Taco Tuesday

If you love tacos, you might not mind that it's time for another Taco Tuesday. Today's vegetarian tacos include Bold Ranch Impossible™ Tacos and Indian Dal Tacos. Enjoy!

SUMMER TACOS WITH CORN, GREEN BEANS AND TOMATILLO SALSA

This is from Martha Rose Shulman on The New York Times cooking site. Martha wrote, "Another way to use the versatile green bean in summer cooking. Cut into one-inch lengths and add to a mix of corn, chiles and green tomatillo salsa. Green beans are such a reliable and versatile summer vegetable. I serve them on their own, of course, but I also throw them into various pasta dishes and salads, and here I’ve used them in a taco filling. Cook the beans first, just until tender, then cut them into one-inch lengths and add to this sweet and spicy mix of corn, chiles and green tomatillo salsa."

Yield: Serves 4; Time: 20 minutes

This was featured in "Vegetarian Taco Night", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016745-summer-tacos-with-corn-green-beans-and-tomatillo-salsa.

Ingredients

1/2 pound green beans, topped and tailed

4 ears corn

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 small red or white onion, finely chopped

Salt to taste

1 serrano chile, minced

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 recipe fresh tomatillo salsa

8 warm corn tortillas

1/4 to 1/2 cup crumbled feta, queso fresco or goat cheese

Preparation

Bring a large saucepan full of water to a boil and salt generously. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl of cold water, drain and cut in 1-inch lengths.

Cut the kernels off corncobs. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy skillet and add onion. Cook, stirring often, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add a generous pinch of salt, the corn and chile, and continue to cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until corn is tender. Stir in green beans and cilantro, and about 1/4 cup of the salsa (more to taste). Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Top warm tortillas with corn and bean mix. Sprinkle cheese over the corn and add more salsa if desired.

Tip

Advance preparation: You can make this filling a few hours before serving, but the fresher it is, the better. Reheat gently in a pan.

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.

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.

VEGGIE TACO SALAD

Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/veggie-taco-salad.

Ingredients

2 cups soy crumbles (you can find these in your grocer's freezer section or refrigerated meat section)

3/4 cup salsa

5 cups shredded lettuce

1 cup corn kernels

1 cup black beans

Topping Options

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons sliced ripe olives

2 tablespoons fat free sour cream

Directions

In large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook crumbles and salsa over medium heat about 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring frequently.

In large bowl toss together lettuce, corn and black beans. Arrange on 4 serving plates. Top with crumbles mixture. Sprinkle with toppings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 180; Fat: 4 g; Sodium: 600 mg; Protein: 14 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g

MINI MAC AND CHEESE TACO BOWLS

This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Just when you thought everyone's favorite mac and cheese meal couldn't get any better—it does—by making mac and cheese bowls! Mac and cheese taco bowls turn this classic favorite into a fun bite-size appetizer or light meal with an easy, made-from-scratch creamy cheese sauce. Old El Paso™ Mini Soft Tortilla Bowls create a new way to enjoy the go-to family meal that's calling for the addition of tasty toppings for a taco twist."

Prep Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Makes 6 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/mini-mac-and-cheese-taco-bowls.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter

1 package (12 count) Old El Paso™ Mini Soft Tortilla Bowls

1 1/4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cups milk

1 1/2 cups Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (6 oz)

Chopped green onions, chopped tomatoes, Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce, as desired

Preparation

Heat oven to 325°F. In small microwavable bowl, microwave 1 tablespoon of the butter uncovered on High 20 to 30 seconds or until melted. Lightly brush melted butter on all sides of tortilla bowls. Place bowls in ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish. Set aside.

Cook macaroni as directed on package; drain, and set aside.

Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and salt until well blended. Gradually stir in milk. Cook and stir 6 to 8 minutes or until bubbly and thickened. Remove from heat.

Stir in cheese until melted and smooth. Return to heat; stir in macaroni, and cook over low heat until heated through, stirring frequently. Divide mixture evenly among tortilla bowls.

Bake 7 to 10 minutes or until edges of bowls feel firm. Let stand 5 minutes. Top with remaining ingredients.

Expert tips

Want a little more heat? Top your mini mac and cheese bowls with Old El Paso™ Medium Taco Sauce.

These macaroni bowls are a great way to use up leftover cooked macaroni! You will need 2 2/3 cups of cooked macaroni for this recipe.

Stir, stir, stir! The cheese sauce is a snap to make, but it requires attentive stirring.

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.

Taco Tuesday

It's time for another Taco Tuesday. Today's offerings include Grilled Portobello Tacos with Salsa Verde and Chard and Sweet Corn Tacos. Enjoy!

