Tacos are the world’s best food.  That’s how we feel in my house, anyway.  Tacos are just so versatile and easy.  You can put practically anything in a tortilla and call it a taco! We use all sorts of different things like mushrooms, squash, potatoes, veggies, and all different types of beans.  This one, using red lentils, is a staple for us.  It’s super easy and is reminiscent of ground taco meat, like the kind we used to have back when we ate like crap and fried our tortillas (did I just say that?).

Of course, you can make tacos with the fake taco meat sold in stores, but that stuff is highly processed and has a ton of fat and oil.  I’d much rather use healthy, fiber-rich filling and save my fat for avocado and Sour Un-Cream.  I use my own, homemade taco seasoning but you can use store-bought if you’d like.  For me, most of them are too spicy, salty and many have MSG. See below for my recipe.  Also, see in Recipe Notes for slow cooker directions.

2 TBS chili powder, 2 TBS cumin, 1 TBS smoked paprika, 1 TBS sea salt, 1/2 TBS onion powder, 1/2 TBS garlic powder, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne.  Shake everything up in a small jar and use whenever you make Taco “Meat”.

Now have at it!

Red Lentil Taco "Meat"

Votes: 8 Rating: 4.63 You: Rate this recipe!

Print Recipe

This taco "meat" alternative is so easy and quick to make it can easily be prepared when time is short. It's healthy, yummy and great leftover.

• CourseEntrée, Main Course, Main Dish
• CuisineMexican

Servings

12-14 tacos

Servings 12-14 tacos

Red Lentil Taco "Meat" Votes: 8 Rating: 4.63 You: Rate this recipe! Print Recipe This taco "meat" alternative is so easy and quick to make it can easily be prepared when time is short. It's healthy, yummy and great leftover. CourseEntrée, Main Course, Main Dish CuisineMexican Servings 12-14 tacos Servings 12-14 tacos

Ingredients

• 1/2 onion diced small
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup dry red lentils rinsed
• 2 TBS taco seasoning see recipe above
• 1/2-1 tsp oregano
• 2 1/4 cups water
• salt and pepper to taste

Servings: tacos

Units:MetricUS Imperial

Instructions

1. Saute onion in dry skillet. Add small amounts of water to unstick. Cook until soft and opaque.
2. Add garlic, taco seasoning, oregano and cook 2 minutes.
3. Add lentils and water and let simmer until lentils are soft and liquid has been soaked up, about 15 minutes.

   
4. Scoop onto tortillas and load up your tacos with your favorite toppings!

   
5. 

Recipe Notes

This recipe works really well in the slow cooker.  Simply add all ingredients to the crock pot (no need to sauté onion/garlic) reducing the amount of water to about 2 cups.  Cook 4-6 hours on high.  If the lentils are too runny, they will thicken once they sit out and cool down with the lid off for a bit.

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