Creamy Lentil and Rice Tacos
These Creamy Lentil and Rice Tacos are a nutritious twist on traditional tacos, perfect for a flavorful vegetarian meal. Packed with protein-rich lentils and hearty brown rice, the filling is seasoned with chili powder and cumin for a satisfying kick. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as fresh avocado, salsa, or diced tomatoes, for added flavor and freshness. For a lighter option, try using crisp lettuce leaves instead of tortillas, creating a refreshing and low-carb alternative that's just as delicious. Perfect for meal prep and easy to reheat, these tacos are a delightful addition to your weekly dinner rotation.
6
Servings
200
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry green lentils
3/4 cup (rinsed and drained)
brown rice
3/4 cup (rinsed)
beef broth
4 cups (low-sodium recommended)
chili powder
4 teaspoons (for seasoning)
cumin
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
onion powder
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a medium pot, combine the rinsed lentils and brown rice with the beef broth.
2
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder until well mixed.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat, cover, and simmer for approximately 50 minutes.
4
Stir the mixture halfway through cooking, at the 25-minute mark, to ensure even cooking.
5
After 50 minutes, remove from heat and allow to stand covered for an additional 15 minutes.
6
For a creamier texture, return the pot to the burner on low heat and gently mash the lentils into the rice for a few minutes until desired consistency is reached.
7
Alternatively, this can be done when reheating your filling at a later time.
Nutrition Information
0.67g
Fat
40g
Carbs
10g
Protein
6.67g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Lentil and Rice Tacos?
They are a nutritious vegetarian alternative to traditional tacos, featuring a filling made from lentils and brown rice seasoned with chili powder and cumin.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein is in each taco serving?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include dry green lentils, brown rice, beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarians), chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
The recipe is described as vegetarian, but note that the ingredient list calls for beef broth; substitute with vegetable broth to keep it strictly vegetarian.
How long do the lentils and rice need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer covered for approximately 50 minutes.
Do I need to let the mixture rest after cooking?
Yes, remove from heat and let it stand covered for an additional 15 minutes after the initial cooking time.
How do I achieve a creamy texture for the filling?
Return the pot to low heat and gently mash the lentils into the rice for a few minutes until you reach the desired consistency.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is gluten-free.
How much fiber is in this recipe?
There are 6.67 grams of fiber per serving.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, these tacos are perfect for meal prep and are very easy to reheat.
What is a low-carb alternative to tortillas?
You can use crisp lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a refreshing, low-carb option.
What spices are used to season the lentils?
The filling is seasoned with chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Should I rinse the lentils and rice?
Yes, both the green lentils and the brown rice should be rinsed before cooking.
What kind of broth is recommended?
The recipe suggests 4 cups of beef broth, with a recommendation for low-sodium.
How much fat is in each serving?
The recipe is very low in fat, containing only 0.67 grams per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-cholesterol diet?
Yes, it is specifically categorized as a low-cholesterol meal.
What are some suggested toppings?
Fresh avocado, salsa, and diced tomatoes are excellent toppings for these tacos.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
When should I stir the mixture during cooking?
Stir the mixture at the 25-minute mark to ensure even cooking.
Can I mash the lentils later when reheating?
Yes, the mashing process can be done during the reheating phase if you prefer.
What type of lentils should I use?
The recipe calls specifically for dry green lentils.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Hearty brown rice is used for its texture and nutritional value.
Is this recipe spicy?
The use of 4 teaspoons of chili powder gives the filling a satisfying kick.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of cumin.
How much onion powder is required?
You will need 2 teaspoons of onion powder.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe involving simple simmering and mashing steps.
How many ingredients are in the filling?
There are 7 main ingredients including the grains, broth, and spices.