Delicious and Hearty Tacos: Beans, Quinoa, and Veggies as the Star Ingredients.
Tacos are a crowd-pleasing dish, and you don’t need ground meat to make them flavorful and satisfying. By using plant-based ingredients like beans, quinoa, and vegetables, you can create hearty, protein-packed tacos that are just as delicious and filling as their meaty counterparts.
For a simple and vibrant taco filling, black beans and corn are an excellent choice. Start by heating black beans in a skillet with some olive oil, garlic, cumin, and chili powder.
Add in a cup of corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) and sauté until warm and slightly caramelized. For extra flavor, squeeze some lime juice over the mixture and top with fresh cilantro.
Quinoa is an amazing substitute for ground meat because it’s packed with protein and has a slightly nutty flavor and chewy texture. Cook quinoa according to package directions, then sauté with onions, bell peppers, and zucchini until softened.
Add chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin to enhance the flavor. For a smoky, rich finish, stir in a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste or roasted tomatoes.
Roasted sweet potatoes add a slightly sweet and hearty flavor that pairs beautifully with beans. Cut sweet potatoes into cubes, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until crispy. In a skillet, warm black beans with garlic, onion, cumin, and paprika.
Once the sweet potatoes are done, combine them with the seasoned black beans for a comforting filling. Serve this mix in warm tortillas and garnish with chopped green onions, avocado slices, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for added creaminess.
Chickpeas are a great source of protein and texture, and they work perfectly in tacos. For this filling, roast chickpeas with your favorite taco seasonings (paprika, cumin, garlic powder) along with a mix of vegetables like sweet peppers, mushrooms, and red onion.