tacos sin carne

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Remember the other day when I mentioned how delicious Textured Vegetable Protein is as a replacement for ground beef? I may have even said that many of my meat-eating friends prefer my tacos sin carne. Want to try it for yourself? Here's my incredible easy, surprisingly fast, and totally flexible taco recipe:

Tacos Sin Carne

the meat
1 cup dried textured vegetable protein
1/2 yellow onion
1 cup diced or crushed tomatoes, optional

the seasoning
2 Tbsp chili powder
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t onion powder
1/2 t cayenne pepper
1/2 t oregano
1 t paprika
1 Tbsp cumin
salt and pepper to taste

the rest
lettuce
tomatoes
salsa
and
any other toppings you love
taco shells or tortillas

Textured Vegetable Protein "Ground Beef"

Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), a protein-rich meat substitute made from soy flour, can be found at health stores or in larger supermarkets, usually in the bulk section. When ready to use TVP needs to be re-hydrated at a 1:1 ratio. To do this place 1 part TVP in bowl and cover with 1 part boiling water. Place lid on bowl and let sit for five minutes.

While the TVP is re-hydrating, heat up 1 TBSP oil in a pan. Once hot add onion and saute, stirring often, until lightly brown.


Once onions are ready add chili , garlic, and onion powder, cayenne, oregano, paprika, ans cumin.
Stir to coat onion.

Add tomatoes. I just use whatever is in my pantry, usually diced tomatoes, and add to taste. The tomatoes add juiciness and flavor but could be omitted all together, in which case add a little extra water when adding tvp to onion mixture.

Add tvp and stir until combined. Let sit simmer for 5 minutes for flavors to soak in.



Prepare your toppings. Below and clockwise I have lime chive sour "cream" (I prefer Follow Your Heart), spinach, avocado, tomatoes, olives, and salsa.


Assemble tacos and enjoy!