Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's Double-Post Tuesday. Today's offerings include Super-Easy Slow-Cooker Three-Bean Chili and Raspberry Chocolate Mini Macarons. Enjoy!
HEALTHY LENTIL CHILI
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "This hearty vegetarian chili is both nutritious and satisfying, thanks to the protein-packed navy beans and brown lentils. We added a generous dose of dried spices and other pantry staples to boost the flavor and make this dish accessible for any night of the week."
Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Servings: 6; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/healthy-lentil-chili-8707622.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 red, orange or yellow bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
Two 14.5-ounce cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
One 15-ounce can navy beans or another small white bean (do not drain)
1 cup dried brown lentils
1 dried bay leaf
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Shredded reduced-fat Cheddar, plain yogurt, pickled jalapenos and crushed tortilla chips, for serving (all are optional)
Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of black pepper. Cook until vegetables are just tender and browned in spots, stirring occasionally, about 6 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, oregano and cumin, then continue to cook until fragrant and brick-red in color, stirring frequently, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, beans (and their liquid), lentils, bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a couple grinds of black pepper. Bring to a steady simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Partially cover with a lid and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the chili has thickened slightly, 35 to 45 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf and stir in the vinegar. Season with salt and black pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve with toppings as desired.
TOFU MUSHROOM SOUP
This comes from Martha Rose Shulman in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Martha wrote, "For a full meal in a bowl, serve this deeply flavorful soup with warm brown rice or noodles."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
This was featured in "Tofu and Mushroom Broth: Happy Together", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017969-tofu-mushroom-soup.
Ingredients
1 ounce dried mushrooms (about 1 cup), preferably porcinis
1/2 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms
1/2 pound fresh button or cremini mushrooms, quartered
1 head of garlic, cut in half crosswise
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
6 slices fresh ginger, from the widest part of the root
2 tablespoons soy sauce
14 to 16 ounces tofu (1 box), either firm or soft, cut in 1-inch dice
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped chives
Preparation
Place dried mushrooms in a bowl or large heatproof measuring cup and cover with 2 cups boiling water. Let sit for 30 minutes. If mushrooms are sandy, agitate from time to time. Line a strainer with cheesecloth and place over a 1-quart measuring cup. Drain through the strainer, then twist mushrooms in the cheesecloth, holding them over the strainer, to squeeze out the last of the flavorful liquid. Discard reconstituted mushrooms or set aside for another use.
While porcinis are soaking, pull tough stems away from shiitake mushroom caps. Slice caps thin and set aside.
Combine the mushroom broth with enough water to make 9 cups liquid and place in a saucepan or soup pot. Add shiitake stems, quartered button or cremini mushrooms, halved head of garlic, salt and ginger slices, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 30 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon or skimmer to remove mushrooms, stems, garlic and ginger from broth. Add soy sauce to broth. Taste and adjust salt.
Bring broth back to a boil and add tofu. Reduce heat to a simmer or a gentle boil, cover partly and simmer for 30 minutes. Tofu will puff a little, and texture will become more porous and spongy.
Add thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps, cover and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro and chives. Taste, adjust seasoning and serve.
Tip
Broth can be prepared in advance through Step 4 and refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for 2 months. Soup can be prepared through Step 5 a day ahead of time.
SUPER-EASY SLOW-COOKER THREE-BEAN CHILI
This comes from WW (Weight Watchers), and begins, "This chili recipe makes enough to serve ten people. Using almost entirely canned items, you can have a filling, flavorful warm dish. And don't let the total cook time scare you: The majority of that time is for the ingredients to boil down. For a huge chunk of that time, you just have to monitor it. If you don't have 10 people to enjoy this with, you can meal-prep it for the week, or use the leftovers to fill tacos or a burrito."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 3 hours; Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes; Serves: 10; Difficulty: Easy
To view this yumminess online, go to https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/recipe/super-easy-slow-cooker-three-bean-chili/5626a63b2084d63a3401c10f.
Ingredients
1 large uncooked onion, minced
Garlic clove, 1 medium clove, minced
30 oz Canned black beans, rinsed and drained
30 oz Canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
30 oz Canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
29 oz Canned diced tomatoes with chilies
15 oz Canned tomato sauce
Spiced seasoning mix, 1 1/4 oz, chili variety
Frozen corn kernels, 14 oz, thawed
Fresh lime juice, 1 Tbsp, or to taste
Cilantro, 1/2 cup(s), fresh, chopped
Directions
Combine onion, garlic, beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasoning mix in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on high heat for 2-3 hours (or low heat for 4-6 hours). Add frozen corn during last hour of cooking. Stir in lime juice and cilantro just before serving.
