Y'all know I'm far from vegan, but I do totally ascribe to the idea that more plants in the diet=better health in the bod! I definitely aim to enjoy completely plant-based meals on the regular, and this vegan taco meat makes that much easier for me!
One thing that's frustrated me about many plant-based meat alternatives is that they're often tofu, tempeh, or seitan-based, which are all foods that I try to avoid. While seitan is free of soy, it's a no for me since it's glutenous. The other two options, tempeh and tofu, are soy-based vegan proteins and while I occasionally enjoy soy products (namely gluten-free soy sauce AKA Tamari) the volume that you find in most meat alternatives is a bit too high for my preference.
Some studies have demonstrated soy's potential to disrupt the endocrine (hormone) system, especially when it's consumed in large quantities. I've done so many things to minimize my exposure to endocrine disrupters (cleaned up my beauty products, completely replaced all of my household cleaning supplies, etc.) that avoiding soy is a no-brainer for me.
This taco "meat" is the answer to my very specific plant-based meat requirement dreams! It's made with lentils, veggies, and spices, is surprisingly savory, and packs an amazing umami punch! I've used this on salads and tacos and have plan to top some nachos off with it soon- I have a feeling you'll enjoy this dish as much as I have been!
Soy-Free Vegan Taco Meat
Ingredients
- ½ cup dried red lentils
- 1 medium bell pepper
- ¼ medium red onion
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Cook the lentils: add lentils to a sauce pan with 1 cup filtered water. Place over medium high heat, bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and allow to cook until all water has absorbed, and lentils are very soft (~20 min)
- While lentils cook, medium/small-dice the bell pepper and onion
- Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium heat
- Once oil is heated, add the peppers and onions and cook until fragrant (~5 min)
- Add spices and lentils to the pan with the veggies and stir thoroughly to combine