These are actually delicious. Shocking, I know. Especially since they are made from….lentils. But don’t tell anybody.
Last year I decided that I wanted to make more vegetarian meals for our family, so I asked some of my friends for their favorite vegetarian recipes. This one can be found at allrecipes and was passed on by a friend from high school who said that she was vegetarian for seven years and this was one of her favorites.
So I thought we could try it. And I actually like this BETTER than normal taco meat. Crazy, right? It has the same flavor, but the texture is, in my opinion, MUCH better.
In case you have never cooked with lentils before and are wondering what to look for, here is a picture for you:
You can find them with the dried beans, which is normally by the rice.
Ingredients:
1 c. finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp. canola oil
1 c. dried lentils, rinsed
1 T. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. oregano
2-1/2 c. chicken broth (or dissolve 3 chicken buillion cubes into 3 c. water, and use 2-1/2 c. of it)
1 c. salsa
12 taco shells or tortillas
Step 1: In a large skillet, saute the onion and garlic in oil until tender.
Step 2: Add the lentils, chili powder, cumin and oregano; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a boil.
Step 3: Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender. Uncover and cook for 6-8 additional minutes or until mixture is thickened. Mash lentils slightly.
Step 4: Add salsa. Serve up and enjoy!
