Spicy Lentil Tacos

These Spicy Lentil Tacos are perfect when you are craving something comforting, but also want to pack in some healthy plant protein & veggies! The lentils are cooked down with onion, bell pepper and a serrano pepper before being layered in warm tortillas with a chunky avocado salsa. These are a great weeknight dinner!

Here’s what you need

Ingredients

• avocado oil
• red onion
• bell pepper
• serrano pepper
• chipotle pepper in adobo
• adobo sauce – from the chipotle can
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• chili powder
• smoked paprika
• cumin
• salt & pepper
• cooked lentils
• avocados
• cilantro
• limes
• tortillas – flour or corn
• cabbage

Equipment

• skillet

Steps

Step 1: Cook the Lentils

The reason this recipe is so quick and easy is because we are using pre-cooked lentils. I get mine at Trader Joe’s! But, if you can’t find pre-cooked lentils, then you will want to prep them ahead of time.

To cook them, heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat – I like to use avocado oil. Add the onion, bell pepper & serrano and cook down for 2-3 minutes, or until tender.

Add the chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, dry seasonings and cooked lentils. Toss to combine. Add 1/4 cup of water and mix. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 2: Make the Avocado Salsa

While the lentils are simmering we are going to throw together an avocado salsa. I prefer to call it a salsa, rather than guacamole, because we are leaving the avocado in chunks. So I guess it could technically be called a chunky guac.

To make it, just cube the avocados and add them to a bowl with red onion, sliced serrano, cilantro, lime juice and salt. Give it a mix and a taste and set it aside.

Step 3: Assemble & Serve

Before we start assembling, be sure to heat up the tortillas. I like to do it over an open flame, but you can also do it in a skillet or comal.

Layer each tortilla with shredded cabbage, lentils and the avocado salsa. Add you favorite hot sauce for extra heat and have some lime wedges on the side.

These tacos are SO simple but SO tasty. And if you have any leftovers, they make great burrito bowls the next day!

Tips & Tricks

I used steamed brown lentils from Trader Joe’s. You could also used canned lentils or make them from scratch.

For less spice, you can omit the serrano peppers or deseed them before adding them to the tacos/salsa.