Spiced with delicious taco seasonings, these Red Lentil Tacos are a healthy alternative to taco meat, made with only a few simple ingredients. Whip up these gluten-free, vegan tacos in just 20 minutes!
Are you in a healthy recipe slump between Thanksgiving and Christmas, if so, look no further than Red Lentil Tacos. If not, still check them out 🙂 These gems are delicious and are super easy to make. A perfect change of pace from all the holiday foods.
This recipe sort of came up as an accident. I was cooking red lentils for myself and I realized that I cooked them to a taco-like texture. I added some taco seasonings and Red Lentil Tacos were born.
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Why I love these Red Lentil Tacos
- Dietary needs - these tacos are plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, oil-free, and sugar-free.
- SUPER quick - just cook the lentils and stir in the spices. It takes less than 20 minutes!
- High protein - red lentils are packed with protein so you'll be feeling nice and full after eating a taco or two
Ingredient Notes
- Red Lentils: red lentils are ideal for these tacos because they become very soft when cooked. You could also use yellow lentils. I'd avoid brown or green lentils though, since they aren't as soft.
- Taco Spices: I used a mix of chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes, and salt. If you have a preferred taco mix or want to add/subtract a few spices, feel free to play around!
How to make Red Lentil Tacos
Lentils are so easy to cook. You don't need to soak them like other beans and they cook extremely quickly.
Step 1. Add 3 cups of water to a medium pot. Stir in the lentils and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 8-9 minutes. When the lentils are tender, drain.
Red lentils cook quicker than green or brown lentils, so watch them carefully towards the end to ensure you don't end up with a bunch of mush. To make these taco-like make sure there are still some intact beans.
Step 2. Gently mix the spices into the lentils. Serve with your favorite non-dairy taco fixings! Enjoy!
Recipe Prayer
God, thank you for a healthy alternative to traditional tacos. Thank you for giving us flavorful, plant-based food to fuel us. Amen.
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📖 Recipe
Red Lentil Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Red Lentils
- 2 Teaspoons Chili Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Smoked Paprika
- 2 Teaspoons Cumin
- 1 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes omit for less spice
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Add 3 cups of water to a medium pot. Stir in the lentils and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 8-9 minutes. When the lentils are tender, drain.
- Gently mix the spices into the lentils. Serve with your favorite non-dairy taco fixings! Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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