TACOS WITH ROASTED POTATOES, SQUASH AND PEPPERS (RAJAS)

This is from Martha Rose Shulman on The New York Times cooking site. Martha wrote, "You can turn the heat up or down on this taco, depending on your taste for spiciness. Season the potatoes, onions and squash before roasting. A comforting filling that you can heat up or tone down, depending on your taste for spicy. If you like heat, use a preponderance of poblanos and Anaheims for your peppers; if not, use more bell peppers. I season the potatoes, onions and squash with cumin and chili powder before I roast them, and serve the tacos with a cooked salsa ranchera.."

Yield: Serves 4; Time: 40 minutes

This was featured in "Vegetarian Taco Night", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016746-tacos-with-roasted-potatoes-squash-and-peppers-rajas.

Ingredients

1 pound potatoes, such as Yukon golds, cut into 1-inch chunks

Salt to taste

1 teaspoon lightly toasted cumin seeds, ground

1 teaspoon mild chili powder

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 pound summer squash, preferably a dense squash like Ronde de Nice, cut into 1-inch chunks

1 medium red onion, cut in half lengthwise and sliced in half-moons

1 pound mixed sweet and hot peppers (such as a mix of poblanos and bell peppers), roasted, peeled, seeded and cut in thin 2-inch strips8 warm corn tortillas

1 recipe salsa ranchera (without chipotles)

3 ounces goat cheese (about 3/4 cup crumbled)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. Place potatoes on one baking sheet and toss with salt to taste, 3/4 teaspoon each of the ground cumin and chili powder, and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Spread in an even layer.

Place squash and onion slices on other parchment-covered baking sheet and toss with the remaining olive oil, salt to taste, cumin and chili powder.

Depending on the size of your oven, roast vegetables together or separately on the middle rack. Roast potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes, or until lightly browned and tender all the way through. Remove from oven and transfer to a large bowl. Roast squash and onions for about 15 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes, until tender and lightly colored. Remove from oven and add to bowl with potatoes. Add pepper strips (rajas) and toss together. Season to taste with salt, and add more chili powder if desired. Keep warm.

Spoon filling onto warm tortillas and add a generous spoonful of salsa. Top with goat cheese and serve.

Tip

Advance preparation: The filling can be made up to a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently in a pan or in the microwave. It will not be as moist, and you might want to add a little olive oil.

CHARD AND SWEET CORN TACOS

This is from Martha Rose Shulman on The New York Times cooking site. Martha wrote, "These sweet and spicy tacos can be filled with chard of any color, or other greens like beet greens or amaranth. I used Swiss chard for these tacos, but other greens like beet greens or amaranth will work. I don’t recommend strong-tasting cruciferous greens like kale, though. You can use green chard, red chard or rainbow, and do include the stalks if they’re nice and wide. Don’t skimp on the garlic. As for the salsa, you can choose between fresh or cooked tomato salsa, or use a salsa verde made with tomatillos. They all work well. A quarter cup of filling is plenty for each taco."

Yield: 8 tacos, serving 4; Time: 15 to 20 minutes

This was featured in "Vegetarian Taco Night", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016744-chard-and-sweet-corn-tacos.

Ingredients

1 generous bunch Swiss chard (about 3/4 pound)

Salt to taste

1 medium white, red or yellow onion, sliced

3 large garlic cloves, minced

Kernels from 2 ears sweet corn

Freshly ground pepper

8 warm corn tortillas

1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta (but not too salty a feta)

Salsa of your choice

Preparation

Bring a large pot of water to a boil while you stem chard and wash leaves in 2 rinses of water. Rinse stalks and dice them if they are wide and not stringy.

When water in pot comes to a boil, salt generously and add chard leaves. Blanch for a minute, then transfer to a bowl of cold water and drain. Take chard up by the handful and squeeze out excess water, then cut into 1/2-inch wide strips. Set aside.

Heat oil over medium heat in a large, heavy skillet and add onion. Cook, stirring often, until onions are tender and beginning to color, about 8 minutes, and add a generous pinch of salt, the garlic, diced chard stalks and corn kernels. Continue to cook, stirring often, until corn is just tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in chard and cook, stirring, for another minute or two, until ingredients are combined nicely and chard is tender but still bright. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

Heat tortillas. Top with vegetables, a sprinkling of cheese and a spoonful of salsa.

Tip

Advance preparation: The filling will keep for a day in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet.

GRILLED PORTOBELLOW TACOS WITH SALSA VERDE

This is from Vegetarian Times. The description states, "Juicy, earthy portobello mushrooms make these tacos a mouthwatering treat." The recipe then begins, "Don’t worry if the mushroom caps seem slightly undercooked when you pull them from the grill; leave them out on a plate, and they will continue to cook (this is called carryover cooking)."

Makes 6 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/grilled-portobello-tacos-with-salsa-verde-recipe/.

