Meatless Taco Filling

As the only vegan in my immediate family I am always looking for recipes that satisfy all of our tastes and preferences.

This taco filling has been wonderful because I can use it in so many ways and my family is not only happy to eat it, they request it.

We usually have this as a base for taco salad and occasionally in tacos. Both tomatoes and avocados have been really good lately so we have been craving taco salad.

Meatless Taco Filling (For Tacos or Taco Salad)

Ingredients:

1 tsp vegetable oil
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 bell pepper, chopped fine
4 oz can chopped green chillies (I like mild, but go with your heat preference)
12 oz textured vegetable protein (or vegan crumbles from Yves or Boca brands)
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
2-3 tsp red chili powder (depending on how much spice you want)
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup water
fresh cilantro

Add-ins of your choice for taco salad or tacos: taco shells, corn chips, lettuce, tomato, avocado, vegan cheese, vegan sour cream, kidney beans, olives, whatever suits you or whatever you have on hand will work.

Directions:

Heat the oil in a frying pan and add the chopped onion. Let the onion start to soften and then add the garlic and the bell pepper. Continue to heat, stir, and let the peppers and garlic start to soften. Next, add the protein and the can of chills and once it is all warmed add the spices. Finally, add the salsa and water and let it all simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors blend. Stir frequently and add more water if needed. Finally, right before serving chop some fresh cilantro and add it to the taco filling. This gives a really fresh flavor. I use about a fourth cup of cilantro leaves which equals a couple tablespoons when chopped.

My son's taco salad creation

Sometimes, if I have it on hand and am feeling fancy, I will deglaze the pan with beer or veggie broth for a deeper flavor (using just about a 1/4 cup), but it is really good without this extra step.

While the taco filling simmers, I prep all the toppings for the salad or tacos. We like to set it all out and let people build their own meal.

For 8 servings
Nutritional Information from caloriecount.about.com

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 98 g

Amount Per Serving

Calories 201 Calories from Fat 16

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 1.8g 3%

Cholesterol 0mg 0%

Sodium 139mg 6%

Total Carbohydrates 16.7g 6%

Dietary Fiber 7.2g 29%

Sugars 6.7g

Protein 36.3g

Vitamin A 83% • Vitamin C 16% Calcium 9% • Iron 41%

Nutrition Grade A

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet