Craving a burst of flavor that’s both satisfying and healthy? Look no further than these delightful Lentil Tacos with Cashew Avocado Crema! This mouthwatering recipe combines the hearty goodness of lentils with zesty taco seasoning, all wrapped up in crispy taco shells. And let’s not forget the creamy, dreamy cashew avocado crema that takes these tacos to a whole new level! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and make taco night unforgettable!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, cooked
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 8 taco shells
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 cup cashews, soaked
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the lentils. If you haven't cooked them yet, rinse 1 cup of lentils under cold water and then cook them in a pot with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning. Stir well to ensure that the lentils are evenly coated with the seasoning. If you prefer a spicier flavor, feel free to add more seasoning to taste.
- While the lentils are cooling, prepare the cashew avocado crema. Start by draining the soaked cashews (soak them in water for at least 2 hours prior to use for best results). In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, 1 ripe avocado, 1/4 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the crema is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lime juice if needed. Set it aside.
- Now it's time to assemble the tacos. Preheat your taco shells according to package instructions or in the oven for a few minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy.
- Fill each taco shell with a generous portion of the seasoned lentils. Use a spoon or fork to pack them in, ensuring each taco is well-filled.
- Drizzle the cashew avocado crema generously over the lentils in each taco. You can also add more crema on the side for dipping.
- To finish, garnish your tacos with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. You can also add additional toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or your favorite hot sauce if desired.
- Serve the lentil tacos immediately while they are warm, and enjoy your delicious Mexican-inspired meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, cook your lentils in advance and store them in the fridge. This way, you can whip up these tacos in just 10 minutes when you're ready to eat!
- Customize Your Spice Level: If you love heat, don’t hesitate to add extra taco seasoning or even some diced jalapeños to the lentils for a spicy kick.
- Soak Cashews for Creaminess: Make sure to soak your cashews for at least 2 hours before blending. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture for your avocado crema.
- Add Extra Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or even a sprinkle of cheese can add extra flavor and texture to your tacos.
- Warm Your Taco Shells: For the best taco experience, warm your taco shells in the oven for a few minutes before filling them. This will make them crispy and enhance their flavor.
- Serve Fresh: These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, so assemble them just before serving to keep the shells crunchy and the crema vibrant.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the cilantro! It adds a fresh burst of flavor that complements the creamy avocado and hearty lentils perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 482kcal
Carbohydrates: 78g
Protein: 24g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg