Vegan BBQ Lentil Tacos (Printable version)

Smoky lentils and crisp cabbage slaw come together in warm tortillas for a vibrant, plant-based meal.

# Needed ingredients:

→ BBQ Lentils

01 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
02 - 3 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup tomato sauce
07 - 1/3 cup vegan BBQ sauce
08 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Cabbage Slaw

13 - 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
14 - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
15 - 1 medium carrot, grated
16 - 3 green onions, thinly sliced
17 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
19 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
20 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar
21 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
22 - Black pepper to taste

→ Tacos Assembly

23 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, vegan certified

→ Optional Toppings

24 - Sliced avocado
25 - Fresh lime wedges
26 - Extra cilantro

# How to make it:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water.
02 - While lentils cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add cooked lentils, tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened and flavorful. Adjust seasoning as needed.
03 - In a large bowl, combine green and red cabbage, carrot, green onions, and cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over slaw and toss well to coat. Let rest for at least 10 minutes.
04 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side, or wrap in foil and warm in a low oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
05 - Spoon BBQ lentils onto each tortilla. Top generously with cabbage slaw and any optional toppings. Serve with lime wedges.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy weeknight meal ready in under an hour
  • Plant-based protein that satisfies meat-lovers too
  • Versatile recipe that's great for meal prep
  • Budget-friendly ingredients that are easy to find
  • Perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors
02 -
  • Make the slaw first and let it marinate while preparing the lentils for best flavor
  • For meal prep, store the lentil mixture and slaw separately for up to 3 days
  • Use a fork to slightly mash some of the lentils for a varied texture
  • Toast your tortillas directly over a gas flame for authentic charred flavor
  • Double the recipe and freeze half of the lentil filling for quick future meals
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