Description
A flavorful and protein-packed vegan lentil taco meat made with brown lentils and cauliflower rice, seasoned with classic taco spices and simmered to perfection. Perfect for a healthy, plant-based taco filling that’s both gluten-free and delicious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- ½ Yellow Onion, diced
- 1 ¼ cup Cooked Brown Lentils (equivalent to 1 can 15 oz, rinsed and drained)
- 1 ¼ cup Cauliflower Rice (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Oregano
- ¼ teaspoon Chili Powder
- ¼ cup Vegetable Broth
- 3-4 tablespoons Vegan Worcestershire Sauce or 1 tablespoon Tamari Sauce
- ½ cup Tomato Paste
Instructions
- Heat Onion: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant and beginning to soften.
- Add Lentils and Cauliflower Rice: Stir in the cooked, drained brown lentils and cauliflower rice. Continue to stir-fry the mixture for another 1 minute, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and chili powder. Stir well to coat the lentils and cauliflower evenly with the spices.
- Incorporate Liquids and Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste, vegetable broth, and vegan Worcestershire sauce (or tamari). Stir everything together until fully combined.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it cooks; for a smoother sauce, simmer for 3-4 minutes instead.
- Serve: Serve the lentil taco meat hot as a filling for tacos, ideally with vegan gluten-free flatbread or your favorite taco shells. Garnish or add additional toppings as desired.
Notes
- Cauliflower Rice: Use ready-made frozen cauliflower rice or make your own by pulsing fresh cauliflower florets in a food processor until they reach a rice-like texture.
- Cauliflower Rice Substitute: For an IBS-friendly option, replace cauliflower rice with finely chopped walnuts.
- Cooking Raw Brown Lentils: If using raw lentils, cook them beforehand according to package instructions or using standard simmering methods until tender.
- Oven Mode Note: When baking accompanying items such as flatbread, use fan-forced (convection) mode if available. If using conventional oven mode, increase temperature by 25°F (15°C) and adjust baking time slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
