Spicy ‘Meaty’ Tacos
Description:
These Spicy ‘Meaty’ Tacos are a vibrant twist on traditional tacos, using plant-based ingredients to create a meaty, flavorful texture that’s perfect for anyone looking for a vegetarian or vegan option without sacrificing taste. The combination of tempeh, mushrooms, and walnuts provides a satisfying, hearty base, while a blend of spices adds just the right amount of heat. These tacos are perfect for a fun dinner or a weekend get-together!
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 cup tempeh, crumbled
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth (or water)
- 8 small taco shells (corn or flour)
- Fresh toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, cilantro, and lime wedges
Calories (Per Taco):
Approx. 200-250 calories per taco (depending on toppings and the specific taco shells used).
How to Cook:
- Prepare the taco filling:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant. - Cook the base:
Add the crumbled tempeh, chopped mushrooms, and walnuts to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms release their moisture and the tempeh starts to brown. - Spice it up:
Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to coat the mixture with the spices, then add the tomato paste and vegetable broth. Mix everything together and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the mixture thickens and becomes flavorful. - Assemble the tacos:
Warm the taco shells in the oven or on a skillet. Once ready, spoon the spicy ‘meaty’ mixture into each taco shell. Add your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for freshness. - Serve:
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your spicy, plant-powered tacos!
History:
Tacos, a staple of Mexican cuisine, date back to the early 1900s, originating from the Mexican region and evolving through various regional styles. The concept of vegetarian or plant-based tacos has grown in popularity as more people seek sustainable, healthy food options. With the rise of plant-based diets, « meaty » alternatives like tempeh, mushrooms, and walnuts are becoming common in recreating traditional meaty taco fillings. This Spicy ‘Meaty’ Taco recipe is an innovative spin on this classic dish, offering the rich texture and spicy flavor of traditional tacos, but in a vegetarian-friendly form. It reflects a growing global trend of incorporating more plant-based meals into everyday life.
