Vegetarian Delights: A Confessions of a Foodie Offspring

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Showing posts with label Mushroom Corn and Poblano Soft Tacos with Avocado Cream. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mushroom Corn and Poblano Soft Tacos with Avocado Cream. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Taco Tuesday

It's time for another Taco Tuesday. Today's offerings include Soft Bean Tacos and Black Bean & Toasted Corn Tacos. Enjoy!

MUSHROOM, CORN AND POBLANO SOFT TACOS WITH AVOCADO CREAM

I originally found this at Oh My Veggies. The site has a mess of taco recipes from different places, which can be found here.

From Garnish with Lemon. View this online at http://www.garnishwithlemon.com/mushroom-corn-and-poblano-soft-tacos-with-avocado-cream/ Yields 5.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 (8-ounce) package mushrooms, sliced

1 cup chopped onion

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 large poblano pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1/2 cup)

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn

1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup salsa

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided

1 teaspoon hot sauce (or more, depending on your preference)

Kosher salt

10 taco-sized corn or flour tortillas

1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and diced

1/2 cup sour cream

Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions:

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir in onions, oregano, garlic, chili powder, cumin and poblano pepper and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add corn and beans to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat and stir in salsa, 1 tablespoon lime juice and hot sauce. Season to taste with salt.

Place avocado, sour cream and remaining lime juice in a blender and blend until smooth. If avocado cream is too thick, add additional lime juice to reach desired consistency. Season to taste with salt.

Warm tortillas according to package directions. Spoon mushroom mixture into tortillas, garnish with avocado cream and chopped cilantro. Serve.

TEMPEH TACOS

This is from Ali Slagle in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this yummy recipe, Ali wrote, "Hard-shell tacos, or tacos dorados, have a long history in northern Mexico and immigrant communities in California and Texas. In 1951, Glen Bell added them to the menu of his drive-in stand in San Bernardino, Calif. He would go on to found (you guessed it) Taco Bell, the fast food chain, which would help popularize hard-shell tacos in the United States. While the typical hard-shell taco is made by piling spiced and saucy ground meat and a party of toppings into a shatteringly crisp shell, this vegan version calls for tempeh. Tempeh is made by fermenting cooked soybeans into a spongelike cake with a porous structure that browns, crumbles and soaks up big flavors incredibly well. Here, it’s seasoned with well-toasted tomato paste, ground cumin, chili powder and smoked paprika, as well as nutritional yeast for added umami. That said, the recipe can also be made with vegan store-bought meat crumbles if you prefer."

Time: 25 minutes; Yield: 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022872-tempeh-tacos.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as grapeseed or sunflower), plus more as needed

2 (8-ounce) packages tempeh, crumbled into roughly 1/2-inch pieces

1 large yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Kosher salt and black pepper

3 tablespoons tomato paste

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons chili powder

1-1/2 teaspoons nutritional yeast

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon red hot sauce, plus more to taste (optional)

12 hard taco shells, warmed

Desired toppings, see Tip

Preparation

In a large (12-inch) skillet, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the tempeh and onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook, undisturbed, until deep brown, 2 minutes. Stir and cook until browned all over, 3 to 5 minutes. Add more oil as needed if the pan looks dry.

Add the tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, nutritional yeast and smoked paprika. Season with salt and cook, stirring constantly, until brick red and beginning to stick to the skillet, 5 to 7 minutes. Try not to rush this step; if it begins to burn, deglaze with a bit of water and reduce the heat.

Add 1 cup water and the hot sauce, if using. Cook, stirring and scraping up browned bits, until thickened and the mixture is sizzling, 2 to 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and hot sauce.

Divide the filling between the taco shells, then top with chosen toppings.

Tip

Great toppings include, but are not limited to: Nutritional yeast, grated Cheddar or Jack cheese, lime, shredded lettuce, chopped white onion, pico de gallo, sour cream, cashew crema, sliced jalapeños, cilantro and avocado.

SOFT BEAN TACOS

This also comes from Vegetarian Times. Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

8 (6-inch) flour tortillas

1/4 cup water

1 small red bell pepper, chopped

1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)

16-oz. can spicy fat-free refried beans

1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, reduced-fat if desired, or soy cheese

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Wrap tortillas in aluminum foil and warm in oven.

