggies.
- Sprinkle with sunflower seeds for added crunch and protein!
Nutrition
Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 34mg | Potassium: 462mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 976IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 3mg