Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's offerings include Best Black Bean Soup and Vegan Lasagna. Enjoy!
VEGAN ICE CREAM SANDWICHES
This was in the June 2016 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 10), and begins, “These ice cream sandwiches are the perfect treat to satisfy your (and your kiddos’) warm-weather sweet tooth - and they’re bound to make you love summer as much as you did as a child.” Unfortunately, there was no link on the website going directly to this recipe.
Ingredients
Ice Cream
3 ripe bananas
1 Tbs. non-dairy milk
2 tsp. maple syrup, optional
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Cookies
1/2 cup all-natural peanut butter, smooth or chunky
1/2 cup cooked white beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup gluten-free old-fashioned oats
2 Tbs. unsweetened applesauce
1 Tbs. pure maple syrup
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/3 cup non-dairy chocolate chips, optional, plus more for rolling, optional
Directions
To make Ice Cream: Line 4-by-6-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing paper to hang over sides.
Bland all ingredients in high-speed blender until smooth. Spread in prepared dish, and freeze 2 hours, or until set.
To make Cookies: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Blend all ingredients (except chocolate chips) in food processor until dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips, if using.
Roll dough into twelve 1-Tbs. balls, and place on prepared baking sheets. Flatten down into 2-inch circles.
Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until light brown along edges. Cool on baking sheet. Transfer to freezer until ready to assemble.
Unmold Ice Cream, and cut into 6 disks using 2-inch round cutter. Place each disk between 2 cooks. Roll edges in chocolate chips, if desired. Freeze until fully set.
HONEY BEE AMBROSIA
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Ingredients
4 medium oranges
1 medium banana
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup flaked coconut
Directions
Pare oranges. Cut crosswise into thin slices. Place in serving bowl. Peel bananas. Cut thin slices. Place in the bowl with oranges. Toss fruits. Blend orange juice, honey & lemon juice. Pour over fruits. Sprinkle with coconut.
VEGAN LASAGNA
This comes from Lena Abraham on Delish, and begins, “A lasagna you can feel good about.”
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 10-12
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna
1 box lasagna noodles
1 (14-oz) package firm tofu, drained
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. dried oregano, divided
1 (8-oz) package baby bella mushrooms, sliced
2 (10-oz) packages frozen spinach, thawed and drained of excess liquid
For the White Sauce
1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
2 1/2 c. almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
2 tbsp. nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 c. marinara
3 tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/4 c. thinly sliced basil, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 350º. Bring a large pot of salted boiling water to a boil and cook lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain.
Wrap tofu in a clean kitchen cloth or paper towels and place on a large plate. Place a pan or heavy plate on top of tofu in order to press out as much liquid as possible. Let sit for at least 30 minutes. When drained, crumble with two forks and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and garlic and season with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp oregano. Add mushrooms and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in thawed and drained spinach until completely combined. Remove from heat and set aside vegetables.
Wipe out skillet and return to medium heat to make white sauce: Add olive oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add flour and whisk to combine. Cook until lightly golden and nutty, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in nut milk until smooth. Stir in nutritional yeast and garlic powder and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.
Build lasagna: In a large baking dish, spoon 1/4 c marinara into an even layer, then add a layer of noodles. Top with an even layer of vegetable mixture, tofu, marinara, and white sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending in marinara. Add a single layer of tomato rounds and season with salt, pepper and remaining oregano.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until tomatoes are cooked and lasagna is heated through. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with basil and serve.
BEST BLACK BEAN SOUP
This comes from Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, “This American classic can be a perfect dish: big-tasting, filling, nutritious, easy and very possibly vegetarian. With their rich natural broth, turtle beans do not need bacon, ham or any meat ingredient to make a satisfying soup. Black bean soup recipes have a tendency to turn out sludgy or bland, but the trick here is to season generously, and purée sparingly. The beans should be swimming in liquid, not sitting in sludge: The more beans are puréed, the more starch is released into the soup. For flavor, this recipe deploys marinated chipotle chiles, but a tablespoon each of ground cumin and ground coriander make a good heat-free substitute. (A note: Since there is acid from the wine here, if your tap water is hard there might be a reaction that will prevent the beans from softening. To be safe, add the wine later, along with the stock. And if there is any question about the hardness of your water, use distilled.)”
Yield: 10 servings; Time: About 2 hours
This was featured in “Rediscovering Black Bean Soup”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018592-best-black-bean-soup.
