Wholesome Plant-Based Taco Meat
I made this recently and had to share with you all. If you’re looking for a simple, nourishing, and satisfying meat alternative, this one may be a great option for you. It’s packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats, and flavor, while still feeling light and supportive to your body. Perfect for tacos, nachos, salads, or however you want to get creative in the kitchen. Here's the recipe: 1 cup uncooked French green lentils (you will use 1 ¾ cups cooked lentils) 1 cup walnut pieces, toasted 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder ½ teaspoon fine grain sea salt, or to taste 1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons water Cook the lentils: Rinse lentils in a fine mesh sieve. Add to a medium pot along with a few cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until tender (cook time will vary depending on the type of lentils you use—see package). Drain off excess water. Toast the walnuts: Preheat oven to 300°F. Add walnuts onto a rimmed baking sheet and toast for 10 to 13 minutes, watching closely, until lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool for a few minutes. Prepare the taco meat: Add 1 3/4 cups cooked lentils (you'll have some leftover) and all the toasted walnuts into a food processor and pulse until chopped (make sure to leave texture). Stir or pulse in the oregano, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir in the oil and the water until combined. To save time, you can use one (15-ounce) can of lentils (drained and rinsed) instead of cooking the lentils from scratch. Enjoy!!!!