Butter Lentil Smash Tacos with an Indian Twist
Recipe Overview
Overview
These Butter Lentil Smash Tacos are a delightful fusion of Indian flavors and classic taco elements. The recipe starts with a rich butter chicken sauce made from maple syrup, tomato paste, ginger, garlic, and coconut milk, which adds a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness. The lentil mixture, combined with mushrooms and spices, is processed to create a texture reminiscent of ground meat, making it a satisfying filling for the tacos.
Cooking the tacos in a skillet allows the lentil mixture to crisp up beautifully, creating a delicious contrast with the fresh toppings like lettuce, onions, and more butter chicken sauce. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile; you can use the lentil mixture in burritos or as a salad topping. The flavors meld together wonderfully, making these tacos a repeat favorite in any household.
If you’re new to Indian cuisine, this recipe is a fantastic introduction, showcasing how spices can elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The combination of flavors is unexpected yet harmonious, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with Indian food will enjoy this dish. Give these tacos a try, and you might just find a new favorite meal!
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Mix maple syrup, tomato paste, ginger, garlic paste, coconut milk, garam masala, salt, fenugreek leaves, and cayenne in a bowl.
Set the mixed sauce aside.
Process onion, mushroom, and hemp seeds in a food processor until chopped evenly.
Add 2/3 of the lentils to the mixture and some butter chicken sauce, then process again until mostly broken down.
Transfer the mixture into a bowl and mix in the rest of the lentils.
Press a good amount of the lentil meat mixture onto each tortilla and spread it evenly.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil.
Place the tacos with the meat side down in the skillet and cook until the lentil mixture is crisping and browning.
Flip the tacos over and crisp up the other side.
Top the tacos with lettuce, onion, butter chicken sauce, cilantro, and lime juice.
Tip: Process the lentils really well so that they're more like an applicable paste.
Tip: Let the tacos cook undisturbed for a few minutes to allow the lentil mixture to crisp.
Tip: Keep pressing the tortillas in between cooking to ensure the lentil mixture sticks.
Tip: Use a big flat spatula to flip the tacos and press down a little to crisp the other side.
Tip: If you don't want to make smash tacos, you can spread the lentil mixture onto the tortilla and fold it to make mini quesadillas.
Tip: You can also cook the lentil mixture separately until golden and use it as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Tip: To convert the lentil mixture into burger patties, add breadcrumbs to bind it.
Ingredients
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Butter chicken sauce can be used as a versatile dressing for various dishes.
- •Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.
- •These tacos are allergy-friendly, being free from soy, gluten, and nuts.
- •Pressing the lentil mixture well helps achieve a crispy texture when cooking.