In large saucepan, combine water and bell pepper. Cover and cook over medium heat, 2 minutes. Add corn, green onions, jalapeño pepper and refried beans. Stir gently until mixture is heated through, about 5 minutes.

Remove tortillas from oven. Spread some of the filling on one half of each tortilla, then sprinkle with a small amount of cheese. Fold over and arrange on individual plates. Top with salsa and yogurt if desired.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 260; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 33 g; Cholesterol: 17 mg; Sodium: 455 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: g; Yield: 4 to 6 Servings

GOLDEN TOFU SCRAMBLE TACOS

This is from Vegetarian Times. It begins, "This meatless version of traditional tacos packs a generous dose of protein from the nutritional yeast, tofu, and pinto beans, plus iron from the spinach—nutrients often lacking in vegan diets."

Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/golden-tofu-scramble-tacos-recipe/.

Ingredients

1 block firm tofu

1 Tbs. olive oil

2 shallots, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 large red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 tsp. turmeric

1/2 tsp. ground coriander

1/4 tsp. cayenne

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

1 cup cooked or canned pinto beans (drained and rinsed)

3 cups baby spinach

8 small corn tortillas, warmed

1 avocado, thinly sliced

1 cup salsa of choice

Preparation

Place tofu on paper towel-lined cutting board or other flat surface. Top with more paper towels and another cutting board or flat item. Press down to extract as much water as possible. Using large holes of a box grater or the tines of a fork, grate tofu into bowl.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat.

Add shallots and garlic, and cook 2 minutes, stirring often. Stir in red bell pepper, turmeric, coriander, cayenne, salt, and pepper, and heat 1 minute more. Add tofu and nutritional yeast, and cook 2 minutes, stirring often. Add pinto beans and baby spinach, and cook until spinach is slightly wilted and everything is heated through.

Divide tofu mixture among tortillas and top with avocado and salsa.

SPICY QUINOA TACOS

This is from Vegetarian Times. It begins, "Katelyn Drake, a lifelong vegetarian based in Oklahoma City, Okla., makes these quick, filling tacos for both dinner parties and weeknight dinners at home. She suggests adjusting the spices as you go: “Don’t be afraid to add a fresh jalapeño if you want more heat!” Serve with avocado slices, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime."

Makes 6 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/spicy-quinoa-tacos/.

Ingredients

1 Tbs. olive oil

1 small onion, diced (1 cup)

1 rib celery, diced (1/2 cup)

1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)

1 Tbs. ground cumin

1 Tbs. chili powder

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 15-oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles

1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained

2 medium carrots, diced (1 cup)

1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels

12 6-inch corn tortillas

Preparation

Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and celery, and cook 5 minutes, or until soft. Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne, and sauté 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes with liquid. Cook 2 minutes, then stir in quinoa, carrots, and broth. Cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 20 to 25 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Mix in black beans and corn. Serve in tortillas.

BLACK BEAN & TOASTED CORN TACOS

This also comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, “Surprise! These brown-bag-friendly tacos are just as good chilled as they are served hot.” Yield: Makes 4 tacos.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked black beans

1/2 cup prepared salsa

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)

2 1/2 tsp. ground cumin, divided

1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

4 6-inch corn tortillas

12 baby spinach leaves

1/2 cup jarred roasted red pepper strips

1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro

2 small green onions, finely chopped (1/4 cup)

1/4 cup crumbled cottage or feta cheese, optional

Instructions:

Bring beans, salsa, garlic, and 1 tsp. cumin to a simmer in saucepan. Reduce heat to medium low, and cook 5 to 6 minutes, or until soft. Remove from heat, and mash with fork to crush beans for creamier filling, if desired.

Heat skillet over medium-high heat, and coat with olive oil cooking spray. Wrap corn in paper towels, and squeeze out excess water. Add corn to skillet in single layer, and sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 tsp. cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. Cook 5 to 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy, stirring frequently.

