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Colorful lentil tacos on a plate.
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5 from 8 votes

Easy Lentil Tacos

Hearty lentils simmer with smoky spices to create the perfect lentil taco filling — savory, satisfying, and ready in just 10 minutes. The perfect recipe for weeknight dinners, Taco Tuesday, and meal prep.
Prep Time1 minute
Cook Time9 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 4
Author: Jenné Claiborne

Ingredients

Taco Filling

  • 1 tbsp avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 vine ripened tomato diced (about 1 cup), or 1 cup of canned diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups cooked green lentils 1 can of lentils, drained not rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen spinach or 3 handfuls of fresh spinach, or any other leafy green
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 6-12 small tortillas (corn or flour) warmed in the oven, stovetop, or microwave
  • 1 avocado sliced. for topping
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro chopped. for topping
  • 1/4 cup red cabbage shredded. for topping
  • 1 lime, halved for squeezing over finished tacos

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet on medium heat.
  • Add the tomatoes, and cook until they've lost their shape, about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the lentils and spices. If you are using canned lentils, cook them enough to reduce the liquid until you have a thick and meaty filling. About 5 minutes.
  • Add the frozen or fresh spinach, and cook for another 2 minutes, or until tender.
  • Season to taste with more salt if necessary.
  • Fill the warm tortillas (I like to double the tortillas) with the lentil filling, and top with cilantro, shredded cabbage, avocado, and lime juice.

Video

Notes

  • Don't rinse canned lentils. Drain the excess liquid off of the canned lentils, but don't rinse them.
  • Don't drain canned tomatoes. I find that reducing the liquid in the pan helps to enhance the flavor.
  • Double for more. Instructions for storing are below!
  • French and green lentils work best for this recipe. Avoid red lentils, as they are too mushy when cooked. 

Nutrition

Calories: 277kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 650mg | Potassium: 754mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 5149IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 6mg