Ingredients

Marinade

1/3 cup canola oil

3 Tbs. balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. black pepper

Tacos

6 large portobello mushroom caps

6 6-inch soft corn tortillas

2 avocados, sliced

2 cups chopped tomatoes

3 cups shredded cabbage

Salsa verde

4 tomatillos, chopped (or 1 cup canned)

1 large green bell pepper or poblano chile, roughly chopped

1 large bunch fresh cilantro, leaves only

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic

3 tsp. organic sugar or agave nectar

1 1/4 tsp. canola oil

1 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

Preparation

Preheat grill or grill pan to high heat. To make Marinade: combine all ingredients in small bowl.

To make Tacos:

Brush mushroom caps with marinade. Grill mushrooms 3 to 5 minutes per side. Cool until easy to handle, then slice into strips.

To make Salsa Verde:

Purée all ingredients in food processor 1 minute, or until smooth. Pour salsa over mushroom strips, and let stand 5 to 10 minutes.

Lightly warm tortillas 15 seconds per side in skillet or on griddle. Fill tortillas with sliced mushrooms, avocado slices, tomatoes, and cabbage. Top each taco with sour cream, if using.

CALIFORNIA TACOS

This is from WhirledPeas on AllRecipes. It begins, "These tacos are full of fresh vegetables and lime. They're quick and easy to make and they manage to be both healthy and very budget-friendly!"

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Servings: 4

To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/235121/california-tacos/.

Ingredients

3 tomatoes, seeded and chopped

2 avocados, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lime, juiced

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

8 corn tortillas

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

1 cup cooked white rice

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1 dash green pepper sauce (such as Tabasco®), or to taste (Optional)

Directions

Mix tomatoes, avocados, onion, 1/4 cup cilantro, and garlic together in a bowl. Drizzle lime juice over tomato mixture; toss to coat.

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Arrange tortillas, 2 at a time, in hot oil; cook until crisp, about 1 minute per side. Remove tortillas using tongs and repeat with remaining tortillas.

Spoon 2 tablespoons black beans and 2 tablespoons cooked rice onto each crisp tortilla; top with tomato mixture. Garnish tacos using remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro and green pepper sauce.

VEGGIE TACO SALAD

Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/veggie-taco-salad.

Ingredients

2 cups soy crumbles (you can find these in your grocer's freezer section or refrigerated meat section)

3/4 cup salsa

5 cups shredded lettuce

1 cup corn kernels

1 cup black beans

Topping Options

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons sliced ripe olives

2 tablespoons fat free sour cream

Directions

In large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook crumbles and salsa over medium heat about 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring frequently.

In large bowl toss together lettuce, corn and black beans. Arrange on 4 serving plates. Top with crumbles mixture. Sprinkle with toppings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 180; Fat: 4 g; Sodium: 600 mg; Protein: 14 g; Carbohydrates: 26 g

MINI MAC AND CHEESE TACO BOWLS

This is from Old El Paso, and begins, "Just when you thought everyone's favorite mac and cheese meal couldn't get any better—it does—by making mac and cheese bowls! Mac and cheese taco bowls turn this classic favorite into a fun bite-size appetizer or light meal with an easy, made-from-scratch creamy cheese sauce. Old El Paso™ Mini Soft Tortilla Bowls create a new way to enjoy the go-to family meal that's calling for the addition of tasty toppings for a taco twist."

Prep Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Makes 6 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/mini-mac-and-cheese-taco-bowls.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter

1 package (12 count) Old El Paso™ Mini Soft Tortilla Bowls

1 1/4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cups milk

1 1/2 cups Old El Paso™ Shredded Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (6 oz)

Chopped green onions, chopped tomatoes, Old El Paso™ Mild Taco Sauce, as desired

Preparation

Heat oven to 325°F. In small microwavable bowl, microwave 1 tablespoon of the butter uncovered on High 20 to 30 seconds or until melted. Lightly brush melted butter on all sides of tortilla bowls. Place bowls in ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish. Set aside.

Cook macaroni as directed on package; drain, and set aside.

Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and salt until well blended. Gradually stir in milk. Cook and stir 6 to 8 minutes or until bubbly and thickened. Remove from heat.

Stir in cheese until melted and smooth. Return to heat; stir in macaroni, and cook over low heat until heated through, stirring frequently. Divide mixture evenly among tortilla bowls.

Bake 7 to 10 minutes or until edges of bowls feel firm. Let stand 5 minutes. Top with remaining ingredients.

Expert tips

Want a little more heat? Top your mini mac and cheese bowls with Old El Paso™ Medium Taco Sauce.

These macaroni bowls are a great way to use up leftover cooked macaroni! You will need 2 2/3 cups of cooked macaroni for this recipe.

Stir, stir, stir! The cheese sauce is a snap to make, but it requires attentive stirring.