Preheat oven or toaster oven to 350°F. Toast tortillas in toaster oven 1 minute to soften. Alternately, bake tortillas on taco baking rack in oven 7 to 10 minutes, or until crisp. Fill each tortilla with 1/4 cup beans, 1/4 cup corn, 3 spinach leaves, red pepper strips, cilantro, and green onions. Top each taco with 1 Tbs. cheese, if using. Serve immediately, or pack into lunch container, and chill.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 362; Protein: 14 g; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 74 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 904 mg; Fiber: 14 g; Sugar: 9 g

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Taco Tuesday

I hope your holidays have gone well this year. Less than a week until the new year, making this the last Taco Tuesday of 2023. Check out the wonderful meatless tacos, including the Mushroom, Corn and Poblano Soft Tacos with Avocado Cream (even the name is a mouthful!), the Spicy Quinoa Tacos, and the rest of today's yumminess. Enjoy!

AVOCADO TACOS

This recipe is from Enrique Olvera and adapted by Jeff Gordinier on The New York Times cooking site. Jeff wrote, "Most top chefs will tell you the same thing: When they finally escape from the elaborate labors they oversee in the kitchen, they crave late-night street food that’s poetically simple and satisfying: hot dogs, fried rice, a bowl of noodles. For Enrique Olvera, the chef at Cosme in New York and Pujol in Mexico City, that hand-to-mouth haiku can be found in avocado tacos, which he scarfs down around the clock. They serve as both “a comfort,” he said, and “a cultural expression.” In its most basic form, an avocado taco is like a two-bite couplet in praise of Mexican ingredients: a chewy corn tortilla enclosing creamy slices of the-butter-that-grows-on-trees. Spare additions elevate that avocado: a pinch of salt, a spray of lime juice, a sprinkle of chopped onions and cilantro. But the chef takes elevation one step further with a salsa made of pasilla chiles and tomatillos."

Yield: 12 tacos; Time: 45 minutes

This was featured in "Scouting the Scene", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016784-avocado-tacos.

Note: The article ("Scouting the Scene") is well worth the read; check it out!

Ingredients

4 pasilla chiles

1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt

2 garlic cloves

10 tomatillos, boiled in salted water for 15 minutes or until soft

3 avocados, sliced thin

12 corn tortillas

3/4 cup white onion, finely diced

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Preparation

Make the salsa: Snap the stems off the chiles and remove the seeds. Using tongs, carefully hold the chiles over a medium flame to char on all sides. Transfer chiles to a food processor, add the salt and process into a powder. Add the garlic and tomatillos and purée until smooth. (This makes 1 pint salsa, more than needed; refrigerate the rest in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.)

To serve, place 3 or 4 slices of avocado on each tortilla and top with salsa, onion and cilantro.

SPICY PUMPKIN BURRITOS

This is from American Heart Association, and begins, “Try this hearty vegetarian burrito using seasonal Fall vegetables.”

Servings: 8; Serving Size: 1 burrito

To view this online, go to https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/spicy-pumpkin-burritos

Ingredients

1 tsp. olive oil (extra virgin preferred)

1/2 cup frozen whole kernel corn

15.5 oz. canned, no-salt-added black beans (drained, rinsed)

15 oz. canned solid-pack pumpkin (not pie filling)

1 cup cooked brown rice, cooked without salt and margarine

1/4 cup water

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. chile powder (made with ancho chiles preferred)

1/2 tsp. dried oregano (crumbled)

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

8 8-inch low-fat whole-grain tortillas, lowest sodium available

1/2 cup sliced green onions

1/2 cup fat-free sour cream

1/2 cup shredded lettuce, such as romaine, or spinach

1/2 cup chopped tomato

Directions

In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the corn for 4 to 5 minutes, or until slightly browned, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the beans, pumpkin, rice, water, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne. Bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, or until heated through.

Warm the tortillas using the package directions.

Spoon the filling down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle the green onions over the filling. For each burrito, fold two sides of the tortilla toward the center. Starting from the unfolded side closest to you, roll the burrito toward the remaining unfolded side to enclose the filling. Transfer with the seam side down to plates. Top with the sour cream. Sprinkle with the lettuce and tomato.

