Vegetarian Tortas de Carne

Savor the bold, comforting flavors of Vegetarian Tortas de Carne, a plant-based twist on the classic Mexican sandwich. These hearty patties combine plant-based ground meat, protein-packed lentils, and a medley of fragrant spices like cumin and paprika for a deeply satisfying bite. Bound together with breadcrumbs and a touch of vegetable broth, the patties cook to perfection in a skillet, achieving a golden-brown crust and tender interior. Serve them on soft bolillo rolls or sandwich buns, layered with vibrant torta toppings like creamy avocado, refried beans, crisp lettuce, and tangy pickled jalapeños. This easy, 35-minute recipe is ideal for vegetarians craving a flavorful, protein-rich dish that doesn’t skimp on authenticity or texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, these vegetarian tortas are sure to become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g plant-based ground meat substitute
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 small finely chopped onion
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 0.25 cup finely chopped cilantro
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp vegetable broth

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the plant-based ground meat substitute, cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and cilantro.

Step 2

Add the ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a wooden spoon until well-combined.

Step 3

Gradually add the vegetable broth a tablespoon at a time, mixing as you go, to help bind the mixture together.

Step 4

Using your hands, shape the mixture into patties about 3-4 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. You should end up with approximately 4-6 patties depending on size.

Step 5

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 6

Cook the patties in the skillet for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and heated through.

Step 7

Remove the patties from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 8

Serve the patties in a sandwich bun or bolillo roll with your favorite torta toppings, such as sliced avocado, refried beans, pickled jalapeños, lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of crema or plant-based sour cream.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(910.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1863.3

Total Fat 99.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5707.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 169.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.5g	0%
Total Sugars 14.8g
Protein 103.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 284.2mg	0%
Iron 29.6mg	0%
Potassium 2330.3mg	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: 45.0%

Protein: 20.8%

Carbs: 34.1%