Lentil Walnut Tacos with Tahini Lime Sauce
Savory plant-based tacos perfectly balanced with fresh veg and zesty, lightly sweet tahini lime sauce.
Servings: 3
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) avocado oil
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (18 g) tomato paste
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground cumin
- ½ tsp (1 g) ground coriander
- ¼ tsp (pinch) red chili flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
- 1 ½ cup (297 g) cooked or canned brown lentils (drain & rinse for canned)
- ½ cup (56 g) raw walnuts
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
- salt & pepper, to taste
For Tahini Lime Sauce
- ¼ cup (60 g) tahini
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tsp (5 mL) maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
- 2-4 tbsp (45-60 mL) water, to thin
- salt, to taste
For Serving
- 9 small (5-inch) corn or whole-grain tortillas
- shredded purple cabbage
- sliced avocado
- fresh cilantro
- lime wedges
Instructions
Make the Filling
- Pulse the walnuts in a food processor until finely minced (resembling bread crumbs).
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until softened (about 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Add lentils, chopped walnuts, and tamari. Stir well and cook 5-7 minutes until the mixture is warmed through and slightly crisp. Sprinkle on salt & pepper, to taste.
Make the Tahini Lime Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lime juice, maple syrup, garlic, and salt.
- Add the water 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until the sauce is smooth and pourable (like a drizzle).
- Taste and adjust. Add more lime juice, maple syrup, or salt to balance the flavors.
Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the tortillas, if desired. Fill each tortilla with the lentil-walnut taco "meat", shredded purple cabbage, avocado slices, cilantro, and a large drizzle of the Tahini Lime Sauce.
- Enjoy with a non-starchy vegetable side such as riced cauliflower, roasted broccoli, or steamed carrots to round out the meal!
Notes
Nutrition Information: Recipe yields: 3 servings (3 tacos per serving; 1 tsp tsauce per taco), Per serving: Calories: 490, Protein: 18g, Fiber: 11.6g, Carbohydrates: 61g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sugar: 6g, Cholesterol: 0mg
**Please note: These nutrition facts are provided as an estimate and may vary depending on your ingredients. Check product labels or use an online calculator for additional accuracy.