Ingredients

1 cup uncooked lentils

4 teaspoons dried minced onion (or onion powder)

3 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt (optional)

½ teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

⅛ – ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

½ teaspoon dried oregano

2 tablespoons oil

½ small yellow or red onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 medium green or red bell pepper, diced

2 ¼ cups vegetable broth

Corn tortillas

1 tomato, diced

1 avocado, diced

1 cup shredded lettuce

Salsa (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine dried minced onion, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano. Set the seasoning mix aside.

Step 2: Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Stir in the lentils and the seasoning mix. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the lentils to absorb the flavors.

Step 4: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Once boiling, cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes. Cook until the broth is absorbed and lentils are tender but not mushy.

Step 6: Transfer the lentil mixture to a bowl and mash it slightly with a fork to achieve a taco filling texture.

Step 7: Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet or bake them into taco shells as you prefer. Fill each tortilla with the lentil mixture and top with diced tomato, avocado, shredded lettuce, and salsa if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice to the lentil filling before serving.

Use black or brown lentils if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly as brown lentils may take longer to soften.

Add some corn kernels or black beans to the filling for added texture and nutrition.

If you like it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeño while sautéing the vegetables.

FAQs

Can I use canned lentils instead of dried lentils?

Yes, canned lentils can be used for a quicker version. Reduce cooking time as canned lentils are already cooked. Add them after sautéing the vegetables and simply warm through with the spices and broth.

Are these lentil tacos suitable for freezing?

The lentil filling freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat completely before assembling tacos. Fresh toppings and tortillas should be added just before serving.