Vegan BBQ Lentil Tacos (Printer-Friendly)

Smoky BBQ lentils in warm tortillas topped with crisp cabbage slaw for a satisfying plant-based twist on classic BBQ flavors.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 nectar
21 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
22 - Black pepper to taste

→ Tacos

23 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, vegan certified

→ Optional Toppings

24 - Sliced avocado
25 - Fresh lime wedges
26 - Extra cilantro

# Method:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 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 3-4 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 5-7 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 low oven.
05 - Spoon BBQ lentils onto each tortilla. Top generously with cabbage slaw and any optional toppings. Serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Plant-based protein powerhouse with 13g per serving
  • Perfect balance of smoky, tangy BBQ flavor and fresh, crisp slaw
  • Weeknight-friendly at just 45 minutes total time
  • Versatile and customizable with your favorite toppings
  • Naturally vegan and can easily be made gluten-free
02 -
  • Make the slaw first so it has time to marinate while you prepare the lentils
  • Don't overcook the lentils—they should be tender but still hold their shape
  • For a time-saving hack, use pre-shredded cabbage from the produce section
  • Toast your tortillas directly over a gas flame for authentic char marks
  • Prepare the lentil filling a day ahead and reheat before serving for deeper flavor
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