HEY Hey Hey… It's Taco TUESDAY, which means that you are obligated as consumer of food to eat some tacos today!
So ok, I am not going to lie, these tacos were not actually made on a Tuesday (GASP) but were made in lu of pizza Friday (another GASP!!)
But guess what? No one died. People were happy. Food was fantastic, and there was no mention of the pizza that was not. So sure, taco tuesday is totally a thing around here, but you know how "Nobady puts baby in a corner".. well nobody buts tacos in a corner. We don't let the day of the week depict when tacos are eaten cause we think tacos are for everyday!
And these tacos, well, I got down with these. Made with lentils, cause lentils are the best, and topped with a hearty scoop of super fresh, chunky veggie salsa…. Not much is better then that. Easy and fast with lots of pretty in every bite, these tacos are a great addition to any taco dinner rotation!
Now lets get taco-ing!!!
The stuff. First off, you are going to need some type of taco shell.. soft or hard or both , that is entirely up to you.( I made taco shells a little early in the day, but store bought is totally cool.) Also need lentils, water to cook the lentils, a jalapeño (optional), taco seasoning (pre blended or your own blend) and onion. Also needed is a gigantic tomato, some red cabbage, a few kale leaves, a lime, and salt and pepper.
To get this party started, chop up half the onion, the tomato, cabbage ,and kale and toss into a big bowl. Oh, and chop up the cilantro and toss that in as well.
Sprinkle with salt and add the juice of the lime. Mix oh mix and set aside to let all the flavors meld.
Now that the salsa is doing it's thing, chop up the jalapeño and the other half of onion and toss into a big skillet and place on medium heat.
And when the bits start to brown like so...
Dump the lentils in to the pan with water.Bring it all to a boil then turn heat down to low.. Add in the taco seasoning and sprinkle of salt and pepper and place some type of lid on ithe pan.
And simmered until cooked.
Note. Check the lentils every few minutes while they are cooking. If you think they seems to dry, add in another 1/2 cup of water.
Now it's ssembly time! Lentils in shell, topped with a generous amount of salsa. That's it! Maybe some guacamole would be nice (I had an avocado saved for guac, but it was rotten on the inside.. I was super pissed) But with or without, these are some freak yeah yummy tacos! I served my next to a bed of some jasmine rice which was nice, but do what you want my friends.
Happy Taco Tuesday! (or any taco day!)
-C
Lentils Tacos with Garden Veggie Salsa
Makes about 8 -10 tacos
For the Lentil Filling
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 2 1/2 -3 cups water
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning*
- 1/2 of an onion
- 1 jalapeño
Fot the Garden Veggie Salsa
- 2 big tomatoes (or one gigantic tomato)
- 1/4 head of red(or green) cabbage (about 2 cups shredded)
- 1/2 of an onion
- 4-5 kale leaves
- 1 juicy lime (2 if they are not very juicy)
- a bunch of cilantro
- salt and pepper
And don't forget the taco shells!
*Note. You can use any type of taco seasoning that you like, store bought or home made. I make my own with cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a little coriander.
Dice the tomato and 1/2 the onion into small chunks and toss into a big bowl. Finely chop the cabbage an the kale into small shreds and toss that into the bowl. And chop up as much cilantro as you would like and that goes into the bowl as well. Spinkle with some salt and add in the juice of the lime. Mix everything all around and set aside.
Once the salsa is made and sitting, chop the jalapeño and other half of onion and toss into a large skillet. Place on medium heat for a few minutes until the pepper and onion start to brown. Now dump in dried lentils and 2 1/2 cups of water. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil, them back down to low. Seaosn with salt, add in the taco seasoning, and stick a lid (or cover with something), and let simmer for about 20- 25 minutes or until the lentils have absorbed all the water and are nice and soft. If you find the lentils are still hard and there is no liquid, , add in another 1/2 cup of water.
Once the lentils are cooked to your liking, remove from heat and get assemble tacos.
Scoops some lentil mixture into shells. Add on a big scoop of the fresh veggie salsa and eat with you face.
Guacamole, cheese, sour cream, or whatever are optional topping that you may consider adding but are definitely not necessary. .