Bright, juicy mango meets crisp red bell pepper in this refreshing Lentil Tacos recipe. It's bursting with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It's great for making a large batch for Taco Tuesdays. I promise you, every bite is a delicious taste of sunshine!
For more hearty and flavorful options, try my Filipino Taco Bowl and Buns Stuffed with Lentils!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These lentil tacos are vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free if you use corn tortillas. No special tools needed, just one stove, one pan, and a few ingredients.
The lentil mixture is packed with fiber and protein. It keeps you full and supports your heart. Sweet potatoes add a smooth texture and lots of vitamin A.
Use taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of chili powder to boost flavor. Add a spoonful of tomato paste for a rich sauce, too. It all blends into something hearty and comforting. Give this easy lentil tacos recipe a try and enjoy!
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- Sweet potatoes
- Lentils
- Vegetable broth
- Jalapeño
- Garlic
- Smoked paprika
- Dried oregano
- Ground cumin
- Sea salt
- Lime juice
- Neutral oil
- Corn tortillas
- Avocados
- Green onions
- Fresh cilantro leaves
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Cook the Lentils:
1. In a medium pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil over medium heat.
2. Add the lentils, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes. All the liquid should be absorbed. The lentils should also be tender but not mushy.
Prepare the Vegetables:
3. While the lentils cook, peel and cube the sweet potatoes into ½-inch (12mm) pieces.
4. Mince the garlic and jalapeño (remove seeds and ribs for a milder taste).
Cook the Sweet Potato Filling:
5. Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) oil in a large, heavy-bottom pan over medium heat.
6. Add the cubed sweet potatoes. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until just soft.
7. Add cooked lentils. Then toss in the garlic, jalapeño, and spices.
8. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes. Add a little water or broth if dry.
9. Once fragrant, remove from heat and add lime juice.
Prepare the Toppings:
10. Slice avocados and chop green onions and cilantro.
11. Heat a large pan or griddle over medium-low heat. Add 1 teaspoon (5ml) oil and spread evenly.
12. Cook tortillas for 1 minute per side until lightly crispy.
13. Fill each tortilla with lentil-sweet potato mix.
14. Top with avocado, green onions, and cilantro.
15. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Substitutions & Variations
- Ingredient Swap
No lentils? Try black beans or chickpeas.
Out of sweet potatoes? Use butternut squash.
Want more heat? Mix in chipotle pepper or a bit of adobo sauce. - Variation
Use flour tortillas if you prefer soft tacos.
Add red cabbage for crunch and color.
Top with cheese, sour cream, or a drizzle of salsa if you're not vegan. - Mistake to Avoid
Don’t overcook the lentils—they should be tender but not mushy. - Storage Tips
- The filling freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Store fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion separately from the filling in the fridge.
- Combine only when ready to eat. Good for 2–3 days.
FAQ
Lentil Tacos
Ingredients
Taco Filling:
- 2 (600g) Medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- ⅔ cup (135g) Lentils brown or gray variety
- 1 ½ cups Vegetable broth (355ml)
- 1 Large jalapeño (40g) minced
- 2 cloves Garlic (10g) minced
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika (2g)
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano (1g)
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin (2g)
- ¾ teaspoon Sea salt (4g)
- 1 Lime juiced
- 3 tablespoons Neutral oil (45ml) divided
- 10 medium corn tortillas about 6” / 15cm
To Serve:
- 2 medium avocados (365g) sliced
- 2 large green onions (40g) chopped
- Fresh cilantro leaves washed and chopped
Instructions
Cook the Lentils:
- In a medium pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the lentils, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the lentils are tender but not mushy.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the lentils cook, peel and cube the sweet potatoes into ½-inch (12mm) pieces.
- Mince the garlic and jalapeño (remove seeds and ribs for a milder taste).
Cook the Sweet Potato Filling:
- Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) oil in a large, heavy-bottom pan over medium heat.
- Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until just soft.
- Add the cooked lentils, minced garlic, jalapeño, and all the spices. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) water or broth if the mixture feels too dry.
- Once the spices are fragrant and everything is cooked through, remove from heat and squeeze in lime juice (start with 2 tablespoons (30ml) and adjust to taste).
Prepare the Toppings:
- Slice the avocados lengthwise and scoop out with a spoon.
- Finely chop green onions (white and green portions) and cilantro leaves.
Assemble the Tacos:
- Heat a large pan or griddle over medium-low heat. Add 1 teaspoon (5ml) oil and spread evenly.
- Cook the tortillas 1-2 at a time for about 1 minute per side, until lightly crispy and golden in spots. Repeat with remaining tortillas, adding more oil as needed.
- Fill each tortilla with 2-3 tablespoons of the lentil-sweet potato mixture.
- Top with 2-3 slices of avocado, chopped green onion, and cilantro.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Watch The Recipe Video!
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Recipes for Every Moment
Meal prepping for the week, and need a healthy side? These easy lentil tacos are flavorful and perfect for salsa bowls or weekday new recipes you’ll love.
Sweetie says
This is exactly the healthy recipe I need for Jan 1!
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
That’s the best way to start the year! 💚✨ I’m so glad this is just what you need for Jan 1. Wishing you a fresh, healthy, and delicious start to the New Year! 🥰🥗
Dimple says
Perfect for the holidays. Will definitely make this!
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
Thank you so much! 💛🎄 I’m so happy to hear that—this one really is great for the holidays. Hope you enjoy making it, and let me know how it turns out! 😊✨
Ching says
I love how healthy and fresh this dish looks. It's a perfect dish to serve this coming New Year! 🙂
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
Aww thank you so much! 💚✨ It really is light, fresh, and perfect for starting the New Year on a healthy note. Hope you get to try it and enjoy it with your loved ones! 🥰🎉
Shein says
So hearty and flavorful! These lentil tacos are such a delicious plant-based favorite—perfect for any day! 😊
Maisaci says
I can’t wait to try this recipe ASAP! 😋
Janey says
I love this recipe! Made it the other day since I had extra lentils and it was soo delicious and it didn't make me miss the "meat". thanks Lainey
Clara says
Would mung beans be a good sub for this recipe?
Kian Cablinda says
Mouth-watering! Will recommend this to my vegan friends!
Shein says
Weeknight favorite at our house 🌮✨ These lentil tacos are hearty, flavorful, and proof that plant-based can be just as satisfying—no one ever misses the meat! 💚