These lentils have no business being this good. No business at all. I mean, lentils aren’t exactly exciting food, now are they? Well, I think these lentils are. I seriously can’t get enough of them. I can’t remember where I saw this recipe linked originally, but I am so glad I did because they have become a new family favorite. Healthy, versatile, good, simple, delicious.
These lentils definitely support their “tasty” title. They are smooth and flavorful, a perfect vegetarian Mexican meal. You can make burritos or tacos or burrito bowls or nachos with them, or eat them by the spoonful. [Oh wait–that might just be what I do!] They’re a little reminiscent of pinto beans [maybe refried beans] texture-wise, but flavor-wise they are absolutely incredible!
In the recipe below, I suggest using red lentils. Brown or green lentils can certainly use used instead, but the cooking time may be different. Red lentils are just my fave–according to The Kitchn they are sweet and nutty. They also cook super fast, making these lentils a great weeknight dinner. I hope you give ’em a try soon! P.S. Don’t skip the avocado or guac as a topping–avocado + lentils=looove!
Oh–before I forget! Ben loved this dinner too. He was a bit skeptical [tacos without meat?!?!] but was soon won over. I bet he’d even eat them on his birthday…which just so happens to be today! Yup, that’s right. He’s a St. Paddy’s Day baby. 🙂 Cake recipe coming soooooon. It was so good. 🙂 Happy Birthday to my love!
one year ago: Chipotle Black Bean Soup with Avocado Cream
two years ago: Alice’s Vanilla Tea-Infused Granola
three years ago: Roasted Tomato and Black Bean Soup
Tasty Mexican Lentils
from allrecipes.com
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 2/3 cup onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2/3 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 2/3 cup chicken broth [or vegetable broth]
- 2/3 cup salsa
- tortillas or rice, for serving
- lettuce, tomato, guacamole, avocado, sour cream, cheese, etc. for serving
Directions:
Heat oil in a skillet set over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in lentils and taco seasoning and cook for one minute.
Pour chicken broth into lentil mixture, then bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering until lentils are tender [about 12-15 minutes].
Stir in salsa and heat uncovered, mashing slightly, until thickened [about 3-5 minutes].
Serve lentils in tortillas or over rice with desired toppings.
Linked up with: Tuesday Talent Show.
The Pajama Chef 
I’m obsessed with lentils lately!! Love the sound of these tacos! Definitely need to try these out!
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thanks! definitely do…they are delish!
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I love lentils too! They definitely are a great replacement for meat in meals. Plus…I enjoy any meal that involves guacamole 🙂
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haha guac can make anything good 🙂
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Thank you for the nice recipe. Have a Happy Day and a Happy Week!
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thank you liz!
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Oh, these sound fantastic! I’d totally love these in a burrito bowl. YUM!
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yesss! i usually make my burrito bowls with black beans but these lentils have made some tough competition! i can’t wait to try different salsas with them too.
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Lentils are exciting in my book! I love all the healthy flavor you have dancing in here!
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thank you, erin!
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Cake recipe coming? Definitely excited for that 😉
But I think I’m equally excited for this. I LOVE lentils!
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yes, i just have to write it up! 🙂 glad these lentils are exciting too!!
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Yum! What a great idea. Lentils are definitely my favorite, though I’m ashamed to admit I always buy them pre-cooked! 😦
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haha no shame! 🙂
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These look absolutely delicious! I love Mexican food so much, definitely need to give this recipe a go!
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thanks jessica!
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These sound beautiful. I love red lentils but have never tried them in Mexican food before.
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thank you, corina! i had only had red lentil soup before. these are excellent!
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This is crazy, but I still don’t think I’ve ever cooked with lentils… I love the idea of doing a Mexican twist (since I’m slightly… okay a lot… obsessed with anything wrapped in a tortilla!). YUM!
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i’m obsessed with mexican food & tortillas too! 🙂
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Well, I personally DO think lentils are exciting…but I’m probably a little weird. I definitely want to make burritos out of this filling!
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haha you’re hilarious! yes, do try these 🙂
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I always need a new lentil recipe in my life – printing this one out. Thanks!!
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let me know if you try these, michelle! they are great 🙂
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I prefer red lentils – is it just me or are they more pleasant in flavor? I once tried making taco “meat” with brown lentils and gag me it wasn’t awesome. These, these are awesome.
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i definitely think they have a better flavor. i once made ‘meatballs’ with brown lentils…ben was NOT a fan. 🙂 these are great–i seriously don’t even want regular tacos anymore. 🙂
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why not use lentils in your burritos & tacos?
seriously, I’ve never done this. I wish Chipotle would too!
So much healthier for you
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thanks! i used to be black bean obsessed, now i’m red lentil obsessed. 🙂 i will admit that i’m glad chipotle is the way that it is….i like being able to get things i wouldn’t normally make at home at a restaurant. i love chipotle 🙂
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