Quick and Easy Lentil Tacos with DIY Taco Spice!

Hola!  Ready for a simple, Mexican delight?!  

I haven't had ground meat in a couple of decades at least, but I would guess that the meat flavor isn't the thing that stands out the most about a taco. Could it possibly be the spicy flavors?!

Lentil Tacos

Yummy Lentil Tacos

Lentil tacos are SO simple!  Basically just lentils, and taco seasoning.

Lentils and beans are AMAZING (read here)! Another cool thing about lentils and beans is that you don't have to worry about food borne illness, the way you should when cooking meat.

Lentil Tacos (idea from this recipe)  Check out awesome allrecipes.com!

1 c dry lentils
1 c water
3 Tbsp taco seasoning*, one packet, (single batch Taco Spice)

Let simmer for ~20 minutes, or until tender and water has evaporated and been absorbed into lentils.

*This is spicy...go with less for milder flavor...we go as little as 1 Tbsp for our kids.

Optional step: blend lentils in a food processor, adding additional water slowly, as necessary, until mixture resembles ground meat.

• Fill taco shells.
• Top with whatever toppings you enjoy.
• We use lettuce, tomato, and avocado - YUM! (Greek yogurt in the pic, but no need!)
• Plenty of salsa tastes great too!
• We haven't use it, but a bit of vegan cheddar cheese, or vegan plain yogurt would make a very familiar taco.

Enjoy!


Taco Spice (adapted from this recipe)

Single batch (taco seasoning packet equivalent):
1/2 tsp each of oregano, cumin, garlic, and paprika
1/4 tsp each of cayenne*, onion, and pepper
pinch of unsweetened cocoa (Mexican flavor trick!)
*adjust for more or less spicy mix.

Single batch (~3 Tbsp of mix) per cup dry lentils.

Make lots of taco spice, store in spice container, and use over and over!

Multiple batches (24x single):

1/2 c each of oregano, cumin, garlic, and paprika
1/4 c cayenne*, onion, and pepper
1/8 c of unsweetened cocoa
*adjust for more or less spicy mix.

Quick and Easy DIY Taco Spice

• HUGE SAVINGS (awesome breakdown here)! Make a batch of this recipe for 25 cents or buy a packet for up to $2!)
• AVOID chemicals, preservatives, strange, unnecessary ingredients! Especially excess salt/sodium, and monosodium glutamate (MSG).
• Tastier, more authentic FLAVORS!

Homemade taco seasoning is great for...

tortilla soup, taco dip, chili, enchiladas, and of course TACOS!

Try Taco Spice in:
Easy Vegatarian Chili
Tasty Tamale Pie
Mexican Fiesta Bowl (2-Minute Friday Night Dinner)
Healthy Mexican Lasagna
Tofu Scramble
Rice
Quinoa
Anything that you want to give a spicy flavor boost!

COMMENTS:  Do you use any spice mixes? It seems making them ourselves can save money and perhaps even make a better flavor! Pumpkin Pie Spice? Curry? Other Indian mixes? What do you think?