BEST Vegan Walnut Taco Meat

Satisfy your taco cravings with this delicious and nutritious Best Vegan Walnut Taco Meat recipe. Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats from walnuts, this plant-based taco meat is a flavorful alternative to traditional meat fillings. With the perfect blend of savory spices and a satisfyingly meaty texture, this walnut taco meat is sure to please vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you’re enjoying Taco Tuesday or looking for a tasty meatless meal option, this Vegan Walnut Taco Meat is a must-try dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw walnuts
• ONE tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)
• Taco shells or tortillas, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Walnuts:
   • Place the raw walnuts in a food processor and pulse until they resemble coarse crumbs, similar to ground meat. Be careful not to over-process, as you still want some texture.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Put diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Bell Pepper and Tomatoes:
   • Add diced bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Then, stir in diced tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well to combine.
4. Season the Walnut Mixture:
   • Add the ground walnuts to the skillet with the vegetables. Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir to evenly coat the walnuts and vegetables with the spices.
5. Simmer and Add Liquid:
   • Pour water or vegetable broth into the skillet to help bind the flavors together. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the flavors have melded.
6. Adjust Seasonings:
   • Taste the walnut taco meat and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
7. Serve:
   • Spoon the Vegan Walnut Taco Meat into taco shells or tortillas of your choice. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Makes about 4 servings, excluding taco shells):

• Calories: 200
• Fat: 16g
• Protein: 6g
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 4g
• Net Carbs: 7g