Ingredients
For the Soup
1 small (7-ounce) can chipotle chiles in adobo (see note)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 onions, peeled and chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup red wine
2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
1 pound dry black beans (do not soak)
2 quarts mild vegetable or chicken stock
1 tablespoon dried oregano, preferably Mexican
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Red wine vinegar, to taste
For the Pickled Onions and Garnishes (Optional):
1 small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
Freshly squeezed juice of 2 limes
Salt
Sour cream or Mexican crema
Whole cilantro leaves
Thinly sliced fresh chiles
Sliced avocado
Preparation:
Empty the can of chiles into a blender or food processor. Purée until smooth, scrape into a container, and set aside. Put on a teakettle of water to boil, and keep hot.
In a large, heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add carrots, onions and garlic and cook, stirring, until softened but not browned, 5 to 8 minutes.
Pour in wine and let simmer until pan is almost dry and vegetables are coated. Add jalapeños and cook, stirring, just until softened, 2 minutes. Push the vegetables out to the edges of the pot and dollop 2 teaspoons of chipotle purée in the center. Let fry for a minute and then stir together with the vegetables.
Add beans, stock, oregano and bay leaves. Stir, bring to a boil, and let boil 10 to 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, partly covered, stirring occasionally and adding hot water as needed to keep the soup liquid and runny, not sludgy. Continue cooking until beans are just softened and fragrant, 1 to 2 hours. Add salt and pepper and keep cooking until beans are soft.
Meanwhile, make the pickled onions, if using: In a bowl, combine sliced onions, lime juice and a sprinkling of salt. Let soften at room temperature until crunchy and tart, about 30 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Squeeze dry in paper towels and refrigerate until ready to serve. If desired, chop coarsely before serving.
Adjust the texture of the soup: The goal is to combine whole beans, soft chunks and a velvety broth. Some beans release enough starch while cooking to produce a thick broth without puréeing. If soup seems thin, use an immersion blender or blender to purée a small amount of the beans until smooth, then stir back in. Continue until desired texture is reached, keeping in mind that the soup will continue to thicken as it sits.
Heat the soup through, taste and adjust the seasonings with salt, pepper, drops of red wine vinegar and dabs of chipotle purée.
Serve in deep bowls, garnishing each serving with sour cream, pickled onions, cilantro leaves, sliced chiles and avocado as desired.
Tip
If chipotle chiles are unavailable, use 1 tablespoon each ground cumin and ground coriander. Add to vegetables at the same point in the recipe, in Step 3.
SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
4 medium Sweet potatoes or yams (about 2 lb)
1/4 cup Packed brown sugar
1/4 cup Butter
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 Can (8 oz) crushed pineapple
1 tablespoon Packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon Butter
1 teaspoon Water
1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups Miniature marshmallows
1/4 cup Chopped pecans
Directions
Wash sweet potatoes. Prick each 2 or 3 times with fork to allow steam to escape. Arrange in oven at least 1 inch apart. Microwave at HIGH (100%) until fork-tender, 8 to 10 mins. Cover & let stand 5 minutes.
Peel and slice potatoes. Place in 2-quart casserole. Add 1/4 cup butter and the salt. Mash until no lumps remain. Mix in pineapple. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 2 minutes. Stir and set aside.
Place 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, the water, cinnamon, and nutmeg in medium bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100%) until butter is melted, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stirring after half the time. Add marshmallows; toss to coat. Top sweet potato mixture with marshmallows. Microwave at HIGH (100 % until the marshmallows are melted and potatoes are heated through, 2 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle with pecans.
Enjoy!
ROASTED SQUASH AND APPLE CHOWDER WITH COLORFUL POTATOES
This is from the October 2013 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 76. It starts off, “Puréed roasted butternut squash provides the creamy base for a hearty chowder. If making the chowder ahead, prepare the recipe through step 3, then assemble and reheat just before serving.” Serves 8.
Ingredients
2 lb. butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks (6 cups), divided
3 medium apples, peeled and diced (3 cups), divided
2 large leeks, white parts cut into 1-inch chunks (1 cup), plus 1/2 cup thinly sliced leek greens, divided
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 Tbs. pure maple syrup
1 lb. multicolored potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
1/2 cup apple juice
1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray.
Combine 5 cups butternut squash chunks, 2 cups diced apple, leek whites, oil, and maple syrup in large bowl, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Spread squash mixture in single layer on prepared baking sheet, and roast 30 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally.
