Lentil Tacos

Total Time Prep: 15 min. Cook: 40 min.
Yield 6 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
This lentil taco recipe will fool even the meat eaters! Swapping out meat for cooked lentils while using all the typical taco ingredients—like chopped tomatoes and shredded lettuce and cheese—is a game changer.

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon canola oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2-1/2 cups vegetable or reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 12 taco shells
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
  • 6 tablespoons fat-free sour cream

Directions

  1. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat; saute onion and garlic until tender. Add lentils and seasonings; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until lentils are tender, 25-30 minutes.
  2. Cook, uncovered, until mixture is thickened, 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mash lentils slightly; stir in salsa and heat through. Serve in taco shells. Top with remaining ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

2 tacos: 365 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 777mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.

When my husband's cholesterol numbers rose, I quickly lowered the fat in our family's diet. Finding dishes that were healthy for him and yummy for our five children was a challenge, but this fun taco recipe was a huge hit with everyone. —Michelle Thomas, Bangor, Maine
Recipe Creator

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