Every time I tried to find a vegan taco recipe that is kid-friendly and super easy I was disappointed. They always had some type of sauce or vegan cheese to make and a long list of ingredients for the "meat". I'm sure they are good, but seriously why does everything always have to be so complicated? Sometimes you just need something fast and simple. So...I gave up and came up with my own.
It doesn't get any simpler than this vegan taco. I'm not even sure you can call this a recipe, but if you are looking for something fast, simple, delicious and with few ingredients here it is. This taco does not have any type of sour cream or cheese topping. This is just my opinion, but sometimes we need to forget the idea of everything needing to be topped with some sort of dairy substitute and just enjoy the taste of the vegetables. But if you like, you could purchase some sort of whole food vegan cheese (made without oil) and use that on top. Avocado is also a nice option. Look for taco shells without added oil preferably whole grain or corn based.
Easiest Vegan Tacos
Makes 12 Tacos
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups cooked brown lentils (2 cans or 1 cup dry if you are cooking your own)
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1 tablespoon tomato paste
4 cups torn lettuce leaves
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half
1/2 to 1 cup salsa
12 taco shells (hard or soft - your choice)
Sliced avocado, optional
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and continue to cook 1 minute. Add cooked lentils (if using canned lentils, drain first), tomato paste, and taco seasoning. Continue to cook 5 minutes, smashing the lentils a bit with the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat.
Hard taco shells: If you are using hard taco shells they tend to close up a bit when heated, so I like to fill mine with the hot ingredients first and then heat the shell. Spoon the lentil mixture into the shells and top each with some of the salsa. Heat the filled taco shells according to package directions, usually about 5 minutes at 350°. Remove from the oven and top with lettuce, and tomatoes. You can also add some avocado on top if desired.
Soft taco wraps: If using soft taco shells, heat wraps according to package directions. Spoon the lentil mixture into the shells and top each with some of the salsa, lettuce and tomatoes. Add avocado on top if desired.
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