Cook potato chunks and remaining 1 cup butternut squash in boiling, salted water 5 to 7 minutes, or until just tender. Drain, and set aside.
Purée roasted vegetables in blender until smooth. Add purée and apple juice to large soup pot with 4 cups water. Whisk in vinegar, and heat over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Add boiled potatoes and squash, remaining 1 cup diced apple, and leek greens, and simmer 5 minutes, or until hot.
nutritional information Per 1 1/4-cup serving: Calories: 162; Protein: 3 g; Total Fat: 2 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 36 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 12 mg; Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 12 g; Vegan; Gluten-Free
Tuesday, July 19, 2022
Taco Tuesday
It's time for another Taco Tuesday. Today's vegetarian tacos (yes, as in meatless tacos!) are sure to please, and include Mexican Street Tacos and Bold Ranch Impossible™ Tacos. Enjoy!
VEGETARIAN TACOS WITH AVOCADO SAUCE
This comes from Jeanine and Jack on their wonderful site, Love & Lemons.
This recipe begins, "These easy vegetarian tacos are filled with black beans, roasted vegetables, and a delicious creamy avocado tomatillo sauce. Feel free to use any roasted vegetables you like here. Sweet potatoes, winter squash, poblano peppers, and/or roasted onions would all be great."
Serves 2-3
To view this online, go to https://www.loveandlemons.com/vegetarian-tacos/#wprm-recipe-container-46265.
Ingredients
1 small Japanese eggplant, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 cup chopped summer squash
1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
6 tortillas
1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
1 avocados, diced
chopped cilantro
1 serrano pepper, sliced, optional
crumbled cotija cheese, optional
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Avocado Tomatillo Sauce
1/3 cup tomatillo salsa
1/4 cup pepitas
1/2 avocado
handful of spinach
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
lime juice, to taste
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chopped eggplant, squash, red pepper and tomatoes onto the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and pinches of salt and pepper and roast until golden brown around the edges 25-30 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a food processor, blend together the tomatillo salsa, pepitas, avocado, spinach, olive oil, lime juice and pinches of salt and pepper, to taste. Chill until ready to use.
Assemble the tacos with the black beans, roasted vegetables, diced avocado, cilantro, serrano, and cotija, if using, and generous scoops of sauce. Serve with extra sauce on the side.
Notes
Store extra sauce in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
MEXICAN STREET TACOS
This comes from Chungah and her wonderful site, Damn Delicious. If you've never run across this site, I highly reecommend checking it out. Seriously. Go ahead, I'll wait…
Okay, so starts off with the disclaimer, "Easy, quick, authentic carne asada street tacos you can now make right at home! Top with onion, cilantro + fresh lime juice! SO GOOD!"
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Yield: 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://damndelicious.net/2019/04/18/mexican-street-tacos/. If you're like me, you'll also enjoy the intro to the recipe. Check it out!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 pounds skirt steak, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
12 mini flour tortillas, warmed
3/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 lime, cut into wedges
Directions
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, 1 tablespoon canola oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin and oregano.
In a gallon size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine soy sauce mixture and steak; marinate for at least 1 hour up to 4 hours, turning the bag occasionally.
Heat remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add steak and marinade, and cook, stirring often, until steak has browned and marinade has reduced, about 5-6 minutes, or until desired doneness.
Serve steak in tortillas, topped with onion, cilantro and lime.
INDIAN DAL TACOS
This is from Vegetarian Times. It begins, "Yellow lentils or dal can be found in Indian markets, but orange or brown lentils can also be used here. To make your own Greek-style yogurt, place 2/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt in a paper-towel-lined fine-mesh strainer and set over a bowl. Let stand 12 to 15 minutes, then discard liquid and use yogurt."
Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/indian-dal-tacos/.
Ingredients
1/2 cup diced onion
3/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. plus 1/8 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. plus 1/8 tsp. salt, divided
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2/3 cup yellow split lentils, sorted, rinsed, and drained
1/2 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
1/3 cup diced cucumber
1 Tbs. freshly chopped mint
4 6-inch corn or flour tortillas, warmed
1 cup thinly sliced fresh spinach
1 cup mung bean sprouts
Preparation
Heat nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, and coat with cooking spray. Add onion, and cook 5 minutes, or until softened and starting to brown. Stir in cumin, turmeric, 1/2 tsp. salt, and pepper. Add lentils and 2 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 40 minutes, or until lentils are cooked but still hold their shape. There will be 1 to 2 Tbs. liquid left in pan.
