There are numerous health benefits to following a plant-based diet including reducing risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. I will note that it can be difficult to transition to a 100% pant-based diet, however incorporating more plant-based whole foods offers health benefits. I recommend starting off by trying to follow a plant-based diet at least 1 day per week. The following recipe is a delicious and easy to prepare meat substitute for favourite dishes including tacos, taco salads, nachos, stuffed peppers, and quesadillas. The lentils offer a great source of protein and fibre. The mushrooms and cauliflower are additional sources of fibre, vitamin and minerals and they help with a "meaty" texture.
Meatless Ground “Meat”
Ingredients;
- 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
- 2 cups cauliflower, riced
- 1 can lentils, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oregano dried
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1//4tsp pepper
- Begin by preheating oven to 375F. Line a baking sheet.
- Prepare and chop mushrooms, cauliflower, onion and jalapeño. To save time, toss the mushrooms and cauliflower in a food processor to dice.
- Add the vegetables, drained lentils, olive oil and spices into a medium sized bowl and mix together.
- Lay mixture out on a baking sheet. Bake in oven for approximately 20 minutes until browned.
Ideas for use:
- Base for tacos
- Mexican-inspired burrito bowls
- Add onto nachos
- Taco Salad
- Quesadilla
- Stuffed Peppers
