Spicy Lentil Tacos

Name: Spicy Lentil Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed; 3 cups vegetable broth; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 small corn or flour tortillas; 1 avocado, diced; 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges; Salsa or hot sauce of choice

Highlighted under: World Cuisine Recipes

I absolutely love making Spicy Lentil Tacos for a quick and flavorful dinner. The rich, spicy lentils are packed with protein and pair perfectly with fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro. I often whip these up on weeknights when I'm short on time but craving something delicious and satisfying. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can come together to create such a vibrant meal. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep, so I always have a tasty option ready to go!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:58:27.957Z

When developing this Spicy Lentil Tacos recipe, I wanted to create something that made my taste buds dance. The mixture of spices brings depth to the dish while the lentils provide a hearty base. I usually let the lentils simmer until they reach the perfect level of tenderness, and I find that soaking them for a bit beforehand makes all the difference in texture.

To give my tacos an extra kick, I love experimenting with homemade salsa or adding a dash of hot sauce. It’s incredible how these little tweaks can elevate a simple meal. I recommend letting the ingredients sit together for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully!

Why You'll Love These Tacos
Packed with protein and fiber for a filling meal
Customizable with your favorite toppings
Quick and easy to make for busy weeknights

Techniques for Perfect Lentils

Cooking lentils properly is essential for the right texture in these tacos. Use green or brown lentils as they hold their shape better and offer a firmer bite when cooked. As you boil them in vegetable broth, keep an eye on them for a visual cue: they should be tender yet slightly al dente when done, usually taking about 25 minutes. If they become mushy, that’s a sign they’ve been cooked too long, so taste them around the 20-minute mark to ensure perfect doneness.

Salt can be tricky with lentils; if added too early, it can make them tough. This is why seasoning is best reserved until you combine the lentils with sautéed vegetables. When you add the spices, give the mixture a good stir until the lentils are coated evenly. This brings out their earthy flavor and ensures the spices infuse fully into the mix, creating a rich, aromatic base for your tacos.

Taco Assembly and Customization

Warm tortillas before assembling your tacos to maintain their pliability and enhance their flavor. If using a skillet, heat them over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or microwave them in a damp paper towel for about 10-15 seconds. This technique keeps them soft and prevents cracking, ensuring a better taco experience. For added texture, consider toasting the tortillas on a hot skillet for a minute to get those golden edges and a slightly crisp finish.

Feel free to play with the toppings! While avocado and cilantro provide a creamy and fresh punch, consider adding fresh radishes for crunch or sliced jalapeños for heat. You can also swap out cilantro for parsley for a different flavor profile if you’re not a fan. Introducing a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of crumbled feta can add a delightful tang, taking your Spicy Lentil Tacos to a new level.

Ingredients

For the Tacos

1 cup dry lentils, rinsed
3 cups vegetable broth
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
8 small corn or flour tortillas

Toppings

1 avocado, diced
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges
Salsa or hot sauce of choice

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Instructions

Cook the Lentils

In a medium pot, combine rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes, or until tender. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Combine & Season

Stir the cooked lentils into the skillet with the onions. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Warm the Tortillas

While the lentil mixture is cooking, warm the tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave until pliable.

Assemble the Tacos

Spoon lentil mixture onto each tortilla and top with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and preferred salsa. Serve with lime wedges.

Enjoy your spicy lentil tacos!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try roasting your spices briefly in the skillet before adding the lentils. This enhances their aroma and depth in the dish.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These Spicy Lentil Tacos are excellent for meal prep! The lentil filling can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, or it can be frozen for up to three months. Just be sure to let the lentils cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container for freezing. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if it seems dry.

As for the toppings, consider prepping components like diced avocado and chopped cilantro in advance. While avocado doesn’t store well once cut, you can store the cilantro in a damp paper towel inside a sealed bag to keep it fresh longer. Upon reheating your lentil mixture, assemble your tacos just before serving to maintain the freshness of the toppings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your lentils turn out overly mushy, it’s likely they’ve been cooked too long. In the future, monitor them closely during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, for a quicker option, try canned lentils; just be sure to rinse them well and season as needed. This allows you to skip the cooking step entirely and can save valuable time during busy weeknights.

When it comes to seasoning, always taste as you go. If the flavor is lacking, don’t hesitate to adjust the spices! A pinch of cayenne or extra lime juice can brighten the dish and fix any blandness. Remember to balance out the flavor with the toppings as well—light toppings can enhance the overall taste and add variety to each bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Yes! The lentil mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them great for meal prep.

→ What other toppings do you recommend?

Feel free to add shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or pickled onions for extra flavor and texture.

→ Are lentils gluten-free?

Yes, lentils are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.

→ Can I use canned lentils instead?

Absolutely! If using canned lentils, rinse and drain them, and add them to the skillet after sautéing the onions.