Skip to main content

Spiced Lentil Tacos

“Vegetarian taco” is typically code for a taco with a black or pinto bean filling. But you can use heart-healthy lentils instead. Standard brown lentils are easy to find, but if you opt for French green lentils, they will take a bit more time to cook. If you’re craving lentil burritos—just add rice and tortillas.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
1 (2.25-ounce) package taco seasoning
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, finely chopped (use half for less heat), and 2 teaspoons adobo sauce
8 taco shells
1 1/4 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup chopped ripe tomato
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat (2 percent) Cheddar cheese

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the onion, garlic, and salt until the onion begins to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the lentils and taco seasoning. Cook until the spices are fragrant and lentils are dry, about 1 minute. Add the broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the lentils are tender, 25 to 30 minutes.

    Step 2

    Mix the sour cream, chile, and adobo sauce in a bowl. Uncover the lentils and cook until mixture thickens, 6 to 8 minutes, then mash with a rubber spatula.

    Step 3

    Spoon 1/4 cup lentil mixture into each taco shell. Top with 2 heaping teaspoons sour cream mixture, the lettuce, tomato, and cheese.

The Epicurious Cookbook
Read More
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
The golden, crunchy corners are worth fighting over.
Not stuffed shells. But not not stuffed shells either.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like spicy carrot rigatoni and weeknight-fancy ravioli with peas.
A veg-forward main or gets-along-with-everyone side.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
The most efficient method takes less than an hour, but you might not even need it.