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Flavor-Packed Vegan Lentil Tacos

vegan lentil tacos - featured image

These vegan lentil tacos are a quick, easy, and healthy meal bursting with smoky spices and hearty lentils, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 810 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Optional toppings: diced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, vegan sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (200g) of brown or green lentils under cold water. In a medium saucepan, add lentils and 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
  2. While lentils cook, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute. Then add 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Toast the spices for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until aromatic.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave. Stir to coat the onions and spices evenly, cooking for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  5. Add the cooked lentils to the skillet and stir well to combine. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly. If it gets too dry, splash in a bit of water or broth.
  6. While the lentil mixture finishes, warm 8-10 small corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until soft and pliable.
  7. Spoon the lentil filling onto warm tortillas. Add your favorite toppings like diced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, vegan sour cream, shredded lettuce, or salsa.

Notes

Toast the spices to unlock their full flavor. Keep lentils tender but not mushy. Warm tortillas well before assembling. Adjust chili powder for desired spice level. Use corn tortillas for gluten-free option. Lentil filling can be stored in fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan lentil tacos, plant-based tacos, healthy tacos, easy vegan dinner, lentil recipe, gluten-free tacos, smoky lentil filling