These Vegan Lentil Tacos are a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal made with hearty lentils, vegetables, and spices wrapped in warm tortillas.They are packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a perfect choice for a meatless meal. Whether for Taco Tuesday or a casual weeknight dinner, this easy recipe is both flavorful and customizable to your preferences.
1 large skillet (for sautéing vegetables and cooking the lentil filling)
1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula (for stirring)
1 measuring cup (for lentils and broth)
1 Knife (for chopping vegetables)
1 Cutting board – for chopping vegetables
1 can opener (if using canned diced tomatoes)
Ingredients
1cupdry brown or green lentils
2cupsvegetable broth or water
1tablespoonolive oil
1medium onionfinely chopped
2clovesgarlicminced
1bell pepperdiced
1teaspooncumin
1teaspoonchili powder
1/2teaspoonsmoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1tablespoontomato paste
1/2cupdiced tomatoesoptional
For Serving:
Soft tortillascorn or flour
Fresh cilantrochopped
Lime wedges
Salsa or guacamoleoptional
Sliced avocadooptional
Shredded lettuce or cabbage
1cupdry brown or green lentils
2cupsvegetable broth or water
1tablespoonolive oil
1medium onionfinely chopped
2clovesgarlicminced
1bell pepperdiced
1teaspooncumin
1teaspoonchili powder
1/2teaspoonsmoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1tablespoontomato paste
1/2cupdiced tomatoesoptional
For Serving:
Soft tortillascorn or flour
Fresh cilantrochopped
Lime wedges
Salsa or guacamoleoptional
Sliced avocadooptional
Shredded lettuce or cabbage
Instructions
Prepare the Lentils:
Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Drain any excess liquid and set the lentils aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add Spices and Tomato Paste:
Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices. Then, add the tomato paste and diced tomatoes (if using), stirring everything together.
Combine Lentils and Veggies:
Add the cooked lentils to the skillet with the vegetables and spices. Stir to combine, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If the mixture seems dry, add a little more vegetable broth or water.
Assemble the Tacos:
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Spoon the lentil mixture into each tortilla, and top with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, or guacamole. Optionally, add sliced avocado and shredded lettuce.
Serve:
Serve the tacos immediately, and enjoy your delicious vegan meal!
Notes
You can add more vegetables to the filling for additional flavor and nutrition, such as zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
For a spicier taco, add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the filling.
To make these tacos gluten-free, simply use corn tortillas.
This recipe can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, and the filling can be frozen for up to 3 months.