Vegetarian Taco 🌮 night
Last night I made tacos for my mom and I on the fly. I was going to make pasta but changed my mind at the last minute to tacos. I like to say tacos are my favorite food because you can have them in so many ways!
For this recipe I fried 3 big portobello mushrooms, one onion, red and green spicy and sweet peppers, garlic and corn. I added the soya crumbles I bought from the Indian market with water and seasoned them with cumin, powdered garlic and salt and pepper. I heated up a can of refried pinto beans and we ate everything in yummy blue shell tacos. I topped them with shredded cheese and some mixed greens on the side. #summerdiary #lemon8contest #lemon8food @Lemon8 Food #budgetmeals #simplerecipes #vegetarian #tacos #lemon8foodcoupon #quickrecipes #healthyfood
So, you loved the idea of a quick veggie taco night? Well, let me tell you, that's just the beginning of the fun! When I plan a 'Veggie Taco night,' I often think about turning it into a full-blown vegetarian taco bar. It's seriously one of the best ways to host a casual dinner, because everyone gets to customize their meal exactly how they like it. Building an epic vegetarian taco bar is simpler than you might think. Beyond my go-to portobello mushrooms and textured soy protein (which is incredibly versatile, by the way – great for soaking up flavors!), you can offer a variety of other plant-based proteins. Think seasoned black beans, spicy lentils, or crispy roasted chickpeas. Extra-firm tofu, crumbled and sautéed with taco seasoning, also makes a fantastic filling. The key is to have a few different textures and flavor profiles to keep things exciting. Now, for the toppings – this is where a taco bar truly shines! Don't just stop at cheese and mixed greens. I love adding homemade pico de gallo, a vibrant corn and black bean salsa, or even a refreshing mango salsa for a fruity kick. Guacamole is a must, of course, alongside some creamy plant-based sour cream or traditional Mexican crema. Pickled red onions or jalapeños can add a wonderful tang and spice, and a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime are non-negotiable for me. You can even offer different types of shells: classic crispy corn tortillas, soft flour tortillas, or for a lighter option, crisp lettuce cups. For those looking to keep 'taco night healthy,' a taco bar setup is actually perfect for this! By providing a wide array of fresh vegetables, lean plant-based proteins, and healthy fats like avocado, you're giving everyone the tools to build a nutritious meal. I always encourage loading up on the veggies first. Opt for whole-wheat tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of white flour ones. Making your own salsas drastically cuts down on sodium and added sugars compared to store-bought versions. And while cheese and sour cream are delicious, using them in moderation or exploring dairy-free alternatives can make a big difference without sacrificing flavor. And what about 'apps for taco night'? You can't have a great taco spread without some tasty starters! My absolute favorites are a big bowl of fresh guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips – it's always the first to disappear. A simple salsa trio (mild, medium, hot) with chips is also a crowd-pleaser. For something a bit different, I sometimes make a Mexican street corn salad (esquites) or a warm black bean dip. If you're feeling adventurous, a vegan queso fundido with plant-based chorizo can be an incredible, gooey appetizer. These little additions really set the mood and make the whole 'Veggie Taco night' experience even more special. It's all about making it your own and having fun with it!