Spicy Lentil Tacos Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 tomato, diced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges
• Salsa and guacamole, for serving

Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the cooked lentils, mixing until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side or until pliable.
6. Assemble the tacos by adding a generous spoonful of the spicy lentil mixture to each tortilla. Top with avocado slices, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
7. Serve immediately with bowls of salsa, guacamole, and additional lime wedges on the side.

Helpful Tips

For an even quicker meal, use pre-cooked lentils available at most supermarkets. Feel free to experiment with toppings—shredded lettuce, pickled onions, or a dollop of sour cream (non-dairy for vegan options) would be delicious additions. This recipe also works wonderfully with black beans or chickpeas as a substitute for lentils.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover lentil filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave before serving. The tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store assembled tacos wrapped in foil for up to 1 day. Warm them in the oven before serving.

Pairings

These spicy lentil tacos pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad. For drinks, consider serving with a cold, refreshing glass of horchata or a tangy lime agua fresca.