MUSHROOM, CORN AND POBLANO SOFT TACOS WITH AVOCADO CREAM

I originally found this at Oh My Veggies. The site has a mess of taco recipes from different places, which can be found here.

From Garnish with Lemon. View this online at http://www.garnishwithlemon.com/mushroom-corn-and-poblano-soft-tacos-with-avocado-cream/ Yields 5.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 (8-ounce) package mushrooms, sliced

1 cup chopped onion

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 large poblano pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1/2 cup)

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn

1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup salsa

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided

1 teaspoon hot sauce (or more, depending on your preference)

Kosher salt

10 taco-sized corn or flour tortillas

1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and diced

1/2 cup sour cream

Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions:

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir in onions, oregano, garlic, chili powder, cumin and poblano pepper and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add corn and beans to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat and stir in salsa, 1 tablespoon lime juice and hot sauce. Season to taste with salt.

Place avocado, sour cream and remaining lime juice in a blender and blend until smooth. If avocado cream is too thick, add additional lime juice to reach desired consistency. Season to taste with salt.

Warm tortillas according to package directions. Spoon mushroom mixture into tortillas, garnish with avocado cream and chopped cilantro. Serve.

MUSHROOM TACOS

This is from Runner's World and can be viewed online here. Recipe feeds 2-3 runners; Time needed: 30-45 minutes

What you’ll need:

Pound of scrubbed assorted mushrooms (creminis and portabellos work well)

1 yellow onion

2 cloves garlic

6 small corn tortillas

1 orange

1 lime

1 teaspoon cumin

2 teaspoons dark chili powder

1 teaspoon oregano

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt to taste

Cilantro

How to make it:

Dice up one onion, setting aside three tablespoons for onion topping. Cut mushrooms into large chunks.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high-heat. Add onions and mushrooms and sauté for about 10 minutes until onions are tender and mushrooms begin to brown.

Mince garlic. Juice orange and lime. Reserve two wedges of lime.

Add garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder to onions and mushroom.

Saute for 30 seconds until garlic is aromatic, then add orange and lime juice, along with about a teaspoon of salt.

Cook for two to three minutes until the juice reduces.

Heat tortillas individually in a dry pan on the stove or all together wrapped in a towel in the microwave.

Spoon mushroom mix into tortillas and garnish with reserved raw onion and chopped cilantro. Enjoy!

TACO PASTA SALAD

This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "A Taco Pasta Salad is a great idea for any event, from weeknight taco nights to potlucks or picnics. It's hearty enough to be the main course or a cool side dish to other grill recipes. All you need is 10 minutes of prep time and Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix to make pasta salad with taco seasoning. It's packed with all your favorite ingredients like black beans, corn, cilantro, tomatoes, salsa, lime juice, avocados and cheese. Chill before you serve, and enjoy!"

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Makes 12 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/taco-pasta-salad.

Ingredients

1 lb medium pasta shells (or other pasta shape)

1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

2 cups corn, frozen, canned, or fresh (cooked)

1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped

2 tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 1/2 cups salsa

1/3 cup olive oil

1/4 cup lime juice

2 tablespoons Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

3 avocados, firm but ripe - diced

Preparation

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.

In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, black beans, corn, cilantro, tomatoes, and salsa. Toss gently.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, taco seasoning, and garlic. Pour over pasta and toss to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Chill until serving.

Right before serving, toss in the cheese and avocado. Add your favorite taco toppings like sour cream or crushed tortillas.

Expert Tips

This Taco Pasta Salad works best with firm but ripe avocados. Overly ripe avocados will become mushy.

You can make Taco Pasta Salad with shells or any small pasta shape. Feel free to use what you have on hand.

Reserve a small amount of veggies to sprinkle on top of the cold taco pasta salad for a pretty presentation.

SPICY QUINOA TACOS

This is from Vegetarian Times. It begins, "Katelyn Drake, a lifelong vegetarian based in Oklahoma City, Okla., makes these quick, filling tacos for both dinner parties and weeknight dinners at home. She suggests adjusting the spices as you go: “Don’t be afraid to add a fresh jalapeño if you want more heat!” Serve with avocado slices, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime."

