Vegan BBQ Lentil Tacos (Printable)

Smoky lentils and fresh cabbage slaw come together in warm tortillas for a flavorful plant-based twist.

# Ingredient list:

→ BBQ Lentils

01 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
02 - 3 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup tomato sauce
07 - 1/3 cup vegan BBQ sauce
08 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Cabbage Slaw

13 - 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
14 - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
15 - 1 medium carrot, grated
16 - 3 green onions, thinly sliced
17 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
19 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
20 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar
21 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
22 - Black pepper to taste

→ Assembly

23 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, vegan certified
24 - 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
25 - 2 limes, cut into wedges (optional)
26 - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water.
02 - While lentils cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add cooked lentils, tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened and flavorful. Adjust seasoning as needed.
03 - In a large bowl, combine green and red cabbage, carrot, green onions, and cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over slaw and toss well to coat. Let rest for at least 10 minutes.
04 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side, or wrap in foil and warm in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
05 - Spoon BBQ lentils onto each tortilla. Top generously with cabbage slaw and optional toppings. Serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Quick weeknight meal ready in just 45 minutes
  • Packed with plant-based protein from hearty lentils
  • Vibrant colors and textures from the two-cabbage slaw
  • Satisfying BBQ flavor without any animal products
  • Budget-friendly ingredients that are easy to find
02 -
  • Don't overcook the lentils - they should be tender but still hold their shape
  • Let the slaw rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld
  • For extra depth of flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the BBQ lentil mixture
  • Double the recipe and freeze half of the BBQ lentil filling for future quick meals
  • If you have leftover filling, it makes a great power bowl base with rice and veggies
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