Meanwhile, combine yogurt, cucumber, mint, and remaining 1/8 tsp. salt in bowl.
Fill tortillas with spinach, bean sprouts, and lentil mixture. Drizzle with yogurt mixture or serve on side.
BOLD RANCH IMPOSSIBLE™ TACOS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Meatless Monday just got a new favorite recipe with our Bold Ranch Impossible™ Tacos. The Impossible™ Burger filling is made from plants, and Old El Paso™ Bold Ranch Stand ‘N Stuff™ Taco Shells bring a blast of flavor to every bite. Shake up your taco night, top the tacos with shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, onions and Old El Paso™ Crema Mexicana. The only thing that's impossible about these tacos, is how impossible it is not to love them."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 5 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/bold-ranch-impossible-tacos.
Ingredients
1 package (12 Oz) Impossible™ Burger
2/3 cup water
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix
1 package (10 count) Old El Paso™ Bold Ranch Stand ‘N Stuff™ Taco Shells, heated as directed on package
1 1/4 cups Old El Paso™ Shredded 3 Pepper Cheese Blend (5 oz)
1 1/4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1/2 cup chopped plum (Roma) tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Crema Mexicana
Preparation
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook Impossible™ Burger over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until crumbles are browned and cooked through.
Stir in water and taco seasoning mix; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
Divide taco filling among heated taco shells. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and green onions. Top with crema.
Expert Tips
For a slightly sweeter and milder taste, chop up red onions instead of yellow. They'll add color and a mild flavor. If you use raw onions, they'll also add a sharp crunch to your Bold Ranch Impossible™ Tacos.
Drizzle Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce on top of these Impossible™ Burger meat tacos. Or if you want more heat, try Old El Paso™ Medium Taco Sauce.
Try Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican 4 Cheese Blend instead of Old El Paso™ Shredded 3 Pepper Cheese Blend for a different flavor twist on the Impossible™ Burger taco.
Add a fresh squeeze of lime for a bright burst of flavor.
VEGETARIAN TOFU TACOS
This comes from Laurel Randolph in the Spruce Eats. For this recipe, Laurel wrote, "Tofu is an extremely versatile ingredient and a great way to cut a little meat out of your diet. If you haven't been won over to the soy side yet, these tacos could be the dish that sways you. Firm tofu is broken up and cooked with fragrant spices, and ends up mimicking ground beef and scrambled eggs at the same time. Melty cheese, crunchy slaw, and tangy salsa verde lend the tacos texture and bright flavors. If you're vegan, simply leave out the cheese or swap it for a vegan alternative.
"If you're eating these tacos for brunch, serve with breakfast potatoes and fresh fruit. If you're eating them for dinner, serve with guacamole or bean dip and chips. They're also delicious as hard-shelled tacos if you like your tacos extra crunchy."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 4 to 6; Yield: 8 to 10 tacos
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/tofu-tacos-4142107.
Ingredients
14 ounces tofu, firm, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups coleslaw mix
3 scallions, spring onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon cilantro, packed, fresh, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon canola or grapeseed oil
1 small onion, diced
1 small bell pepper, diced
1 small jalapeño, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika, smoked
10 small corn tortillas, or 8 medium tortillas, corn or flour
1 cup cheese, Monterey, shredded
1/2 cup salsa verde
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
Place tofu in a single layer on a double layer of paper towels and top with another double layer of paper towels. Place a heavy pan on top to press moisture out of the tofu. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the slaw. Combine the cabbage slaw mix, spring onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and toss well.
Add canola or grapeseed oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add onion and bell pepper and sauté for 3 minutes. Add jalapeño and garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
Add tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant and evenly distributed.
Add tofu a handful at a time, squeezing and breaking up the tofu with your hands as you add it to the pan. Stir well and season with salt and pepper.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, and seasoning as needed. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a tablespoon of water. You want the mixture to resemble a chunky ground beef taco mix in wetness and texture. Remove from the heat.
Warm the tortillas in the oven (covered on low heat) or in a skillet in batches. Add a sprinkle of cheese followed by the tofu mixture, salsa verde, and slaw. Serve immediately.
