Recipe: 15-Minute Gluten-Free Vegan Tacos

Tacos are everywhere in my hometown of Austin, Texas. People eat them all day - even for breakfast! Once I warmed up to this delicious food, I wanted to find an affordable, fast way to prepare a vegan version at home.

Ready in just 15 minutes, this delicious recipe will leave you satisfied. As an added bonus, it's also much more affordable than eating out and can be adapted to a variety of tastes. It's even gluten-free. Read on for the recipe and variations to suit any budget! Click the "Print Friendly" button below for a printable or PDF version.



Ingredients:

• 1 packet taco seasoning (such as Simply Organic)
• 1 package refrigerated tofu
• 1 BPA-free can black beans
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen onions
• 1 cup fresh or frozen assorted bell peppers
• Romaine lettuce
• Corn tortillas

Steps:

1. Drain tofu and crumble into a large pan.
2. Sauté for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
3. While tofu is cooking, start 2 cups water boiling in a saucepan or steamer.
4. When tofu is browned, add prepared taco seasoning, beans, and veggies.
5. When steamer or saucepan is boiling, place a few corn tortillas in a steamer. (Or set in a colander and place above saucepan, covered lightly, leaving space for steam to vent.) Steam for 3 minutes or until supple. Remove from heat.
6. Cook tofu mixture until desired consistency. (I wait until most of the water has evaporated.)
7. Prepare tacos by layering a piece of lettuce, then spooning in the tofu mixture.
8. Enjoy!

If you're on a tight budget:

• Use dried beans instead of canned (click here for cooking times)
• Mix your own taco seasoning (look for spices in the bulk foods section)
• Buy selected organic produce based on the Dirty Dozen/Clean 15
• Buy whole romaine (not romaine hearts)

Variations:

• For nachos, serve over tortilla chips and add Daiya cheddar cheese
• Serve over brown rice instead of on corn tortillas
• Add salsa, guacamole, fresh avocado and/or corn
• Use Soyrizo instead of tofu
• Swap out the romaine for baby greens or other nutritious greens

Note: I was out of black beans when I made the recipe for the photo. I used leftover lentils instead for a tasty twist on the original!



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