Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Tacos: Delicious Weeknight Dinner
Elevate your taco game with these delectable Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Tacos, where the robust flavors of earthy lentils and perfectly caramelized cauliflower come together, all topped off with a zingy Pico de Gallo for a burst of fresh flavors.
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These easy cauliflower and lentil tacos are a simple and tasty vegan and gluten-free twist on taco night. This recipe keeps things straightforward and adaptable. Air frying the cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness and a hint of smokiness, and the seasoned brown lentils add a hearty texture.
The best part is you can personalize these tacos to your liking. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner or a laid-back addition to Taco Tuesday, these roasted cauliflower and lentil tacos are sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
Cauliflower: Use a small head of firm cauliflower and cut it into small florets. Make sure the florets are of almost the same size so that they can cook evenly.
Brown lentils: You can cook the brown lentils at home or use canned ones.
Tortillas: I have used white corn tortillas for this recipe; however, you can use flour tortillas.
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Toss cauliflower florets with one tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in the air fryer basket and roast for 12-15 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
Step 2: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a pan. Add chopped onions and garlic. Cook until the onions are softened. Stir in cooked lentils, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: To make pico de Gallo, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir gently and set aside.
Step 4: Warm corn tortillas in a dry pan or microwave for a few seconds. Fill each tortilla with roasted cauliflower and lentil filling, and top with a spoonful of pico de gallo.
Expert Tips
- Warm tortillas before assembling the tacos. This prevents them from tearing and enhances their pliability.
- For uniform cooking, ensure cauliflower florets are cut into similar-sized pieces. Also, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- For added stability, use two tortillas per taco. This prevents any leakage and makes it easier to handle.
Serving Suggestions
For a classic Mexican accompaniment, serve them alongside Mexican rice, black beans, and corn. For a heartier option, roasted vegetables like sweet potato or zucchini make a flavorful side dish.
Add various toppings depending on your preference. Sliced avocado, jalapeno, and chipotle mayo are some delicious options. For a creamy texture, try cilantro lime crema or cheese sauce.
Love Tex-Mex food? Try this delicious chicken & black bean burrito bowl recipe.
Storage Tips
Tacos are at their best when served fresh. Have everything ready to assemble, and serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture. Leftovers can be repurposed into a taco salad for a versatile and quick meal. The lentil and cauliflower filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for up to one month.
Store assembled tacos in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the tortillas may get soggy. Do not freeze assembled tacos, as the tortillas will become soggy, and the fillings might change the texture.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and roast the cauliflower florets for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly browned.
Yes, any lentil will work.
Use gluten-free tortillas, and be sure to check all your topping ingredients for gluten content.
Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Warm them up before assembling the tacos.
While it’s ideal to assemble tacos just before serving, you can prepare the components separately and assemble them when ready to eat.
More Brown Lentil Recipes
- Add a twist to classic enchiladas with this hearty Chicken Lentil Enchiladas recipe for a Tex-Mex dish.
- Explore a stir-fry dish with tasty Brown Rice Lentil Stir Fry for a flavorful meal option.
- Satisfy your cravings with a lighter option by trying Lentil Buddha Bowl with Roasted Veggies for a satisfying bowl meal.
If you tried this Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Tacos Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Equipment
Ingredients
For the cauliflower lentil filling:
- 1 small head cauliflower cut into florets
- 1 can brown lentils drained and rinse (alternatively, cook lentils at home)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil divided
- ½ onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the pico de gallo:
- 2 ripe tomatoes diced
- ½ red onion finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno seeded and diced
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- ½ lime juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the tacos:
- 6 corn tortillas
- Cilantro sprigs
Instructions
- Air fry the cauliflower: Toss cauliflower florets with one tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in the air fryer basket and roast for 12-15 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
- Toast the lentils: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a pan. Add chopped onions and garlic. Cook until the onions are softened. Stir in cooked lentils, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine the filling: Toss in the roasted cauliflower to the lentils and mix well.
- Make the pico de gallo: Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir gently and set aside.
- Assemble the tacos: Warm corn tortillas in a dry pan or microwave for a few seconds. Fill each tortilla with roasted cauliflower and lentil filling, and top with a spoonful of pico de gallo. Add fresh cilantro sprigs and serve.
Notes
- Warm tortillas before assembling the tacos. This prevents them from tearing and enhances their pliability.
- For uniform cooking, ensure cauliflower florets are cut into similar-sized pieces. Also, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- For added stability, use two tortillas per taco. This prevents any leakage and makes it easier to handle.
Nutrition