Makes 6 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/spicy-quinoa-tacos/.

Ingredients

1 Tbs. olive oil

1 small onion, diced (1 cup)

1 rib celery, diced (1/2 cup)

1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)

1 Tbs. ground cumin

1 Tbs. chili powder

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 15-oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles

1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained

2 medium carrots, diced (1 cup)

1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels

12 6-inch corn tortillas

Preparation

Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and celery, and cook 5 minutes, or until soft. Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne, and sauté 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes with liquid. Cook 2 minutes, then stir in quinoa, carrots, and broth. Cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 20 to 25 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Mix in black beans and corn. Serve in tortillas.

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Taco Tuesday

While we're dealing with the holidays, there's still time for a Taco Tuesday. Check out the Mushroom Corn and Poblano Soft Tacos with Avocado Cream, the Vegan Chipotle Lentil Tacos, or any of the other yummy meatless tacos in today's post. Enjoy!

VEGETARIAN TACO BAKE

This is from Casey Barber on the Today Show site. It begins, "Taco night! Those two little words bring big smiles to everyone in the family, and now there's a new way to do tacos that might be even easier than the traditional method — and it's vegetarian, too! This easy rice and beans casserole combines everything you love about tacos in a fun, scoopable package. Whether you like bowl-style Mexican meals or classic crunchy hard shells, you'll find something to love in this meal.

"Make it with leftover rice or your favorite whole grain, substitute black beans or kidney beans, or even add a freshly-chopped jalapeno if you really want to spice things up! Scoop and serve and watch the smiles."

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Servings: 4-6

To view this online, go to https://www.today.com/recipes/vegetarian-taco-bake-t84181.

Ingredients

1 15-ounce can pinto beans or ranchero beans, drained

1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes

1 4-ounce can chopped green chiles

3 cups cooked brown or white rice (from 1 cup dried rice)

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup + 1/3 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided (see below)

Cilantro for garnish (optional)

Tortilla chips for serving

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Mix the beans, tomatoes, chiles, rice, chili powder, salt, and 1/4 cup cheese together in a large bowl.

Pour the mixture into a 9-inch square or round baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup cheese evenly over the casserole.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Garnish with cilantro, if desired, and serve with tortilla chips on the side or for scooping.

VEGAN CHIPOTLE LENTIL TACOS

This is from Lena Abraham on Delish. Lena wrote, "These vegan tacos are loaded with bright flavors and a variety of textures—just like any good taco should be! Serve them up with some frozen margaritas and homemade guacamole for the full Taco Tuesday experience."

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yields: 3-4

To view this online, go to https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a32293305/vegan-tacos-recipe/.

Ingredients

For lentil filling:

2 1/2 c. cooked green lentils (from about 1 cup dried)

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 tbsp. tomato paste

1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. ground coriander

Kosher salt

For creamy avocado sauce:

1/2 avocado

Juice of 1 lime

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 c. fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

For serving:

8 corn tortillas, warmed

Pickled red onions

Cilantro leaves, for serving

Directions

Make creamy avocado sauce: combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor, and add 2/3 cups cold water. Blend until smooth.

Make lentil filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until soft, 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more.

Add tomato paste and chipotle pepper, and cook, mashing pepper with a wooden spoon, until tomato paste has darkened slightly, 2 minutes. Add cumin and coriander and season with salt.

Add lentils and 1/4 cup cold water. Stir to combine, then cook, stirring and mashing some of the lentils occasionally, until lentils are heated through and partially mashed, and no liquid remains, about 5 minutes. Add more water a tablespoon at a time if skillet becomes dry.

Assemble tacos: fill each tortilla with a big spoonful of lentil mixture, a drizzle of sauce, red onions, and jalapeño.

SNAPPY TACOS

This is another good taco recipe from Vegetarian Times. This one begins, "Just two of these tacos provide nearly all the soy protein of the daily FDA recommendation of 25 grams." Yield: Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

4 tsp. vegetable oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

12-oz. pkg. soy crumbles, plain or taco-flavored

1/4 cup dark beer (see Note

1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

2 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. dried oregano

2 large jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped

1/2 cup salsa, drained

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

8 taco shells

Garnishes: See my note under Toppings for the Tasty Black Beans & Corn Tacos, above.

