These crunchy tacos are classic in every way except that they use lentils instead of ground beef. We promise you won't miss the meat in this satisfying and quick weeknight meal. We last featured this meal in 2021.
Lentils, cooked
- 2 cups
(use pre-cooked lentils or if cooking from dried, use half the amount of dried and prepare according to package directions)
Chili powder
- 1 tsp
Cumin, ground
- 1/2 tsp
Coriander, ground
- 1/2 tsp
Red pepper flakes (opt)
- 1/4 tsp
Lettuce, romaine
- 2 oz
, shredded
Cilantro leaves
- 3 Tbsp
, torn
Cheese, shredded cheddar
- 4 oz
Sour cream
- 1/2 cup
Salsa
- for serving
Oil, cooking
- 1 Tbsp
Taco shells, crunchy
- 8
Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon:
Cauliflower florets
- 12 oz
Oil, olive
- 1 Tbsp
Paprika, smoked
- 1/2 tsp
Cumin, ground
- 1/2 tsp
Lemon juice
- 2 tsp
Prep
Cauliflower - (If prepping right before cooking, get cauliflower in the oven before continuing with prep.) Chop into florets. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Season lentils - Combine lentils with chili powder, cumin (portion for the lentils), coriander, and red pepper flakes.
Toss cauliflower with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin (portion for the cauliflower), and some salt and pepper. Spread out on a sheet pan. Roast, turning with a spatula halfway through cooking, until tender, ~25 minutes.
While cauliflower is roasting, set out toppings - lettuce, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
Next, heat a skillet with cooking oil over medium heat. Add seasoned lentils. Saute until warmed through, ~4 minutes. Taste and season with some salt and pepper.
Place taco shells on a second sheet pan (or you can place them directly on the oven rack) and toast just until warm and crisp, 2 to 5 minutes (watch closely to prevent overcooking).
When cauliflower is done roasting, squeeze lemon juice over top.
Fill taco shells with lentils and toppings. Enjoy with cauliflower on the side.