Preschool is way, way underrated y’all. I can’t even describe how nice it is to have a consistent two days a week where I know I can schedule appointments, work on the blog and actually create again. Unlike having a babysitter, I can actually be at HOME while Mazen is out. (It’s so surreal to be home alone after having a baby!) What I love about preschool is that it’s a win-win. Mazen comes home with art projects, singing songs and new friends, and I have a little time to really focus on the blog without fear of his nap ending at any moment.
Our growing kiddo art gallery…
So while Mazen is learning all about the color red and apples, I’ve gotten busy in the kitchen!
I had a giant bowl of leftover lentils and a stack of corn tortillas in my fridge and figured the two would go well together. Sure enough, they did!
Ready to rock and roll
The pepper and garlic were cooked first in some cooking oil, followed by the cooked lentils and spices. A little water kept things moist.
Then we were ready to build. The “meat” went in first.
Don’t forget the hot sauce! It’s the secret ingredient. That and freshly grated, really good sharp cheddar cheese. Do not buy bagged cheese ever again!
Easy Lentil Tacos
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups cooked green lentils
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 corn tortillas
- Toppings
- 1/2 cup grated cheese
- 1 avocado
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- Hot sauce
- Mixed greens
Instructions
- Add cooking oil to a large skillet and heat to medium.
- Add garlic and pepper and saute for about 3 minutes, until pepper is soft
- Add lentils and all spices and stir to combine.
- Add water, tablespoon at a time, if lentils are dry.
- Stir until everything is hot and combined.
- Heat corn tortillas until soft and layer in lentils.
- Top with cheese, then avocado, then hot sauce, then yogurt, then mixed greens.
- Enjoy!
I invited my friend Alice and her two kids to come home with me after school and give them a try. Many thumbs up!
Tacos for everyone! And three cheers for preschool.
Lisa @bitesforbabies says
These look delicious!! I love lentils and make them at least 2-3x per week! I usually add my leftovers to wraps but I love the idea of switching it up and using tostadas instead! These are some of my fave lentil recipes:
http://www.bitesforbabies.com/recipes/caramelized-onion-lentil-and-raisin-quinoa/
http://www.bitesforbabies.com/recipes/coconut-curried-lentils-brown-rice/
http://www.bitesforbabies.com/recipes/lentil-rice-arancini/
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
I LOVE using lentils as “meat”. So good in chili and sloppy joes! Haven’t tried them for tacos yet though! These look great.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I always make my tacos with lentils! Such a filling vegan protein source!
Ali @ Peaches and Football says
I’m definitely going to try these. I really like lentils but for whatever reason don’t cook with them often. But we love tacos and this would be a fun way to offer a meatless meal!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
um, YUM! I keep meaning to make tacos but I still haven’t! My friend just got married and registered (and received) a taco stand so she can put her tacos in it to keep their shape! Haha she loves tacos…
Kavi says
Can’t believe Mazen is already going to “school” – where does the time go? Loving his artwork corner 🙂
Melanie says
I’ve never had lentil tacos but that’s a great idea next time I’m hosting my vegetarian friend for dinner. I would definitely add onions to the recipe, though. Tacos just aren’t tacos without onions!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I actually have plans to make lentil tacos tonight for dinner! What a coincidence. Great minds think a like 🙂
Chelsea @ Designs on Dinner says
Great idea to use lentils for “meat.” I never buy bagged cheese–the pain of grating it by hand is worth it for the better flavor!
Alex @ True Femme says
Ooh yum! I’m so glad you posted this! I’ve been loving lentils lately and lentil tacos are one of my favorite lentil dishes 🙂 Glad you’re getting some time to do things for you!
Lindsey @ SimplyLindsey says
We loveeee tacos in my house and I’ve been looking for a yummy meatless option! I’ll have to try this recipe soon!
Shannon says
I love lentils and the filling sounds tasty! For me, cheese, yogurt and avocado all on top would drown out the flavor of the lentils more than I prefer. If you had to choose just one of those fat sources which one do you think would be best on these by itself?
Alex says
These look delicious! I recently started to make a concerted effort to eat less meat and love tacos-but had not yet ventured into the world of vegetarian tacos. This seems like a really simple and tasty recipe to get started with. And I concur-once you have the real-deal fresh cheese there is no more bagged stuff in your future!
jill says
Oh man, preschool (“daycare” where we are) is the best! Any extended time away from it, and our little guy is all “Where friends? Go? Mum drive?” and then it’s a big hug-fest when we get there and see all his buddies. He’s always excited to arrive and always excited to head home at the end of the day.
I think any kind of taco is amazing. I can never find corn tortillas where we live so we either go with flour or make our own from scratch, which is time-consuming but tasty!
Emily says
Preschool IS the best. We started my son at almost 2.5, when his little sis was about 3 months old. It was great to give him that wonderful, stimulating environment that allowed me to focus on the baby.
Jenny says
Kath, I really love your blog, and enjoy reading it every morning. I actually found your blog while doing research on how to become an RD. Your “Becoming an R.D.” post has been a lifesaver 🙂
I was wondering what your thoughts are on vegetable/cooking oil, and their part in a real foods diet? I’ve read a lot of research lately about their dangerously high content of Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, so I have been trying to avoid them as much as possible. But it’s hard to find a comparable tasteless, high heat, oil to cook with. Any thoughts you have to share would be much appreciated.
Thanks for all your hard work!
-Jenny
KathEats says
Hi Jenny! This chart is so wonderful for deciphering oils. We actually use sunflower oil which I like a whole lot more than vegetable. I think vegetable oil adds too much gross flavor to the food once it’s cooked.
Debby says
This is a great meal for post workout! It looks very appetizing, I love it 🙂
Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out says
I never would have thought to use lentils for tacos- this looks delicious!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
YUM! These look awesome, Kath! I love lentils in my tacos 🙂 Such a great vegetarian filling!
Ttrockwood says
I love lentils and walnuts together- the flavors really compliment each other, great for taco fillings, salad topping, and in chili are a few of my favorites.
It would be great to see more meatless dinner ideas featured- especially since they can be so economical!