Note: If you - like me - don't have dark beer (or any beer, for that matter), I suggest simply increasing the low-sodium vegetable broth to 3/4 cup

Instructions:

In large nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add 1/4 cup onion and 1/4 teaspoon garlic and cook, stirring often, until onion is softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat and mix in soy crumbles, beer and broth. Reduce heat and simmer until liquid has almost evaporated, about 8 minutes. Transfer mixture to plate and set aside. Wipe out skillet.

Heat remaining 2 teaspoons oil in skillet over medium-low heat. Add remaining onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until onion is softened, about 4 minutes. Add chili powder, oregano and jalapeños, stirring until mixture is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add reserved crumbles, salsa and cilantro and stir well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes.

Spoon 1/4 cup filling into each taco shell. Top with some or all garnishes and serve hot.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 302; Protein: 22 g; Total Fat: 11 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 28 g; Cholesterol: mg; Sodium: 633 mg; Fiber: 8 g; Sugar: g

MUSHROOM CHICHARRON TACOS

This is from Jocelyn Ramirez in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Jocelyn write, "This simple recipe calls for pan-searing meaty oyster mushrooms so they become as perfectly crispy and golden as chicharrón. Paired with fresh pico de gallo, these mushrooms feel satisfying with their natural umami savoriness. This quick dish tastes like juicy carniceria tacos that balance the richness of fried meat with the acidic punch of salsa."

Yield: 4 servings; Time: 30 minutes

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022424-mushroom-chicharron-tacos.

Ingredients

For the Pico de Gallo:

1 large beefsteak tomato, cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice

1 large ripe Hass avocado, pitted, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice

2 jalapeños, stemmed and finely chopped (seeded if desired)

1/2 cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 to 2 limes)

Coarse kosher salt

For the Mushroom Tacos:

18 ounces oyster mushrooms (from 2 to 3 medium clusters)

1/3 cup neutral oil, such as canola

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1-1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt

Black pepper

12 corn tortillas

Preparation

Make the pico de gallo: Combine the tomato, avocado, jalapeños, cilantro and lime juice in a bowl and season with salt. Gently fold together. Set aside to allow flavors to marry while the mushrooms cook.

Make the tacos: Tear the oyster mushrooms into bite-size pieces, leaving some mushroom tops whole. To make sure the mushrooms become crisp, cook in two batches: Heat a large cast iron or other heavy skillet over medium-high and coat with half of the oil. Once the oil is hot, add half of the mushrooms in a single layer without crowding the skillet. Cook, stirring every few minutes, until deep golden brown and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate, then repeat with the remaining oil and mushrooms. Return the first batch to the skillet, and add the cumin and salt, and season with pepper. Stir well, then remove from the heat.

While the mushrooms are cooking, warm the tortillas on a comal or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until soft and pliable. Wrap them in a dish towel to keep them warm until ready to serve. Divide the mushrooms and pico de gallo among the warm tortillas. Serve immediately.

MEXICAN ROSE TACO SALAD

This is from Vegetarian Times and begins, "Pick up the festive flavors of Mexico in this robust main-course salad. This would also make a beckoning brunch main dish. In either case, offer a basket of hot corn or flour tortillas as wrappers. To underscore the taco flavor, garnish this salad with whole or crushed taco chips, if desired." Yield: 4 to 6 servings.

This can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

1 head red leaf lettuce, rinsed

15-oz. can black or navy beans, drained and rinsed

15 1/4-oz. can corn, drained

6-oz. can pitted black olives, drained

1 bunch scallions, cut into 1-inch lengths

2 medium-sized tomatoes, thinly sliced

1 ripe avocado, peeled and thinly sliced

1 cup loosely packed fresh coriander leaves

1 to 2 jalapeno chiles, thinly sliced, for garnish

Dressing

1/2 cup olive oil

Juice of 1/2 lime

1 tsp. chili powder, or to taste

3 Tbs. taco sauce

1 Tbs. granulated sugar, or to taste

Instructions:

Dry lettuce leaves, trim off tough ends and line salad bowl with leaves.

