I admit, I'm not the most with-it person sometimes. It often takes me a long time to realize that something is a "thing." For example: the sudden, disturbing resurgence of acid-wash jeans. I kept seeing girls wearing jeans similar to my 1987 favourites, and I had myself convinced that those girls were simply unique individuals, but after a while I realized: acid-wash jeans are a "thing" again. I know, I weep for humanity too.
It Does The Body Good: Why You Need To Eat More Lentils
Another example: my kids kept talking about Taco Tuesday, and asking if we could have tacos on Tuesdays, and I was somewhat puzzled. I mean, tacos are great and all, but what was with the Taco Tuesday? I shrugged, inwardly congratulating them on being alliterative, and got out the taco shells.
Months went by, and I went with the kids to the Lego Movie. Then it hit me, in a Saint Paul on the road to Damascus kind of way:
TACO TUESDAY IS A THING.
So I'm a little slow to catch on sometimes.
The great thing about taco night - Tuesday or otherwise - is that dinner preparation can really be a family affair. In the time it takes me to prepare the taco filling, the children can be prevailed upon to help with the toppings. Even small children can help wash the tomatoes and spoon the sour cream and salsa into bowls, and maybe even grate cheese; older children who like to show off their knife skills can chop tomatoes and shred lettuce.
And what about the taco filling?
Lentils make an excellent alternative to the typical ground beef; full of fibre, iron, and protein, they are a perfect vegetarian taco filling. It's like Meatless Monday married Taco Tuesday and had a delicious, nutritious baby.
Ingredients
Directions
Whisk together tomato paste, water, oil, lime, chili powder, cumin, coriander, onion, and garlic.
Fold in rinsed and drained lentils until coated.
In a saute pan or frying pan, cook lentil mixture over medium until heated through.
Spoon into taco shells, topping with lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, and cheese (use non-dairy alternates if necessary).
Want some delicious taco toppings? Try my Holy Moly That's A Good Guacamole and my Feeling Hot Hot Hot Fresh Salsa. Are you saying, "Forget the tacos, I want more lentils!"? Try my Savoury Lentil Stew.
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