Hearty Vegetarian Lentil Taco Filling
Satisfy your taco cravings with this delicious and nutritious vegetarian lentil taco filling. Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant spices, this hearty alternative to ground meat not only tastes fantastic but also supports a healthier lifestyle. Whipped up effortlessly in your crock pot, it's perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it in taco shells, on top of salads, or as a filling for burritos—this flavorful mixture will elevate your plant-based meals and impress friends and family alike!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
chopped onion
1 cup (chopped)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
canola oil
1 teaspoon (for sautéing)
dry lentils
1 cup (rinsed)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
ground cumin
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
oregano
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
water
14 ounces (for cooking)
vegetable bouillon cubes
2 (for flavoring)
salsa
1 cup (for flavoring)
Instructions
1
In a large crock pot, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, rinsed lentils, chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, water, vegetable bouillon cubes, and salsa.
2
Stir the mixture until well combined.
3
Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 8 to 12 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water as needed to maintain the desired consistency.
4
Once cooked, the lentils should be tender and the flavors fully developed. Serve immediately in taco shells or as a topping for salads.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Vegetarian Lentil Taco Filling?
It is a nutritious and flavorful plant-based alternative to ground meat, made primarily from lentils and spices in a slow cooker.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegetarian and plant-based.
Is the lentil taco filling gluten-free?
Yes, according to the tags, this recipe is gluten-free.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include dry lentils, chopped onion, garlic, salsa, vegetable bouillon, and spices like chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
How do I cook the lentil filling?
You combine all ingredients in a large crock pot and cook on high for 8 to 12 hours.
Do I need to rinse the lentils before cooking?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one cup of dry lentils that have been rinsed.
Can I use this as a meat substitute?
Yes, it is designed as a hearty alternative to ground meat for tacos and other dishes.
What kind of oil should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of canola oil or olive oil.
How long does it take to cook in a crock pot?
It takes between 8 and 12 hours on the high setting.
Can I serve this in taco shells?
Yes, it is specifically recommended to be served immediately in taco shells.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is an easy recipe that makes a large batch, perfect for busy weeknights or meal planning.
Can I use this for burritos?
Yes, this mixture serves as an excellent filling for burritos.
Is the recipe high in protein?
Yes, lentils are a great source of plant-based protein.
What should I do if the lentils are too dry?
You should add water as needed during the cooking process to maintain your desired consistency.
Can I serve this on a salad?
Yes, it is a great topping for vibrant taco salads.
What spices give it the taco flavor?
The flavor comes from chili powder, ground cumin, and oregano.
How much salsa is required?
The recipe uses 1 cup of salsa.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires one minced garlic clove.
What is the purpose of the vegetable bouillon?
Two vegetable bouillon cubes are used to provide savory flavoring to the lentils as they cook.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and supports a plant-based lifestyle.
How much water is needed for cooking?
The recipe starts with 14 ounces of water, with more added as needed.
Is the onion prepared in a specific way?
The recipe calls for one cup of chopped onion.
Do I need to stir the mixture while it cooks?
Yes, you should stir the mixture occasionally while it cooks in the crock pot.
What type of lentils should I use?
The recipe specifies dry lentils, typically brown or green lentils work best for this duration of cooking.
Is this a spicy recipe?
The spice level depends on the chili powder and the type of salsa you choose to use.
Can I store the leftovers?
Yes, cooked lentils can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves simple preparation steps.
Can I use this for vegan diets?
As long as the bouillon cubes and salsa used are vegan, the recipe is naturally vegan-friendly.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of ground cumin.