Combine beans, corn kernels, olives, scallions and tomatoes in a mixing bowl and toss to combine. Add avocado and coriander leaves and stir in gently.

To make dressing, combine ingredients in bowl and beat together to combine. Toss salad ingredients with dressing.

To serve, scoop bean mixture into the salad bowl. Garnish with sliced jalapeños.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 470; Protein: 20 g; Total Fat: 30 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 46 g; Cholesterol: mg; Sodium: 280 mg; Fiber: 10 g; Sugar: g

MUSHROOM, CORN AND POBLANO SOFT TACOS WITH AVOCADO CREAM

I originally found this at Oh My Veggies. The site has a mess of taco recipes from different places, which can be found here.

From Garnish with Lemon. View this online at http://www.garnishwithlemon.com/mushroom-corn-and-poblano-soft-tacos-with-avocado-cream/ Yields 5.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 (8-ounce) package mushrooms, sliced

1 cup chopped onion

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 large poblano pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1/2 cup)

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn

1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup salsa

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided

1 teaspoon hot sauce (or more, depending on your preference)

Kosher salt

10 taco-sized corn or flour tortillas

1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and diced

1/2 cup sour cream

Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions:

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir in onions, oregano, garlic, chili powder, cumin and poblano pepper and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add corn and beans to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat and stir in salsa, 1 tablespoon lime juice and hot sauce. Season to taste with salt.

Place avocado, sour cream and remaining lime juice in a blender and blend until smooth. If avocado cream is too thick, add additional lime juice to reach desired consistency. Season to taste with salt.

Warm tortillas according to package directions. Spoon mushroom mixture into tortillas, garnish with avocado cream and chopped cilantro. Serve.

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Taco Tuesday

It's time for another Taco Tuesday. Today's vegetarian offerings include Chili-Lime Mushroom Tacos and Vegan Chipotle Lentil Tacos. Enjoy!

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.

SOFT BEAN TACOS

This also comes from Vegetarian Times. Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

8 (6-inch) flour tortillas

1/4 cup water

1 small red bell pepper, chopped

1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)

16-oz. can spicy fat-free refried beans

1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, reduced-fat if desired, or soy cheese

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Wrap tortillas in aluminum foil and warm in oven.

In large saucepan, combine water and bell pepper. Cover and cook over medium heat, 2 minutes. Add corn, green onions, jalapeño pepper and refried beans. Stir gently until mixture is heated through, about 5 minutes.

Remove tortillas from oven. Spread some of the filling on one half of each tortilla, then sprinkle with a small amount of cheese. Fold over and arrange on individual plates. Top with salsa and yogurt if desired.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 260; Protein: 12 g; Total Fat: 10 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 33 g; Cholesterol: 17 mg; Sodium: 455 mg; Fiber: 6 g; Sugar: g; Yield: 4 to 6 Servings

VEGAN CHIPOTLE LENTIL TACOS

This is from Lena Abraham, the Senior Food Editor for Delish. For this recipe, Lena wrote, "These vegan tacos are loaded with bright flavors and a variety of textures—just like any good taco should be! Serve them up with some frozen margaritas and homemade guacamole for the full Taco Tuesday experience.

"Made these? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!

"P.S. Wondering what to do with the rest of the chipotle peppers? Freeze them! They keep FOREVER, and they're delicious added to soups and stews, or mixed into mayo (or vegenaise) for a spicy dip or spread!"

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yields: 3 - 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a32293305/vegan-tacos-recipe/.

Ingredients

For lentil filling:

2 1/2 c. cooked green lentils (from about 1 cup dried)

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 tbsp. tomato paste

1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. ground coriander

Kosher salt

For creamy avocado sauce:

1/2 avocado

Juice of 1 lime

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 c. fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

For serving:

8 corn tortillas, warmed

Pickled red onions

Cilantro leaves, for serving

Directions

Make creamy avocado sauce: combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor, and add 2/3 cups cold water. Blend until smooth.

Make lentil filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until soft, 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more.

