Vegan BBQ Lentil Tacos (Printable)

Smoky lentils and crisp cabbage slaw come together in warm tortillas for a fresh, flavorful dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ BBQ Lentils

01 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
02 - 3 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup tomato sauce
07 - 1/3 cup vegan BBQ sauce
08 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Cabbage Slaw

13 - 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
14 - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
15 - 1 medium carrot, grated
16 - 3 green onions, thinly sliced
17 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
19 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
20 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave
21 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
22 - Black pepper to taste

→ Tacos and Toppings

23 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, vegan
24 - 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
25 - 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
26 - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

# How to Make:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water.
02 - While lentils cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add cooked lentils, tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened and flavorful. Adjust seasoning as needed.
03 - In a large bowl, combine green and red cabbage, carrot, green onions, and cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over slaw and toss well to coat. Let rest for at least 10 minutes.
04 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side, or wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
05 - Spoon BBQ lentils onto each tortilla. Top generously with cabbage slaw and optional toppings. Serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
  • Packed with plant-based protein from hearty lentils
  • The perfect balance of smoky, tangy BBQ flavor and fresh, crunchy slaw
  • Easily customizable with your favorite toppings
  • Satisfying enough for meat-lovers and vegans alike
02 -
  • Let the slaw sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
  • To save time, prepare the slaw up to a day in advance and store in the refrigerator.
  • The lentil filling actually tastes even better the next day, making this perfect for meal prep.
  • If you have leftover filling, it's delicious over rice, in a wrap, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
  • For the best texture, don't overcook your lentils – they should be tender but still hold their shape.
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