CHEESE ENCHILADAS
This is from Bryan Washington in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Bryan wrote, "Enchiladas are an essential component of Houston’s ebullient, dynamic foodways. Mexican in origin, while distinctly Tex-Mex at the same time, the dish adapts to its surroundings. Each version of enchiladas is deeply local: The style ubiquitous in Monterrey, Mexico, will be different from those found in San Antonio or El Paso or Mexico City. But from enchilada to enchilada, the common denominator is deliciousness. In 'The Enchilada Queen Cookbook,' Sylvia Casares notes, 'for Tex-Mex-style cheese enchiladas, yellow cheese, such as Cheddar, is the traditional choice' yielding 'the quintessential Tex-Mex enchilada.'"
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 1 hour
This was featured in "All Enchiladas Are Perfect. But These Are My Favorite", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023152-cheese-enchiladas.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola, plus more for greasing
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons ground red chile powder (see Tip)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more for sprinkling
2 cups beef broth
Salt
10 corn tortillas
1 pound shredded Cheddar (5 cups)
1/2 cup finely diced white onion
Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch shallow baking dish or pan or a very large cast-iron skillet.
Add the oil and flour to a medium skillet. Set over medium-low heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture (known as roux) turns a golden color, smells nutty and thickens, 5 to 7 minutes.
Add garlic, chile powder, cumin, oregano and black pepper to the roux. Whisk until smooth (some clumping from the garlic is fine), being careful to not let the spices burn, about 30 seconds.
While whisking constantly, add beef broth 1/4 cup at a time, whisking after each addition, until smooth. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, whisking occasionally, for 10 minutes. Then remove from heat, and allow the gravy to rest for another 10 minutes. Taste the gravy and season with salt as needed for a savory sauce.
Meanwhile, in another pan, lightly heat a tortilla over medium just until softened, about 30 seconds per side. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel or sheet of foil and wrap. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, stacking them in the towel or foil. Be careful of overcooking: You’re softening each tortilla to prevent them from cracking as they’re filled and folded.
Fill a softened tortilla with about 1/3 cup of cheese. Roll shut and, with the seam side facing downward, place in the greased baking dish or skillet. Repeat until you’ve filled all of the tortillas, setting the rolls next to each other.
Slowly pour the gravy over all of the tortillas to coat. Afterward, sprinkle the dish with the rest of the cheese and the diced onion.
Bake until the gravy is bubbling and the cheese melted, 20 to 25 minutes.
Garnish with parsley, if desired, alongside a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Tip
You want ground dried chiles, not chili powder, which includes other spices and salt. The choice of mild, medium or hot chile powder is up to you, but avoid using chipotle chile powder, which can end up bitter.
VEGETARIAN TACOS WITH AVOCADO SAUCE
This comes from Jeanine and Jack on their wonderful site, Love & Lemons.
This recipe begins, "These easy vegetarian tacos are filled with black beans, roasted vegetables, and a delicious creamy avocado tomatillo sauce. Feel free to use any roasted vegetables you like here. Sweet potatoes, winter squash, poblano peppers, and/or roasted onions would all be great."
Serves 2-3
To view this online, go to https://www.loveandlemons.com/vegetarian-tacos/#wprm-recipe-container-46265.
Ingredients
1 small Japanese eggplant, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 cup chopped summer squash
1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
6 tortillas
1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
1 avocados, diced
chopped cilantro
1 serrano pepper, sliced, optional
crumbled cotija cheese, optional
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Avocado Tomatillo Sauce
1/3 cup tomatillo salsa
1/4 cup pepitas
1/2 avocado
handful of spinach
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
lime juice, to taste
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chopped eggplant, squash, red pepper and tomatoes onto the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and pinches of salt and pepper and roast until golden brown around the edges 25-30 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a food processor, blend together the tomatillo salsa, pepitas, avocado, spinach, olive oil, lime juice and pinches of salt and pepper, to taste. Chill until ready to use.
Assemble the tacos with the black beans, roasted vegetables, diced avocado, cilantro, serrano, and cotija, if using, and generous scoops of sauce. Serve with extra sauce on the side.
Notes
Store extra sauce in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
MEXICAN STREET TACOS
This comes from Chungah and her wonderful site, Damn Delicious. If you've never run across this site, I highly reecommend checking it out. Seriously. Go ahead, I'll wait…
Okay, so starts off with the disclaimer, "Easy, quick, authentic carne asada street tacos you can now make right at home! Top with onion, cilantro + fresh lime juice! SO GOOD!"
