1 Pot Smoky Lentil Vegan Taco Meat

This 1-pot dish is made entirely with whole food ingredients including finely shredded carrots, which mock the texture of meat, and lentils, which add plenty of plant-based protein. Let us show you how it’s done!

Origins of Tacos

Who exactly invented the taco? It’s still a bit of a mystery! But a professor who has spent much time researching the topic theorizes that tacos were invented by Mexican silver miners in the 18th century. (source) Tacos became popular throughout Mexico and were introduced to the US by Mexican immigrants in the 19th century. The following is an inspired, plant-based version with bold flavor!

How to Make Vegan Taco “Meat”

This quick and easy recipe starts with sautéing onion and garlic in a large skillet. To keep it oil-free, sauté in water. Shredded carrots are sautéed until slightly browned and tender. We like to finely shred them using a mandolin, but you can also buy pre-shredded carrots or use a box grater or the grater attachment on a food processor. The finer, the better, and the quicker they cook! Cooked lentils are added next for plant protein and fiber. We used canned lentils to keep this recipe extra quick and simple, but cooking them from dry is also an option (see instructions below). For seasonings, we went for smoky spices like chipotles in adobo, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Next comes coconut aminos for umami flavor and coconut sugar to balance it all out. Nutritional yeast adds extra flavor but is optional. Then lime adds acidity to balance out the heat and sweetness. Hello, mega flavor! Once all ingredients are simmered in vegetable broth allowing the flavors to deepen, you’re done! And in almost no time, you have a flavorful, plant-based taco filling made with recognizable, whole-food ingredients. Optionally, for a more cohesive texture (think refried beans), you can add half of the mixture to a food processor and mix/pulse into a purée. We hope you LOVE this vegan taco “meat”! It’s:SmokySpicyTenderIncredibly flavorfulCustomizableSatisfying& Quick + easy! It’s PERFECT for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, nachos, and more! It would even be delicious eaten as a snack by the spoonful.