Meatless Monday with Ancho Lentil Tacos

Welcome (back) to the blog and thank you for joining us for another Meatless Monday.  Miratel Solutions took the Meatless Monday pledge as part of our CSR business initiatives in support of reducing meat consumption by 15% to improve personal health and the health of the planet. You can learn more about the positive impact of giving up meat just one day per week at www.meatlessmonday.com. Now let’s get to our recipe.

Our dish today swaps out the beef for lentils to create a delicious and healthy filling for tacos (or any other Mexican inspired dish where ground meat would be used). This recipe comes courtesy of Post Punk Kitchen and according to IsaChandra “Brown lentils have the best color in this recipe but green lentils would work just fine, too. I always whip up a batch of lentils to have on hand, and you should, too. One cup of cooked lentils make about 2 1/2 cups. Just rinse them then bring to a boil in a small covered pot with a big pinch of salt in plenty of water. Lower heat and simmer until tender, then drain. Lentils are so very easy!”

Meatless Monday – Ancho Lentil Taco courtesy of Post Punk Kitchen

This is a perfect meal during warmer months as it’s light yet satisfying, full of flavor and quick to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 1/2 cups cooked lentils (from about 1 cup dried)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (preferably Cholula)
• Tortillas for serving

Spice mix:

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons ground ancho chile
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

1. First combine all of the ingredients for the spice mix and set aside. Also, keep a cup of water within reach, you’ll need to add splashes as you cook.
2. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sautee the onion and garlic in the oil with a pinch of salt for about 3 minutes, until lightly browned. Add spices and toss them for 30 seconds or so to toast.
3. Lower heat to medium, add lentils, a few splashes of water, tomato paste and hot sauce; use a spatula to mash them a bit as they cook, until they hold together. If your spatula isn’t strong enough to accomplish this, just use a fork. Do this for about 5 minutes, adding splashes of water as necessary if it appears dry. Taste for salt and seasoning; you may want to add more spices or hot sauce. And that’s it, time to serve!

This recipe has a bit of a bite to it so if you are sensitive to hot peppers, you may want to adjust the chili and/or hot sauce. You can always serve the hot sauce on the side so everyone can decide their own heat.  Finish with the toppings of your choice like salsa, guacamole, olives, jalapenos and vegan sour cream and cheese.

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to visit www.meatlessmonday.com and join us in taking the Meatless Monday pledge today. Spread the word at home and at work to promote CSR business initiatives and make your green call centre, office, factory, shop or salon even greener.

Enjoy and our thanks again to Post Punk Kitchen!