Lentil Tacos

This is one of our favorite 'go-to' meals. It's simple, doesn't take much time to prepare, and is super inexpensive.

We tend to shy away from as much processed food as possible, but I can certainly understand the draw of pre-made ingredients (so no judgment if you choose ready-made taco shells and taco seasoning). 

While I don't go as far as making my own corn tortillas from scratch, I do opt to buy the package of corn tortillas and bake my own shells using those.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils (brown or green)
• 3 cups water or soup stock
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbs. oil
• Taco seasoning (diy recipe below)
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 8 corn tortillas or taco shells
• Your choice of toppings:
• salsa
• sour cream
• cheese
• veggies (tomato, lettuce, onion, kale, cabbage, etc.)
• avocado

Instructions

1. Rinse lentils. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet or dutch oven, heat oil until it shimmers. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent.
3. Add taco seasonings and stir. Cook for an additional minute until seasonings are aromatic.
4. Add lentils. Cook for another minute then add water or stock. 
5. Bring liquid to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Let cook for 20 minutes or until lentils have absorbed most of the liquid. If the lentils are too liquid-y, remove lid and allow the liquid to evaporate.
6. Add salt to taste.
7. If using corn tortillas, you can either warm them in the oven at 200 degrees for 5 minutes, or let them stay in longer (about 10 minutes) for a crunchier shell.
8. Spoon lentils into shell and finish with your choice of toppings.

Makes 4 servings (2 tacos per person)

DIY Taco Seasoning

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbs. chili powder
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne (optional)
• pinch of black pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together. Makes about 1 oz. (equivalent to the packet of taco seasoning you get at the store).