I’m sad to report that this Taco Tuesday was not among the best. I was winging it and managed to save it in the end, but it wasn’t easy.

I didn’t keep very good track of the water needed, since I just watched the beans to ensure they were cooked all the way. Below is a rough estimate of you’ll need for the lentils, but feel free to customize it however you want.

4 oz lentils
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 white onion chopped
1 tsp minced garlic
1  stalk of celery chopped
1 medium size zucchini chopped
1 handful of spinach
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste

I decided to use Cotija cheese and corn tortillas.

For the lentils, begin by sauteing the garlic for a few minutes, and then add your onion and saute for another few minutes. Add your lentils, and add 2 cups of water to start. You will gradually add more as they cook. Add your spices. You could use half a packet of taco seasoning instead if you wish. Put the lid on and let it cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes. While it’s cooking, you can chop your celery and zucchini. After 30 minutes, take a look. You will most likely need to add more water. I suggest adding water in 1/2 cup increments. Add your celery now. Put the lid on and let it cook for another 20 minutes.

Take a look and see how they’re doing, most likely they are almost done. Add the zucchini and really stir it in there, so it can get all that flavor. Next, add a big handful of spinach, turn the heat down to low, and stir that in very well. You’re done with the lentils!

This is where my plan went awry. I normally heat corn tortillas in the microwave with a damp paper towel, so that’s what I did. Then I added the filling and the cotija crumbles, aaaaaaand it was boring. It tasted good, but it was missing something. Hot sauce?! Yes, a little hot sauce helped but something was still not quite right.

My husband got home later in the evening, so I offered him a plate of boring tacos. I decided that this was an opportunity to try again. I heated the tortillas on the stove top this time, and I melted the cotjia right on the tortilla. Then, I added the lentils, and lastly, a little hot sauce. The verdict? And I quote, “that melted cheese is money, babe.” I think by crisping the tortillas and melting the cheese, I got the texture I was missing before.

There you have it, what to do and what not to do in this week’s Taco Tuesday…on Wednesday.

xo