Black Garlic & Pumpkin Taco Mac
Black Garlic & Pumpkin Taco Mac
Looking for a meatless #TacoTuesday option with an autumnal spin? This one’s for you!
This veggie-packed take on chili mac is sure to leave you satiated and satisfied. What’s more, this should be considered more like a template than a die-hard, stick-to-it recipe. Sure, it’s super yum as written, but it’s also highly adaptable. Switch up the veggies according to what you’ve got on hand or what your family prefers. Use whatever pasta is your favorite (we opted for organic, whole wheat rotini here).
Servings: 6 to 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
INGREDIENTS |
1 cup dried brown lentils
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 cup diced onion
2 cups diced carrots
1 cup chopped bell peppers or frying peppers
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon sea salt (we like our Mild Hatch Chile Garlic Salt here)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon ceylon cinnamon
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon coriander
4 cups chopped fresh tomato or 1 32oz jar diced tomatoes
1 cup pumpkin puree
3-5 cloves black garlic, mashed (about 1 heaping tablespoon of puree)
1 cup chopped greens
8oz pasta, cooked per package instructions
TOPPING SUGGESTIONS |
avocado, shredded cheese, yogurt or sour cream, lettuce, cilantro, tortilla chips, hemp seeds, salsa
INSTRUCTIONS |
1. Rinse lentils; bring saucepan to boil with 2 1/2 cups water. Add lentils, reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook 20-25 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat large skillet over medium. Add oil. Sauté onion and carrot for 4-5 minutes, until softened, and then add green peppers and garlic. Cook for a couple minutes more. Add spices and salt to the skillet, and stir through. Cook another minute.
3. Pour in tomatoes and let their juices deglaze the pan (scrape up all those yummy garlic and spice bits). Stir in pumpkin black garlic puree and cook for another ten minutes.
4. When lentils are done, drain any excess water and add lentils to skillet mixture, stir to combine, and heat through.
5. Portion cooked pasta into bowls, add taco mixture and any toppings you like!
KID FRIENDLY IDEA |
Set up a toppings bar and let the kiddos DIY their own servings. This can empower them through offering choice and may help #PickyEaters take more of an interest!