Serving size: about 1 1/3 cups
SWEET POTATO NACHOS
This is from American Heart Association, and begins, “Who won’t want to try orange nachos? The seasoned sweet potatoes with the mellow cheese create a wonderful combination for a snack or healthier game-day appetizer!”
Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/sweet-potato-nachos
Ingredients
3 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), makes about 6 cups of rounds
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp. paprika
1/3 cup black beans (drained, rinsed)
1/3 cup reduced-fat, shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup chopped tomato (1 plum tomato)
OR
1/3 cup no-salt-added, canned, diced tomatoes (drained, rinsed)
1/3 cup chopped avocado
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cover the baking pans with foil and coat with nonstick cooking spray.
Peel and slice the sweet potatoes thinly (about quarter-inch rounds). In a bowl, toss the rounds with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder and paprika. Spread evenly on prepared pan (might need two pans). Bake for 10 minutes and use a spatula to flip the sweet potato rounds. Bake for another 5-10 minutes or until crisp.
Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle beans and cheese over the sweet potatoes. Return to oven until cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with tomato and avocado. Serve.
Tip: For easy clean-up, line your baking pan with foil before spraying with nonstick cooking spray, allowing you to toss the foil after use.
Tip: A well-stocked spice cabinet is an easy way to add flavor without added sodium – however, be sure to look for spices and seasoning mixes without added salt.
ZUCCHINI LASAGNA
This was in an email from Optum, and begins, "Lasagna is often a go-to recipe for family dinners. It's easy and delicious, but can be unhealthy. Why not try this healthier twist on the standard recipe? It's sure to be a hit."
To view this online, go to https://www.optumcare.com/resources/health-wellness-resources/library/zucchini-lasagna.html.
Ingredients
1/2 pound cooked lasagna noodles, cooked in unsalted water
3/4 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, grated
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese, fat-free*
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 1/2 cups raw zucchini, sliced
2 1/2 cups low-sodium tomato sauce
2 TSP basil, dried
2 TSP oregano, dried
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/8 TSP black pepper
*To reduce sodium, use low-sodium cottage cheese. New sodium content for each serving is 165 mg.
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9-by-13 inch baking dish with vegetable oil spray.
In a small bowl, combine 1/8 cup mozzarella and 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese with all the cottage cheese. Mix well and set aside.
Combine tomato sauce with all remaining ingredients, except zucchini. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of cooked noodles. Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture on top. Add a layer of zucchini.
Repeat layering until you’ve used all ingredients. Top with a layer of sauce and remaining cheese mixture. Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake 30 to 40 minutes. Cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Cut into six portions.
RASPBERRY CHOCOLATE MINI MACARONS
This is from American Heart Association, and begins, “Our version of these French cookies gets their traditional nutty flavor from almond flour and their sweetness from stevia rather than sugar. The tart smooth filling is the perfect complement to the sweet, chewy cookies.”
To view this online, go to https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/raspberry-chocolate-mini-macarons
Ingredients
1/4 cup stevia sugar blend
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup almond flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
10 drops chocolate-flavored liquid stevia sweetener
1 cup raspberries (or)
OR
1 cup unsweetened, frozen raspberries
1/2 cup fat-free, plain Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon stevia sweetener or 1 packet stevia sweetener
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325˚F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a food processor, process the stevia sugar blend and cornstarch for 40 to 50 seconds, or until the mixture has a powdery texture (like confectioners’ sugar).
Place the egg whites in a medium bowl. With an electric or hand mixer on medium-high speed, beat the egg whites for 1 minute, or until frothy. Add the cream of tartar. Beat for 2 to 3 minutes. or until soft peaks form. Gradually add the stevia sugar blend mixture, beating for one minute, or until stiff peaks form (the peaks don’t fall when the beaters are lifted).
In a second medium bowl, sift together the flour and cocoa powder. Sift again. Pour the flour mixture into the egg whites. Add the liquid stevia sweetener. With a rubber spatula, gently fold the flour mixture into the egg whites, using about 30 strokes, or until no flour is visible.
