Super Quick Taco Bowls (WFPB, vegan, GF)

This is a quick (maybe 10 minutes) fast meal that is a crowd pleaser for my family of 5.  Full of fiber and phytonutrients that are filling and health promoting.  It's inexpensive, too.  For the budget friendliest version, consider cooking up your own beans or lentils.  For those under a time crunch, store bought beans or lentils are just fine.  Make sure to rinse well and buy BPA free cans.  My taco bowls are usually whatever bean I cooked up over the weekend, frozen fired roasted frozen veggies (I like Trader Joe's for this), frozen kale, and a whole grain that I've cooked over the weekend too.  Most stores do sell frozen and cooked whole grains so that would work too.  Sprinkle in your homemade or store bought taco seasoning, add favorite toppings and you are all set.  

Cooking your own beans can seem overwhelming.  There are a lot of recipes out there that will help.  Personally, I'm super lazy about cooking my beans.  I put them in a container with ample water overnight.  The next morning, I drain the water, add the bean plus fresh water and slow cook anywhere from 3-5 hours depending on the bean.  If that sounds like too much then stick to lentils.  They are easier.  Just follow the package instructions.  No presoak required.

Do you find that you get too many beans built up in your fridge?  If that happens for me, I make them into cookies that are so good you'd never know beans are in them.  Recipe coming soon. 

Ingredients
Beans or lentils
Frozen veggies of choice (kale and fire roasted peppers are delicious)

Whole grain of choice

Salsa and other toppings of choice

1-2 tsp taco seasoning (homemade see below, or store bought) 

Directions

I put all ingredients except toppings and whole grain into a large pan on medium heat.  Frozen veggies should have enough liquid for the seasoning to cover the ingredients but add small amounts of water as needed.  8 minutes of simmer is usually enough time or follow store bought taco seasoning directions.  Warm your whole grain separately or put into veggies/bean mixture.  

Homemade Taco Seasoning (Vegan in the Freezer):  I cut the salt in 1/2.  The addition of cocoa powder really makes this a special taco seasoning to keep around.  

Rating

5 out of 5 of us love this quick and easy taco bowl recipe.

For more: www.feelplantiful.com