Vegetarian Tacos

I grew to love tacos when I visited Mexico almost 20 years ago and found them readily available at “Taquerias” (small taco cafes) on almost every street corner.  I realized the addition of grated cheese and sour cream that we eat in Australia is a less healthy Americanised version and don’t think it adds any value to the delicious flavour – but feel free to add or delete to your own taste.  When I visited Mexico again in 2020 I experienced this delicious street food again and felt I had to share my version with you all.

Traditionally served with soft corn tortillas: the wheat tortillas have a milder taste.

Ingredients

• 1 onion finely chopped
• 1-2 heaped tsp sweet paprika
• 1-2 heaped tsp mixed herbs
• 1 heaped tsp cumin powder
• 1-2 cloves of garlic
• 2 cups red kidney beans (or any other favourite bean/pulse)
• ¾ cup water
• ½ – 1 tsp salt

Guacamole

• 1 avocado
• 1 lemon
• ½ tsp cracked pepper
• 1-2 garlic cloves

Salad

• 2 –3 tomatoes roughly chopped
• ½ bunch coriander leaves – roughly chopped
• Lettuce leaves sliced

Method

1. Lightly brown onion in frypan with a splash of olive oil
2. Add paprika, cumin and oregano and fry for 1 min
3. Drain and wash beans and add to the mix with the water
4. Add garlic – finely chopped or minced
5. Add salt (to taste) and simmer for 20-30 minutes until sauce thickens

1. Meanwhile, to make the guacamole …
   Scoop out the avocado and smash in a bowl with a fork
2. Make a well in the middle and add minced garlic
3. Squeeze juice from the whole lemon into the well and let rest for a few minutes
4. Add in the cracked pepper
5. Mix/mash all together with the fork
6. Set aside

1. For the Salad…
   Mix the chopped tomatoes and coriander
2. Cut up the lettuce
3. Season to taste

Optional  Extras:

1. Add  ½ red pepper diced to the guacamole (I personally love this addition and gets an extra vege in your meal!)
2. Add some cooked rice to the bean mix to bulk it out a little and soak up the sauce.

Serve all ingredients inside soft tortillas/wraps and add your favourite spicy sauce.

Yum!