Spoon the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a round tip (between 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch wide), or if using a disposable piping bag, cut a 1/2-inch hole at the pointed tip. Pipe the batter on the parchment paper into 1-tablespoon round portions (about 1-inch in diameter), leaving 2 inches between each, piping a total of 20 macarons.
Lift the baking sheet about two inches from the counter and drop it. Repeat four times. (This will help release any air bubbles that may be in the batter.) Let stand at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes (depending on the humidity of the room). The batter should form a thin skin and feel slightly tacky.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are set. Let the macarons cool thoroughly (about 1 hour).
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mash the raspberries with a fork. Stir in the yogurt and stevia sweetener.
Once the macarons have cooled, place ten of them flat-side up on a cutting board or sheet of wax paper. Spread 1 tablespoon of the filling on each. Top with the remaining macarons.
Cooking Tip: This fresh filling is moist, so it’s best to fill the macarons just before serving.
Cooking Tip: You can download an online macaron template to use as a guide to space out the macarons. If you use a template, be sure to place it under the parchment paper.
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Taco Tuesday
It's time for another Taco Tuesday. Here are six yummy vegetarian taco recipes to try, including Stand 'N Stuff™ Breakfast Tacos and Adobo Tofu & Portobello Tacos w/Chunky Guacamole. Enjoy!
BEAN AND CHEESE BURRITOS
This is from Kay Chun in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Kay wrote, "Mexican refried beans are a cinch to make at home on a weeknight thanks to some staple pantry items and a few basic fresh ingredients. Buttery canned pinto beans are perfect in this dish, breaking down into a creamy, silky mixture. (Black beans would also work great.) While the beans are often fried in lard or bacon drippings, this vegetarian version builds flavor with caramelized onion, bell pepper, garlic and smoked paprika instead. Pico de gallo adds a touch of tang to counter the rich beans. Pan-frying the wrapped burritos guarantees a golden, irresistibly crispy exterior and an interior that oozes with melted cheese."
Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 6 burritos
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022532-bean-and-cheese-burritos.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons safflower or canola oil
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion (from 1/2 medium onion)
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper (from 1/2 pepper)
Salt and black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, 1/2 cup of bean liquid reserved and the rest drained
1/2 cup store-bought or homemade pico de gallo or salsa
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
6 (9- to 10-inch) flour tortillas
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar (8 ounces)
Sour cream and hot sauce, for serving
Preparation
In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium. Add onion and bell pepper, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until light golden and tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic until fragrant, 1 minute. Add pinto beans, pico de gallo, smoked paprika, reserved bean liquid and 1/2 cup of water, and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring and mashing occasionally with a potato masher or the back of a spoon, until liquid is absorbed and mixture is thick, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer refried beans to a bowl, and wipe out skillet.
Spread 1/2 cup of the refried beans in the center of each tortilla and top each with ⅓ cup of the cheese. Fold the short sides of the tortilla over the filling; fold the bottom of the tortilla up and over the filling and tightly roll.
In the skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium. Add 3 burritos seam side down and cook until golden, turning occasionally, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to serving plates and repeat with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 3 burritos. Serve warm with sour cream and hot sauce on the side.
CRISPY POTATO TACOS
This is from Hetty Lui McKinnon in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. This recipe begins, "Potato tacos, or tacos de papa, as they are known in Mexico, make the perfect meal for those times when you find yourself with an excess of potatoes and a package of tortillas on hand. Tortillas are an endlessly versatile pantry item. In this recipe, adapted from “Tenderheart” by Hetty Lui McKinnon (Alfred A. Knopf, 2023), they are stuffed with potato and cheese for a deeply satisfying meal or light snack. Cooking the potatoes whole, skin intact, prevents them from absorbing too much water, and the skin also adds a nice texture to the filling. Shortcuts are always available: If you’ve got leftover mashed potatoes, you can use them and skip the first step."
Time: 1-1/4 hours; Yield: 4 servings
This was featured in "4 Easy Dishes That Embrace Everyday Vegetables", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024397-crispy-potato-tacos.
