Simple Lentil Taco Meat
Meet my new favorite kitchen staple – This simple Lentil Taco Meat.
Ever since I made this recipe for the first time a month ago, I’ve been making a batch weekly to keep in
the fridge. I’ve been adding it to salads, burrito bowls, burritos and just about everything. The only thing
I haven’t tried yet are tacos. Hah! But really, I can’t see how that wouldn’t be delicious.
This lentil taco meat + guacamole + salsa + vegetables + wrap or rice = the healthy meal of my dreams.
Trust me, you’ll want to add this lentil taco meat to everything. It’s incredibly easy, the
texture resembles ground meat (a bit) and it’s packed with flavor thanks to chili powder, cumin, oregano and
garlic. If that’s not convincing enough, this “meat” is also packed with protein, fiber and healthy fats.
Plant protein for the win!
All you need to make this recipe is a food processor (a blender may work as well). You start by roasting
your pepitas in the oven for 15 minutes. Then, add all the ingredients together in the food processor
and pulse it until it all comes together and looks like ground meat (ish).
You can use the meat just like that, or you can heat/cook it before serving. If you use the pepitas straight
from the oven, the meat will already be lightly warm, but you can certainly heat it up a bit more. Either
way is fine and delicious. To heat it up, I’d recommend using a skillet with a light drizzle of oil to keep it
moist. Toss it around for a few minutes and you’re done!
Also, If you’re looking for a quicker option, the microwave works to heat it up. Whichever way you decide to use this recipe, I hope it becomes your new favorite vegan protein.
Finally, a make-your-own taco tray with this lentil meat would make a good Super Bowl meal!
Simple Lentil Taco Meat
Ingredients
- 1 540ml can (19oz) lentils
- 1 cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin, ground
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300F. Spread the pepitas on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Watch carefully in the last minutes to avoid burning.
- Meanwhile, add the remaining ingredients to a food processor. Once the roasted pepitas are ready, add them to the food processor as well. Pulse until combined, about 30 seconds. Don't over process as you want to keep some texture from the seeds and lentils.
- Serve as is in a burrito, burrito bowl, salad, taco or other recipe. You can also saute it in a skillet with a bit of oil before serving if desired.
If you try this recipe, make sure to tag your photo #unsweetenedcaroline on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Don’t forget to also tag me @unsweetened.caroline on Instagram so I can see your creations!
10 Comments
Jenae
Looks amazing! I’m out of pepitas. Can I use something else as a substitute?
Unsweetened Caroline
Thank you! Walnuts work great. I haven’t tried other seeds, but sunflower seeds may work. Hope this helps!
JB
This is fantastic I love it! Can I freeze this?
Unsweetened Caroline
Thank you! I’m happy you love it. I actually have some in the freezer at the moment to try, so I’ll update you when I defrost it! 🙂
Brittany
I only have dry lentils in a bag, not canned. Would I need to soak them first and for how long?
Unsweetened Caroline
Hi Brittany, you can certainly use dry lentils! I would recommend using brown or green lentils and cooking them until tender (about 20-30 minutes, then removing any excess water). If the mixture ends up being too dry, you can add an extra touch of oil. The recipe is very forgiving. I hope this helps! 🙂
Brittany
Thanks so much for the response! It came out great!
Unsweetened Caroline
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you liked it! 🙂
Gaylon Buck
I roast the pumpkin seeds in there shells? I’m not familiar with using them so l thought they may splinter.
Ok, awaiting your reply
Nourished by Caroline
Hi Gaylon, pumpkin seeds in their shell can be a great snack, but this recipe uses store-bought raw pumpkin seeds without shell. I don’t recommend using pumpkin seeds in their shell for this recipe. I hope this helps!