Lentil Couscous Tacos

    

     The Sugar Snaps and I are vegetarian and Greg is happy to eat vegetarian at home.  I am careful to make sure that we are getting enough protein and nutrients in our diet.  For the most part, the Sugar Snaps are not picky eaters and love veggie sources of protein like lentils, chick peas and black beans.  I made lentil couscous tacos last week and they were quite excited.

Lentil Couscous Tacos

You will need:

• 2 Cups brown lentils (rinsed and sorted)
• 4 1/4-4 1/2 Cups vegetable broth
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large sweet onion (about 1 2/3 Cups chopped)
• 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 5.6 oz box of couscous (or equivalent amount) (I used  Near East Roasted Garlic flavor)
• Taco shells (We like the kind that stand up on their own as they are easier to fill)
• 1-2 Cups shredded cheese (flavor of your choice)
• 1-2 Cups prepared salsa
• Taco sauce (if desired)
• Shredded lettuce (if desired)
• Guacamole (if desired)

     Chop the onion.  Heat 2 Tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and cook in the same pan that you plan to cook the lentils until soft (not brown), about 8 minutes (stirring occasionally).  Raise the heat to medium high.  Add 4 cups of vegetable broth, lentils and taco seasonings.  Cook until the lentils reach the desired amount of tenderness using the extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup of broth and/or added water if desired. The liquid should be absorbed.  Cook couscous according to package directions.  If you are not using couscous with seasoning, you may wish to add seasonings.

     Heat taco shells in the oven if desired.  Serve by placing taco shells on a plate or in a basket. Have a bowl of  cheese, one of salsa, one with lentils and one with couscous. You could also add shredded lettuce and guacamole to the options if desired.   This could be a make your own taco station, or you can assemble and plate the tacos.  We put the lentils in the shells, followed by couscous, salsa and cheese.  These were a big hit with the Sugar Snaps who also enjoyed the leftovers. Have you made lentil tacos?  I’d love to hear from you.  As always, comments are welcome.