Ingredients
For the Tacos
Sea salt
1-1/2 pounds potatoes (any variety), scrubbed and cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
1-1/2 cups grated Cheddar
Handful of cilantro, leaves and stems finely chopped
1 small garlic clove, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
16 to 18 corn tortillas
Neutral oil, as needed
Any combination of sliced lettuce or cabbage, very finely sliced red onion or sour cream (all optional), for serving
For the Spicy Red Salsa
3 tomatoes (about 1 pound), chopped
1/2 red onion, roughly chopped
Small handful of cilantro, leaves and stems roughly chopped
1 fresh serrano or Fresno chile (seeded, if you prefer less spice)
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Sea salt
3/4 cup vegetable stock
Preparation
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender. (Check them by inserting a fork or knife into the largest potato piece. If it goes in and out easily, the potato is ready.) Drain and allow to cool for a few minutes.
Make the spicy red salsa: Place tomatoes, onion, cilantro, chile, garlic, cumin, oregano, sugar and 1 teaspoon salt into a blender or food processor and blitz until completely smooth. Pour the purée into a saucepan, add the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until darker in color and slightly thickened, while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
Place the cooled potatoes in a bowl and roughly mash them. (It does not have to be smooth; a chunky texture is great.) Add the Cheddar, cilantro, garlic, cumin, paprika and 1 teaspoon sea salt and mix to combine.
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and, working in batches, add the corn tortillas and heat until soft and pliable. Remove from the pan and cover the tortillas with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm. Fill each warmed tortilla with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture, then fold in half and press down lightly.
In the same skillet, add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and warm over medium-high heat. Place three or four tacos in the oil, pressing down lightly with a spatula so that the edges are in the oil, and fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until golden and crispy. Flip them over and repeat on the other side. Repeat with the remaining tacos.
Serve the tacos with the spicy red salsa and any of the optional serving suggestions. (The potatoes can be cooked and mashed 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The salsa can be made 2 days ahead and kept in the fridge. For freezing info, see Tip.)
Tip
You can freeze these assembled tacos by wrapping them tightly and storing in a freezer bag or airtight container. To cook, there is no need to thaw; you can fry them straight from frozen.
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.
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.
STAND 'N STUFF BREAKFAST TACOS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Tacos for breakfast? Absolutely! The Old El Paso® Stand 'n Stuff soft taco shells make the perfect vessel to hold your breakfast favorites."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/stand-n-stuff-breakfast-tacos.
Ingredients
6 eggs
1/4 cup half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons butter
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ black beans, drained, rinsed
4 medium green onions, sliced (1/2 cup)
6 Old El Paso™ Soft Tortilla Bowls
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky salsa
1 avocado, pitted, peeled and diced
1/3 cup sour cream
Preparation
In large bowl, beat eggs with whisk. Add half-and-half and salt; beat well. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add egg mixture; cook about 7 minutes, scraping cooked eggs up from bottom of skillet occasionally, until mixture is firm but still moist. Gently fold in beans and green onions, stirring to combine.
Heat tortillas as directed on package. Divide egg mixture evenly among tortillas. Top with Toppings. If desired, garnish with dark green tops of green onions.
Expert Tips
Complete this fabulous meal with a delicious fresh fruit salad.
ADOBO TOFU & PORTOBELLO TACOS WITH CHUNKY GUACAMOLE
This is from Vegetarian Times. Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/adobo-tofu-portobello-tacos/.
Ingredients
1 14-oz pkg organic extra-firm tofu, drained
1 1/2 tbsp finely chopped canned chipotle chiles in adobo
1 tbsp fresh orange juice
2 tsp raw honey (TRY: Wholesome! Organic Raw Honey)
8 6-inch corn tortillas
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch strips
1 large portobello mushroom, stem discarded, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1/4 sweet onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 tsp safflower oil
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Guacamole
3 tbsp finely chopped sweet onion
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 jalapeño chile pepper, finely chopped (about 1 tbsp)
1 small avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
1 tsp fresh lime juice
1/4 tsp sea salt
Preparation
Cut tofu block into 4 slabs. Arrange on a paper towel–lined baking sheet, cover with more paper towels and top with another baking sheet. Using cans, weigh the baking sheet down and set aside at room temperature for 30 minutes to drain.
Meanwhile, prepare guacamole: On a cutting board, mash onion, cilantro and jalapeño with a fork until onion is mashed. In a small bowl, combine onion mixture with avocado, lime juice and 1/4 tsp salt. Cover and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine chipotle chiles, orange juice and honey. Remove cans and top baking sheet from tofu and discard paper towels. Rub mixture on all sides of tofu and set aside on baking sheet.