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Yield: 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://damndelicious.net/2019/04/18/mexican-street-tacos/. If you're like me, you'll also enjoy the intro to the recipe. Check it out!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 pounds skirt steak, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
12 mini flour tortillas, warmed
3/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 lime, cut into wedges
Directions
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, 1 tablespoon canola oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin and oregano.
In a gallon size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine soy sauce mixture and steak; marinate for at least 1 hour up to 4 hours, turning the bag occasionally.
Heat remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add steak and marinade, and cook, stirring often, until steak has browned and marinade has reduced, about 5-6 minutes, or until desired doneness.
Serve steak in tortillas, topped with onion, cilantro and lime.
INDIAN DAL TACOS
This is from Vegetarian Times. It begins, "Yellow lentils or dal can be found in Indian markets, but orange or brown lentils can also be used here. To make your own Greek-style yogurt, place 2/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt in a paper-towel-lined fine-mesh strainer and set over a bowl. Let stand 12 to 15 minutes, then discard liquid and use yogurt."
Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/indian-dal-tacos/.
Ingredients
1/2 cup diced onion
3/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. plus 1/8 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. plus 1/8 tsp. salt, divided
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2/3 cup yellow split lentils, sorted, rinsed, and drained
1/2 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
1/3 cup diced cucumber
1 Tbs. freshly chopped mint
4 6-inch corn or flour tortillas, warmed
1 cup thinly sliced fresh spinach
1 cup mung bean sprouts
Preparation
Heat nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, and coat with cooking spray. Add onion, and cook 5 minutes, or until softened and starting to brown. Stir in cumin, turmeric, 1/2 tsp. salt, and pepper. Add lentils and 2 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 40 minutes, or until lentils are cooked but still hold their shape. There will be 1 to 2 Tbs. liquid left in pan.
Meanwhile, combine yogurt, cucumber, mint, and remaining 1/8 tsp. salt in bowl.
Fill tortillas with spinach, bean sprouts, and lentil mixture. Drizzle with yogurt mixture or serve on side.
BOLD RANCH IMPOSSIBLE™ TACOS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Meatless Monday just got a new favorite recipe with our Bold Ranch Impossible™ Tacos. The Impossible™ Burger filling is made from plants, and Old El Paso™ Bold Ranch Stand ‘N Stuff™ Taco Shells bring a blast of flavor to every bite. Shake up your taco night, top the tacos with shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, onions and Old El Paso™ Crema Mexicana. The only thing that's impossible about these tacos, is how impossible it is not to love them."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 5 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/bold-ranch-impossible-tacos.
Ingredients
1 package (12 Oz) Impossible™ Burger
2/3 cup water
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix
1 package (10 count) Old El Paso™ Bold Ranch Stand ‘N Stuff™ Taco Shells, heated as directed on package
1 1/4 cups Old El Paso™ Shredded 3 Pepper Cheese Blend (5 oz)
1 1/4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1/2 cup chopped plum (Roma) tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Crema Mexicana
Preparation
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook Impossible™ Burger over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until crumbles are browned and cooked through.
Stir in water and taco seasoning mix; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
Divide taco filling among heated taco shells. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and green onions. Top with crema.
Expert Tips
For a slightly sweeter and milder taste, chop up red onions instead of yellow. They'll add color and a mild flavor. If you use raw onions, they'll also add a sharp crunch to your Bold Ranch Impossible™ Tacos.
Drizzle Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce on top of these Impossible™ Burger meat tacos. Or if you want more heat, try Old El Paso™ Medium Taco Sauce.
Try Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican 4 Cheese Blend instead of Old El Paso™ Shredded 3 Pepper Cheese Blend for a different flavor twist on the Impossible™ Burger taco.
Add a fresh squeeze of lime for a bright burst of flavor.
VEGETARIAN TOFU TACOS
This comes from Laurel Randolph in the Spruce Eats. For this recipe, Laurel wrote, "Tofu is an extremely versatile ingredient and a great way to cut a little meat out of your diet. If you haven't been won over to the soy side yet, these tacos could be the dish that sways you. Firm tofu is broken up and cooked with fragrant spices, and ends up mimicking ground beef and scrambled eggs at the same time. Melty cheese, crunchy slaw, and tangy salsa verde lend the tacos texture and bright flavors. If you're vegan, simply leave out the cheese or swap it for a vegan alternative.