Add tomato paste and chipotle pepper, and cook, mashing pepper with a wooden spoon, until tomato paste has darkened slightly, 2 minutes. Add cumin and coriander and season with salt.

Add lentils and 1/4 cup cold water. Stir to combine, then cook, stirring and mashing some of the lentils occasionally, until lentils are heated through and partially mashed, and no liquid remains, about 5 minutes. Add more water a tablespoon at a time if skillet becomes dry.

Assemble tacos: fill each tortilla with a big spoonful of lentil mixture, a drizzle of sauce, red onions, and jalapeño.

CHILI-LIME MUSHROOM TACOS

Okay, this is something that I've posted on several Taco Tuesdays, but since mushrooms are a big part of this recipe, I'm also posting it here.

This comes from Taste of Home, and begins with this note from Greg Fontenot (The Woodlands, Texas), "I used to make this dish with beef, but substituting with portobella mushrooms turned it into my family's vegetarian favorite. It's quick, nutritious, low fat and tasty."

Prep/Total Time: 25 minutes; Makes: 4 servings

View this online at https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chili-lime-mushroom-tacos/.

Ingredients

4 large portobello mushrooms (about 3/4 pound)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium sweet red pepper, cut into strips

1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon grated lime zest

2 tablespoons lime juice

8 corn tortillas (6 inches), warmed

1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

Directions

Remove stems from mushrooms; if desired, remove gills using a spoon. Cut mushrooms into 1/2-in. slices.

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; saute mushrooms, red pepper and onion until mushrooms are tender, 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic, seasonings, lime zest and juice; cook and stir 1 minute. Serve in tortillas; top with cheese.

Health Tip: Making these tacos with lean ground beef adds almost 4 grams of saturated fat per serving. That’s a good reason for a meatless taco Tuesday!

MUSHROOM, CORN AND POBLANO SOFT TACOS WITH AVOCADO CREAM

I originally found this at Oh My Veggies. The site has a mess of taco recipes from different places, which can be found here.

From Garnish with Lemon. View this online at http://www.garnishwithlemon.com/mushroom-corn-and-poblano-soft-tacos-with-avocado-cream/ Yields 5.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 (8-ounce) package mushrooms, sliced

1 cup chopped onion

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 large poblano pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1/2 cup)

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn

1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup salsa

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided

1 teaspoon hot sauce (or more, depending on your preference)

Kosher salt

10 taco-sized corn or flour tortillas

1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and diced

1/2 cup sour cream

Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions:

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir in onions, oregano, garlic, chili powder, cumin and poblano pepper and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add corn and beans to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat and stir in salsa, 1 tablespoon lime juice and hot sauce. Season to taste with salt.

Place avocado, sour cream and remaining lime juice in a blender and blend until smooth. If avocado cream is too thick, add additional lime juice to reach desired consistency. Season to taste with salt.

Warm tortillas according to package directions. Spoon mushroom mixture into tortillas, garnish with avocado cream and chopped cilantro. Serve.

STIR-FRY VEGETABLE TACOS

This one also comes from Vegetarian Times, and begins, "Spice up these tacos with sliced pickled ginger, crushed wasabi peas, and sriracha chile sauce, for garnish." Yield: Serves 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients:

3 Tbs. peanut oil

2 cups shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced (6 oz.)

1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed

1 cup frozen shelled edamame

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

3 Tbs. white miso

2 Tbs. orange juice

2 tsp. rice vinegar

2 cups broccoli slaw

4 6-inch corn or flour tortillas, warmed

2 Tbs. sliced green onions

Instructions:

Heat oil in nonstick skillet over high heat. Add mushrooms, sugar snap peas, edamame, and cayenne pepper; cook 7 to 9 minutes, or until vegetables start to turn golden, stirring occasionally. Transfer to bowl, and cool 10 minutes in refrigerator.

Meanwhile, whisk together miso, orange juice, and rice vinegar in small bowl. Drizzle over mushroom mixture. Stir in broccoli slaw. Fill tortillas with vegetable mixture, and garnish with green onions.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 272; Protein: 8 g; Total Fat: 13 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Carbohydrates: 35 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 386 mg; Fiber: 7 g; Sugar: 10 g