The elements of a vegan taco meal are as follows. Choose to serve as many items as you want from each category.
The Main Event:
Lentils with Taco Seasoning
serves 4-6
1 1/4 cups brown or green lentils (8 ounces)
2 tablespoons ketchup (the
no-sugar variety if possible)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or not)
1/2 teaspoons black pepper
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (or more, depending on your spice tolerance)
In a medium saucepan, bring 1 3/4 cups water to a boil . Once boiling, add lentils, cover, and reduce heat. Simmer covered for about 20 to 25 minutes, until most of the water has been absorbed.
Turn off the heat, then stir in the ketchup, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt (or not), black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (or more, depending on your spice tolerance).
Here’s another recipe for Lentil Tacos that looks delish!
Roasted Chickpeas with Taco Seasoning
2 15 ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 recipe taco seasoning, below
Preheat oven to 400F. Toss chickpeas with taco seasoning until evenly coated. Place chickpeas on a lined baking sheet sprayed lightly sprayed with cooking oil spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until crunchy.
Taco Seasoning Blend
mix together the following:
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin seed
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp black pepper
a pinch or two fine sea salt
The Carriers:
Taco shells-whole grain, baked versions are available now
shredded lettuce
blanched collard green leaf
soft tortillas, corn or 100% whole wheat
whole wheat pasta
The Mix and Match Toppers:
grilled vegetables (zucchini, mushroom and onion)
corn (fresh or frozen)
black beans or pinto beans
refried beans
cheddar cheese (Daiya non-dairy and regular for you non vegan guests)
sliced scallions
slice black olives
avocado
guacamole
diced tomatoes
cilantro
diced raw onion
crunched up baked tortilla chips
sliced banana peppers
artichoke hearts (water packed)
Dips, Dressings and Sauces:
The Healthy Librarian’s Creamy Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Salsa Verde
Traditional Salsa
Pea and Avocado Guacamole
Optional:
brown rice
Mexican Slaw
Tex Mex Quinoa with Cilantro, Lime and Apricots
Mexican Rice (this recipe looks good, just leave out the oil)
I did a vegan taco bar when my in-laws came over and it was a hit. I included small crispy potatoes, crumbled sauteed cauliflower and sauteed mushrooms. No one missed the meat. The charred corn was also delicious.
Love this! Now for a silly question, where did you buy your condiment dishes ( white bowls). Cute! Cute! I went looking fir something similar and no luck. Thanks so much!
TJ Maxx and more a long time ago! I recently replaced them with new white bowls from TJ Maxx and More. Do you have that store or a Home Goods store near you?
Yes! Shop there a lot. Thanks for the tip !!