Vegan Tacos

Carlos Jimenez Active Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 6 corn tacos

I think it’s safe to say that everyone enjoys tacos. Being a Mexican-American myself, I know I do! But nowadays, it’s becoming increasingly more common for people to avoid meat, whether it be for religious, health, or any other reasons. So I thought to myself : Can I make a veggie taco using plant-based meat that tasted good! I think the answer is yes! Whether you don’t eat meat or would like to try something new, these vegan tacos are quick, easy, and tasty!

Beyond Meat Tacos ½ green pepper, diced ½ small onion, diced ½ jalapeno, diced 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked works great!) 1 teaspoon chili powder ½ teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon oregano powder ½ teaspoon garlic powder Kosher salt and pepper to taste ½ pound vegan meat substitute, such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat Corn tortillas Hot sauce (optional)

Pico de Gallo ½ small onion, diced 1 roma tomato, diced 1 jalapeno, diced ½ bunch of cilantro, roughly chopped 1 lime Pinch of salt

Directions: 1. Heat a pan over medium heat. ~ 2. Once the pan is preheated, add olive oil, diced onion, green pepper and jalapeno. 3. Meanwhile, prepare the pico de gallo: 4. Add the onion and lime juice to a medium sized bowl and stir until incorporated. 5. Add the jalapeno (minus most of the seeds), roma tomato and cilantro to the onion/lime bowl. 6. Add a pinch of salt to pico de gallo, mix, and set aside for later use. 7. Once the ingredients in the pan are softened and lightly browned, remove and place in a separate bowl. Place the pan back on heat. 8. Place vegan meat substitute into the pan, along with a touch more oil. 9. While one side browns, add the paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, oregano powder and garlic powder to the meat. 10. Split meat apart into crumbles until all large clumps are gone. 11. Let cook for 5 to 10 minutes until browned, then return to the pan the cooked onion, green pepper and jalapeno. Add a large pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir together. ~ 12. Let cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until meat is fully cooked and firm, no longer soft. 13. Warm corn tortillas on a plate with a damp towel on top in the microwave for 30 seconds. 14. Add taco filling to corn tortilla, and top with pico de gallo and hot sauce if desired.