Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and easy to make? Look no further than these Tucson Spicy Lentil Tacos! Bursting with rich spices and hearty lentils, this delightful Mexican-inspired dish will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these tacos are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the lentils under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve. This helps remove any dirt or debris. Drain well and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level; add more broth or water if necessary to prevent sticking.
- While the lentils are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Once the lentils are cooked, drain any excess liquid and add them to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine.
- Season the lentil mixture with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- While the lentil mixture is cooking, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for about 30 seconds.
- To assemble the tacos, place a generous spoonful of the spicy lentil mixture onto each tortilla. Top with fresh cilantro for garnish.
- Serve the tacos immediately while warm, with your favorite toppings such as avocado, salsa, or lime wedges, if desired.
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse lentils before cooking to remove any dirt or impurities. This simple step ensures a cleaner and tastier dish.
- Simmering Time: Keep an eye on the lentils as they simmer. They should be tender but not mushy. If they start to dry out, add a splash of vegetable broth or water.
- Sautéing Aromatics: Make sure to sauté the onion until it’s translucent and fragrant before adding the garlic. This enhances the overall flavor of the taco filling.
- Adjusting Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking! If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Tortilla Warm-Up: Warm your corn tortillas just before serving. This will make them more pliable and enhance their flavor.
- Topping Ideas: Get creative with toppings! Avocado, salsa, lime wedges, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt can elevate your tacos to the next level.
- Meal Prep: These lentil tacos can be made ahead of time. Simply store the lentil mixture in the fridge and warm it up when you’re ready to serve.
- Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan, making it a great option for plant-based eaters. Enjoy guilt-free indulgence!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
