When I started my healthy eating journey, cutting out processed foods was the first major step I took, and undoubtedly one of the hardest. My husbands favorite food is tacos, so creating this mushroom lentil vegetarian taco crumbles recipe was a must!
If you are accustomed to using “meat crumbles” in your tacos, you definitely need to try this recipe. It is made with 4 simple ingredients, and tastes way better than the store bought variety!
I based this recipe on my lentil pecan tacos, but wanted to make a filling with more depth of flavor. Mushrooms add lots of umami, or savory character, and red lentils add protein.
I chose red lentils over brown lentils because they are softer and folded into the mushroom mixture better. This created a uniform texture that I loved.
Tips and Tricks for the Mushroom Lentil Vegetarian Taco Crumbles recipe:
- If you don’t stock taco seasoning, try my seasoning mix, found at the bottom of the ingredients list. If you do stock taco seasoning, watch out for brands that have unnecessary additives. This brand
is a good example of what to buy.
- To make a traditional style taco, like you would get at a Mexican restaurant, stuff filling into a crispy shell, top with shredded cheddar, sliced lettuce, and diced tomatoes!
- Lentils will leach nutrients into the water as they cook. Therefore, I measure a specific amount of water to boil my lentils so there is no need to drain, and keep all those nutrients in my food. Watch your lentils as they cook and add more water if necessary.
is a good example of what to buy.- 8 oz mushrooms
- ½ cup red lentils
- ¾ cup water
- 1 TBS olive oil or butter
- 5 tsp taco seasoning (or the taco seasoning mix below)
- 1 tsp each: chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp each: salt and black pepper
- Pulse mushrooms in a food processor until finely ground. Add to a skillet and saute until all of the liquid evaporates.
- Meanwhile combine lentils and water in a small pot. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed by the lentils and they are soft.
- Add the lentils to the skillet with the mushrooms. Mix in oil and taco seasonings. Cook over medium heat stirring regularly until the mixture starts to be firm and crumbly, and not mushy, about 5 minutes.
- Serve in your favorite taco!
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