At Long Last! Ancho for my Lentil Tacos!

 

I’ve been searching for Ancho chili powder for ages, in order to make these tacos from an amazing vegan blog called Post Punk Kitchen, a new favourite of mine and a source of much recent inspiration. I finally found some on a recent trip to Vancouver, at the lively market on Granville Island.   I also grabbed some spicy and distinctly smokey Chipotle powder, which is also somehow hard to find.

Half  curiosity and half impulse buy at  the checkout included some mysterious and magical black garlic, something I have yet to experiment with, but is still sitting patiently on my kitchen counter (and at $5 a head,  it best be good)

These tacos were made immediately upon arrival back in Toronto. They were pretty quick and satisfying. Also a healthy break from all the rich food and booze we indulged in on the West coast!

 

Spicy Ancho Lentil Tacos 

• Coconut oil
• 1/2 a large red onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large can of red lentils
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

Spice Mix

• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 3 teaspoons ancho chili
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• fresh cilantro
• tortillas

1. Combine all the spices in a small dish and set aside
2. Preheat large pan at medium high and melt coconut oil (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
3. Sautee onion and garlic with dash of salt until lightly browned and fragrant
4. add spices and toss for about 30 seconds, to toast, and lower heat
5. Add lentils and mix together for a few minutes until the mixture thickens. Add a splash of water if too dry.
6. Taste for seasonings, and serve over toasted or warmed tortilla.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro

Serve with any toppings you like!  They are very versatile and would also be great with grilled pineapple, coleslaw, sour cream, cheese or whatever is left over in the fridge.

I chose a quick guacamole, salsa and fresh lime combo. I was happy with my first foray with Ancho…it is very smokey without much heat.

 

This pitcher of sangria was conveniently awaiting our arrival, courtesy of our cat/housemate Grace.

Kismet!