Lentil Taco Or Burrito Filling

5m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
15m
Ready In


"Since adopting a whole-plant-foods diet about two years ago, one thing I have missed is tacos. I'm not willing to eat artificial meats, so I'm often looking for a good substitute to make familiar dishes. This tastes and looks like taco meat, and my family loves it. We get all the enjoyment of tacos and burritos with none of the fat, cholesterol, or animal protein."

Original is 3-4 servings

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (206.6 g)
  • Calories 512.7
  • Total Fat - 1.8 g
  • Saturated Fat - 0.3 g
  • Cholesterol - 0 mg
  • Sodium - 809 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 87.7 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 43.8 g
  • Sugars - 3 g
  • Protein - 36.8 g
  • Calcium - 92 mg
  • Iron - 11.2 mg
  • Vitamin C - 6.3 mg
  • Thiamin - 1.2 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Rinse and drain lentils, then warm in a pan over medium heat.

Step 2

As they warm, add seasonings, cornstarch, and water.

Step 3

Continue warming, stirring very frequently, until mixture comes to a boil. It will thicken very quickly at this point.

Step 4

When the mixture is thick, use as you would any taco filling for tacos, burritos, or taco salad.

Tips


No special items needed.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.


  • If using canned lentils, make sure to drain and rinse them before using in the recipe.
  • The chili powder, cumin, and oregano can be adjusted to your desired level of spiciness.

  • For the lentils, substitute black beans for a more traditional taco filling. The benefit of this substitution is that black beans are a more common ingredient in Mexican cuisine, so the dish will more closely resemble traditional tacos.
  • For the seasoned salt, substitute garlic powder for a more flavorful filling. The benefit of this substitution is that garlic powder adds a bold flavor to the filling, making it more flavorful and interesting.

Vegan Lentil Taco Or Burrito Filling Replace the water with a vegan broth and omit the seasoned salt for a vegan-friendly version of the recipe.


Spicy Black Bean Taco Or Burrito Filling Replace the lentils with black beans and add 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon of cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika for a spicier version of the recipe.


Mexican Rice: This flavorful Mexican-style rice is a great accompaniment to the lentil taco or burrito filling. It is packed with flavor from tomatoes, garlic, onion, and cumin and is a perfect side dish to complete your meal.


Guacamole: This creamy and flavorful guacamole is the perfect topping for your lentil tacos or burritos. It is made with fresh avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and jalapenos and adds a delicious, creamy texture to your meal. It is also a great source of healthy fats and vitamins, making it a nutritious addition to your meal.




FAQ

Q: How long does it take to make the lentil taco or burrito filling?

A: It takes about 15 minutes to prepare the lentil taco or burrito filling.



Q: Is the lentil taco or burrito filling vegan?

A: Yes, the lentil taco or burrito filling is vegan and does not contain any animal products.

1 Reviews

Maito

I have made tacos with all kinds of (meats and) beans, but never with lentils, so I was intrigued by your recipe. It did make a good filling, and I wasn't sure if it would be too much water, but it wasn't. I used a vacuum pack of lentils from Trader Joe's and made my own seasoning salt (light on the salt, for our tastes). I am already thinking what to do with the leftovers - maybe have the lentils over brown rice and a bed of greens with a little apple cider vinegar - sort of like a salad? I could come up with loads more ideas for them too.

4.0

review by:
(8 Mar 2016)

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Fun facts:

Fun Fact 1: Lentils are a staple food in many cultures around the world, including India and the Middle East. In fact, the ancient Romans believed that eating lentils could bring good luck and fortune.

Fun Fact 2: Lentils have been eaten for thousands of years and are believed to have been a part of the diet of ancient Egyptians. Lentils were also a favorite of Cleopatra, the last active pharaoh of Ancient Egypt.