"If you're eating these tacos for brunch, serve with breakfast potatoes and fresh fruit. If you're eating them for dinner, serve with guacamole or bean dip and chips. They're also delicious as hard-shelled tacos if you like your tacos extra crunchy."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 4 to 6; Yield: 8 to 10 tacos
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/tofu-tacos-4142107.
Ingredients
14 ounces tofu, firm, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups coleslaw mix
3 scallions, spring onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon cilantro, packed, fresh, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon canola or grapeseed oil
1 small onion, diced
1 small bell pepper, diced
1 small jalapeño, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika, smoked
10 small corn tortillas, or 8 medium tortillas, corn or flour
1 cup cheese, Monterey, shredded
1/2 cup salsa verde
Directions
Gather the ingredients.
Place tofu in a single layer on a double layer of paper towels and top with another double layer of paper towels. Place a heavy pan on top to press moisture out of the tofu. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the slaw. Combine the cabbage slaw mix, spring onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and toss well.
Add canola or grapeseed oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add onion and bell pepper and sauté for 3 minutes. Add jalapeño and garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
Add tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant and evenly distributed.
Add tofu a handful at a time, squeezing and breaking up the tofu with your hands as you add it to the pan. Stir well and season with salt and pepper.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, and seasoning as needed. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a tablespoon of water. You want the mixture to resemble a chunky ground beef taco mix in wetness and texture. Remove from the heat.
Warm the tortillas in the oven (covered on low heat) or in a skillet in batches. Add a sprinkle of cheese followed by the tofu mixture, salsa verde, and slaw. Serve immediately.
CHEESE ENCHILADAS
This is from Bryan Washington in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Bryan wrote, "Enchiladas are an essential component of Houston’s ebullient, dynamic foodways. Mexican in origin, while distinctly Tex-Mex at the same time, the dish adapts to its surroundings. Each version of enchiladas is deeply local: The style ubiquitous in Monterrey, Mexico, will be different from those found in San Antonio or El Paso or Mexico City. But from enchilada to enchilada, the common denominator is deliciousness. In 'The Enchilada Queen Cookbook,' Sylvia Casares notes, 'for Tex-Mex-style cheese enchiladas, yellow cheese, such as Cheddar, is the traditional choice' yielding 'the quintessential Tex-Mex enchilada.'"
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 1 hour
This was featured in "All Enchiladas Are Perfect. But These Are My Favorite", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023152-cheese-enchiladas.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola, plus more for greasing
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons ground red chile powder (see Tip)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more for sprinkling
2 cups beef broth
Salt
10 corn tortillas
1 pound shredded Cheddar (5 cups)
1/2 cup finely diced white onion
Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch shallow baking dish or pan or a very large cast-iron skillet.
Add the oil and flour to a medium skillet. Set over medium-low heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture (known as roux) turns a golden color, smells nutty and thickens, 5 to 7 minutes.
Add garlic, chile powder, cumin, oregano and black pepper to the roux. Whisk until smooth (some clumping from the garlic is fine), being careful to not let the spices burn, about 30 seconds.
While whisking constantly, add beef broth 1/4 cup at a time, whisking after each addition, until smooth. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, whisking occasionally, for 10 minutes. Then remove from heat, and allow the gravy to rest for another 10 minutes. Taste the gravy and season with salt as needed for a savory sauce.
Meanwhile, in another pan, lightly heat a tortilla over medium just until softened, about 30 seconds per side. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel or sheet of foil and wrap. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, stacking them in the towel or foil. Be careful of overcooking: You’re softening each tortilla to prevent them from cracking as they’re filled and folded.
Fill a softened tortilla with about 1/3 cup of cheese. Roll shut and, with the seam side facing downward, place in the greased baking dish or skillet. Repeat until you’ve filled all of the tortillas, setting the rolls next to each other.
Slowly pour the gravy over all of the tortillas to coat. Afterward, sprinkle the dish with the rest of the cheese and the diced onion.
Bake until the gravy is bubbling and the cheese melted, 20 to 25 minutes.
Garnish with parsley, if desired, alongside a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Tip
You want ground dried chiles, not chili powder, which includes other spices and salt. The choice of mild, medium or hot chile powder is up to you, but avoid using chipotle chile powder, which can end up bitter.
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