Lentil Tacos

Elevate taco night with these hearty and flavorful Lentil Tacos, a plant-based twist on a classic favorite. Packed with protein-rich brown or green lentils, these tacos make a satisfying and nutritious meal that's both delicious and approachable. The lentils are simmered until tender and then infused with bold spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder, creating a smoky, savory filling that’s perfect for layering onto warm tortillas. Easy to customize with your favorite toppings—think crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, zesty salsa, and tangy cheese—this recipe is ready in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. Perfect for vegetarians, vegans (with dairy-free toppings), and taco lovers alike, these lentil tacos are sure to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dry brown or green lentils
• 2.5 cups Water
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 0.5 cup Vegetable stock or water
• 8 pieces Small tortillas
• 1 assorted Taco toppings (lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, avocado, salsa, etc.)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils under running water and pick out any debris or stones.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils and 2.5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are soft but still hold their shape. Drain any excess water and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, and salt. Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.

Step 6

Add the cooked lentils to the skillet and stir to coat them in the spice mixture.

Step 7

Stir in the tomato paste and 0.5 cup of vegetable stock or water. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly and is heated through.

Step 8

Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave as per the package instructions.

Step 9

Spoon the lentil mixture onto the warmed tortillas and top with your favorite taco toppings, such as lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, avocado, or salsa.

Step 10

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Lentil Tacos!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1420.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1661.5

Total Fat 39.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 10mg	0%
Sodium 3219.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 255.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 39.6g	0%
Total Sugars 16.7g
Protein 77.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 680.2mg	0%
Iron 26.2mg	0%
Potassium 2656.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.3%

Protein: 18.3%

Carbs: 60.5%