Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Easy Jasmine Rice, Lentil, and Red Quinoa Tacos


Jasmine Rice, Lentil, and Red Quinoa Tacos

Those of you who follow my food posts were probably not surprised reading the word "tacos" in the subject. It's no secret that I'm more than slightly smitten with Mexican and southwestern inspired foods - especially tacos. I mean, my Facebook bio says "I like tacos" and nothing else. Yeah. That said, I think you will be surprised by this particular taco recipe. Despite the fact that it sounds complicated, it's incredibly easy - and incredibly delicious. It's a light-yet-satisfying entree perfect for summertime, and it's become a staple around our house over the past few weeks. It's also one of the most nutritious meals we eat, full of whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats. You're going to love it, I promise.

Jasmine Rice, Lentil, and Red Quinoa Tacos
Jasmine Rice, Lentil, and Red Quinoa Tacos
Jasmine Rice, Lentil, and Red Quinoa Tacos

Easy Jasmine Rice, Lentil, and Quinoa Tacos

Makes 8 tacos

INGREDIENTS
1 cup Village Harvest Organic Benefit Protein Blend (dry/uncooked)
8 soft corn tortillas
1 large avocado (or 2 small)
1 cups organic greens (we like baby spinach or spring greens)
2 limes
salsa
hot sauce

Cook 1 cup of the Organic Benefit Protein Blend (yummy blend of organic jasmine rice, organic lentils, and organic red quinoa) with 2-1/4 cups water and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 20-22 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Remove from heat, and allow to stand for 5 minutes. While Protein Blend is standing, cut the avocado into slices and heat each tortilla for a few seconds on a heated pan to soften.  In each tortilla, layer the Protein Blend, slices of avocado, salsa, and a handful of greens. Top with fresh squeezed lime juice and hot sauce. So good.

Jasmine Rice, Lentil, and Red Quinoa Tacos
Jasmine Rice, Lentil, and Red Quinoa Tacos
Jasmine Rice, Lentil, and Red Quinoa Tacos

While the richness of the avocado, refreshing subtle crunch of the greens, and tang of the lime come together to create the prefect flavor marriage, it's the Village Harvest Organic Benefit Protein Blend that makes that these (vegan!) tacos so delightful (or as Essley describes them, "fantash-chick"). Its filling in that great way where you feel satisfied but not overly full - thanks to the combination of protein, complex carbohydrates, and dietary fiber it provides. And the fact that it takes three of my favorite foods (jasmine rice, lentils, and quinoa) and allows me to cook them all in a single pot in just 20ish minutes is huge. When dinner or lunch can be this tasty and nutritious and also ready in less than a half hour with only one pot dirtied, I'm all in.

The Protein Blend I use for these tacos is my favorite, but I also love (and regularly eat) the other two  Village Harvest Benefit Blend varieties as well - Organic Antioxidant Blend (black rice, black lentils, and black quinoa) and Organic Ancient Grain Blend (millet, white quinoa, red quinoa, and buckwheat).  They each offer a uniquely delicious combination of healthful goodness that works in countless recipes. (I like the Ancient Grain Blend with a little maple syrup for breakfast - so yummy.)  You can grab all three on the (new!) Village Harvest Online Shop or at your local grocer. And if your favorite store doesn't carry Benefit Blends, just fill out this quick product request form and drop it off with a manager. The company itself is pretty rad too. Village Harvest donates 1% of profits toward programs that give back to the farmers and communities where their products are sourced, and also gives 1% of their employees' time to sustainability efforts and other causes. Pretty great, right?

Jasmine Rice, Lentil, and Red Quinoa Tacos
Jasmine Rice, Lentil, and Red Quinoa Tacos
Jasmine Rice, Lentil, and Red Quinoa Tacos

I hope you guys will give these tacos a try. I'll be hear waiting when you come back to tell me how much your loved them. They're also great without the tortillas as burrito bowls, and even cold as a side salad. Endless possibilities, my friends. Enjoy!



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4 comments:

  1. I love the sound of those protein blends! I am a die-hard brown rice fan, pretty much eat a bowl of it every day of my life, but I know my diet could use my protein and these mixes might just be the ticket - I will be hunting them down and when I do, I'm pretty sure the first thing I'll want to do is make these tacos because, yum!
    xox,
    Cee

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  2. Yum! We eat tons of quinoa. Being vegetarian it has become such a staple for me to get protein. We love avocados too. However it is so tricky when you go to the grocery store for a ripe one and they are all hard as a rock. :) Someday we want to relocate south and have an avocado tree. Dreams. Village Harvest sounds like a fantastic company! We need more like this.

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  3. These look SO GOOD! Definitely making them this week!

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  4. I haven't heard of Village Harvest but will for sure fine them as these look delicious and I love that it's a different take on regular old tacos. Mmmmm mexican food :)

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