Simple Fruit and Cheese Skewers

These Vegan Lentil Tacos with Avocado Salsa are a delicious, healthy twist on the classic taco. Packed with protein-rich lentils, zesty spices, and topped with creamy avocado salsa, this dish is the perfect blend of flavor and texture. Whether you're a taco lover or just exploring plant-based meals, these tacos are sure to satisfy your cravings!

Key Information:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Number of servings: 4
• Serving size: 2 tacos

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 12g

Ingredients:

For the lentil filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (150g / 5 oz)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5g)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (5g)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (2g)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (2g)
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils (200g), rinsed
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth (600 ml)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (15g)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the avocado salsa:

• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely diced (70g / 2.5 oz)
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (15 ml)
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For assembling the tacos:

• 8 small corn tortillas
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Method of Preparation:

1. Cook the lentils: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Season the lentils: Add the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and ground coriander. Stir the spices into the onion and garlic mixture and cook for 1 minute to release their aromas.
3. Simmer the lentils: Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Prepare the avocado salsa: While the lentils are cooking, combine the diced avocados, red onion, tomato, lime juice, and cilantro in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently to avoid mashing the avocados.
5. Warm the tortillas: Heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until warmed through and slightly charred. Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven wrapped in foil.
6. Assemble the tacos: Spoon the spiced lentil mixture onto the warmed tortillas, and top with a generous scoop of avocado salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tips for Culinary Success:

1. Use pre-cooked lentils to save time: If you’re in a hurry, you can use canned or pre-cooked lentils. Just reduce the simmering time as needed.
2. Customize your spice level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your heat preference, or add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
3. Choose ripe avocados: Ensure the avocados are ripe but firm for the best texture in your salsa.
4. Toast the tortillas: Lightly toasting the tortillas adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the tacos.
5. Add toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, vegan cheese, or hot sauce to customize your tacos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Simply use gluten-free corn tortillas to keep the recipe gluten-free.
2. Can I store leftovers? Yes, store the lentil filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The avocado salsa is best eaten fresh, but can be stored for 1 day with lime juice to prevent browning.
3. Can I use different types of lentils? Green or brown lentils work best for this recipe as they hold their shape during cooking. Red lentils will become too mushy for tacos.
4. What can I serve with these tacos? These tacos pair well with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh green salad.
5. Can I freeze the lentil filling? Yes! The lentil filling freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and reheat before serving.

These Vegan Lentil Tacos with Avocado Salsa are a perfect combination of flavors and textures. The savory, spiced lentils pair beautifully with the fresh, creamy avocado salsa, making every bite a delight. Whether it’s for Taco Tuesday or a weekend feast, these tacos will become a staple in your plant-based meal rotation. Enjoy!