Heat a grill pan or grill on medium-high. Add tortillas and grill until warm and pliable, about 1 minute per side. Stack tortillas and wrap in foil; set aside.
Mist grill pan with cooking spray or grease grill grate (still on medium-high). In a single layer, add tofu and grill until browned and heated through, 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board, then cut tofu into 2-inch strips, cover with foil and set aside.
In a large bowl, toss bell pepper, mushroom and onion slices with oil, 1/4 tsp salt and black pepper. Add to grill pan or a grill basket (for outdoor grill) and cook on medium-high, tossing occasionally, until mushrooms are soft and peppers and onions are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Divide tofu and vegetables among tortillas and top with dollops of guacamole.
BEAN AND CHEESE BURRITOS
This is from Kay Chun in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Kay wrote, "Mexican refried beans are a cinch to make at home on a weeknight thanks to some staple pantry items and a few basic fresh ingredients. Buttery canned pinto beans are perfect in this dish, breaking down into a creamy, silky mixture. (Black beans would also work great.) While the beans are often fried in lard or bacon drippings, this vegetarian version builds flavor with caramelized onion, bell pepper, garlic and smoked paprika instead. Pico de gallo adds a touch of tang to counter the rich beans. Pan-frying the wrapped burritos guarantees a golden, irresistibly crispy exterior and an interior that oozes with melted cheese."
Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 6 burritos
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022532-bean-and-cheese-burritos.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons safflower or canola oil
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion (from 1/2 medium onion)
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper (from 1/2 pepper)
Salt and black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, 1/2 cup of bean liquid reserved and the rest drained
1/2 cup store-bought or homemade pico de gallo or salsa
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
6 (9- to 10-inch) flour tortillas
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar (8 ounces)
Sour cream and hot sauce, for serving
Preparation
In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium. Add onion and bell pepper, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until light golden and tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic until fragrant, 1 minute. Add pinto beans, pico de gallo, smoked paprika, reserved bean liquid and 1/2 cup of water, and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring and mashing occasionally with a potato masher or the back of a spoon, until liquid is absorbed and mixture is thick, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer refried beans to a bowl, and wipe out skillet.
Spread 1/2 cup of the refried beans in the center of each tortilla and top each with ⅓ cup of the cheese. Fold the short sides of the tortilla over the filling; fold the bottom of the tortilla up and over the filling and tightly roll.
In the skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium. Add 3 burritos seam side down and cook until golden, turning occasionally, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to serving plates and repeat with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 3 burritos. Serve warm with sour cream and hot sauce on the side.
CRISPY POTATO TACOS
This is from Hetty Lui McKinnon in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. This recipe begins, "Potato tacos, or tacos de papa, as they are known in Mexico, make the perfect meal for those times when you find yourself with an excess of potatoes and a package of tortillas on hand. Tortillas are an endlessly versatile pantry item. In this recipe, adapted from “Tenderheart” by Hetty Lui McKinnon (Alfred A. Knopf, 2023), they are stuffed with potato and cheese for a deeply satisfying meal or light snack. Cooking the potatoes whole, skin intact, prevents them from absorbing too much water, and the skin also adds a nice texture to the filling. Shortcuts are always available: If you’ve got leftover mashed potatoes, you can use them and skip the first step."
Time: 1-1/4 hours; Yield: 4 servings
This was featured in "4 Easy Dishes That Embrace Everyday Vegetables", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024397-crispy-potato-tacos.
Ingredients
For the Tacos
Sea salt
1-1/2 pounds potatoes (any variety), scrubbed and cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
1-1/2 cups grated Cheddar
Handful of cilantro, leaves and stems finely chopped
1 small garlic clove, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
16 to 18 corn tortillas
Neutral oil, as needed
Any combination of sliced lettuce or cabbage, very finely sliced red onion or sour cream (all optional), for serving
For the Spicy Red Salsa
3 tomatoes (about 1 pound), chopped
1/2 red onion, roughly chopped
Small handful of cilantro, leaves and stems roughly chopped
1 fresh serrano or Fresno chile (seeded, if you prefer less spice)
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Sea salt
3/4 cup vegetable stock
Preparation
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender. (Check them by inserting a fork or knife into the largest potato piece. If it goes in and out easily, the potato is ready.) Drain and allow to cool for a few minutes.
