Instant Pot! Quick Lentil Taco Filling
2
These taco flavored lentils make a high protein filling for tacos, taquitos or taco salad.Use pre-made taco seasoning to save time!
Servings: 3 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup black or beluga lentils
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil optional
- 1 cup onion diced (about 1/2 medium onion)
- 1 stalk celery minced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 2 cups water
- 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning
Instructions
- Pick over the lentils and remove any visible debris or foreign objects. Rinse, drain. and set aside.
- Press the sauté setting on the Instant Pot, and let it get hot. Add the oil, if using, onion, optional celery and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the veggies have softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from scorching.
- Turn the Instant Pot off, and add the lentils and water. Cover, lock the lid, close the vent, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Let the Instant Pot release steam naturally for another 5 minutes. At this time, if the Instant Pot is still under pressure, carefully quick-release the valve. The lentils should be tender, but still have a slight bite.
- Switch the Instant Pot back to the saute setting. Add the taco seasoning and stir. Heat until any excess liquid has evaporated and the filling has thickened (most commercial taco seasonings contain corn flour or another thickener, so the lentils should thicken within a few minutes).
- Season to taste with salt.
Notes
- If making these oil-free, omit the oil and saute the onion and celery together with the salt. Add a little water, if necessary, to prevent burning.
- For extra veggies, add 1/2 cup sliced peppers to the onion and celery.