Make the spicy red salsa: Place tomatoes, onion, cilantro, chile, garlic, cumin, oregano, sugar and 1 teaspoon salt into a blender or food processor and blitz until completely smooth. Pour the purée into a saucepan, add the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until darker in color and slightly thickened, while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
Place the cooled potatoes in a bowl and roughly mash them. (It does not have to be smooth; a chunky texture is great.) Add the Cheddar, cilantro, garlic, cumin, paprika and 1 teaspoon sea salt and mix to combine.
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and, working in batches, add the corn tortillas and heat until soft and pliable. Remove from the pan and cover the tortillas with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm. Fill each warmed tortilla with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture, then fold in half and press down lightly.
In the same skillet, add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and warm over medium-high heat. Place three or four tacos in the oil, pressing down lightly with a spatula so that the edges are in the oil, and fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until golden and crispy. Flip them over and repeat on the other side. Repeat with the remaining tacos.
Serve the tacos with the spicy red salsa and any of the optional serving suggestions. (The potatoes can be cooked and mashed 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The salsa can be made 2 days ahead and kept in the fridge. For freezing info, see Tip.)
Tip
You can freeze these assembled tacos by wrapping them tightly and storing in a freezer bag or airtight container. To cook, there is no need to thaw; you can fry them straight from frozen.
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.
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.
STAND 'N STUFF BREAKFAST TACOS
This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Tacos for breakfast? Absolutely! The Old El Paso® Stand 'n Stuff soft taco shells make the perfect vessel to hold your breakfast favorites."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/stand-n-stuff-breakfast-tacos.
Ingredients
6 eggs
1/4 cup half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons butter
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ black beans, drained, rinsed
4 medium green onions, sliced (1/2 cup)
6 Old El Paso™ Soft Tortilla Bowls
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky salsa
1 avocado, pitted, peeled and diced
1/3 cup sour cream
Preparation
In large bowl, beat eggs with whisk. Add half-and-half and salt; beat well. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add egg mixture; cook about 7 minutes, scraping cooked eggs up from bottom of skillet occasionally, until mixture is firm but still moist. Gently fold in beans and green onions, stirring to combine.
Heat tortillas as directed on package. Divide egg mixture evenly among tortillas. Top with Toppings. If desired, garnish with dark green tops of green onions.
Expert Tips
Complete this fabulous meal with a delicious fresh fruit salad.
ADOBO TOFU & PORTOBELLO TACOS WITH CHUNKY GUACAMOLE
This is from Vegetarian Times. Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/adobo-tofu-portobello-tacos/.
Ingredients
1 14-oz pkg organic extra-firm tofu, drained
1 1/2 tbsp finely chopped canned chipotle chiles in adobo
1 tbsp fresh orange juice
2 tsp raw honey (TRY: Wholesome! Organic Raw Honey)
8 6-inch corn tortillas
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch strips
1 large portobello mushroom, stem discarded, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1/4 sweet onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 tsp safflower oil
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Guacamole
3 tbsp finely chopped sweet onion
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 jalapeño chile pepper, finely chopped (about 1 tbsp)
1 small avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
1 tsp fresh lime juice
1/4 tsp sea salt
Preparation
Cut tofu block into 4 slabs. Arrange on a paper towel–lined baking sheet, cover with more paper towels and top with another baking sheet. Using cans, weigh the baking sheet down and set aside at room temperature for 30 minutes to drain.
Meanwhile, prepare guacamole: On a cutting board, mash onion, cilantro and jalapeño with a fork until onion is mashed. In a small bowl, combine onion mixture with avocado, lime juice and 1/4 tsp salt. Cover and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine chipotle chiles, orange juice and honey. Remove cans and top baking sheet from tofu and discard paper towels. Rub mixture on all sides of tofu and set aside on baking sheet.
Heat a grill pan or grill on medium-high. Add tortillas and grill until warm and pliable, about 1 minute per side. Stack tortillas and wrap in foil; set aside.
Mist grill pan with cooking spray or grease grill grate (still on medium-high). In a single layer, add tofu and grill until browned and heated through, 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board, then cut tofu into 2-inch strips, cover with foil and set aside.
In a large bowl, toss bell pepper, mushroom and onion slices with oil, 1/4 tsp salt and black pepper. Add to grill pan or a grill basket (for outdoor grill) and cook on medium-high, tossing occasionally, until mushrooms are soft and peppers and onions are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Divide tofu and vegetables among tortillas and top with dollops of guacamole.
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