Friday, May 13, 2011

Figure Friendly Friday: Lentil Ground Turkey Taco Mix

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Lentils in taco meat???

I couldn't really wrap my brain around it in the beginning either.  After much thought, I figured lentils are beans and we love beans in our taco meat, so why not!

Turns out, lentils are pretty healthy and a great source of fiber and protein.  

This week's submission for Figure Friendly Friday is Lentil Ground Turkey Taco Mix.  Use this in soft tortillas for burritos or soft tacos.  Pour it over tortilla chips for nachos.  Spread it over corn tortillas for tostadas.  The possibilities are endless.  It is so good!  We all really love this a lot!


Lentil Ground Turkey Taco Mix (adapted from Eat at Home)
1 cup dried lentils
2-3/4 cups water
2 tsp chicken tomato bouillon (like Knorr)
2 tsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp vegetable oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup salsa (your favorite)
16 oz (1 lbs) ground turkey 93% lean

Rinse lentils and sort out the rocks and debris.  Bring water and bouillon to a boil.  Add lentils and spices, reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for 30 minutes.  In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat and saute onion, garlic and salsa.  Add salsa mixture to the lentils when the onions are translucent, so you won't wait until the 30 minute timer is up to add them.  Brown the ground turkey, drain and set aside.  When the timer goes off, add turkey to the lentils and cook for another 15 minutes.  

I prefer softer lentils (not mushy), so I cook this for another 15 minutes.  This is my preference.  You do what you love.  That's what a recipe is all about :)

This makes about 16 servings.  Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to measure out each serving.  You can freeze this too.  I made a double batch and froze them in 2 cup measurements in freezer storage baggies for future meals.  (big surprise, right!)

Per serving:  Calories 70 calories, Fat 2.3 gr, Carbs 6.7 gr, Protein 7.8 gr

Enjoy!

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12 comments:

Unknown said...

What a fantastic idea!!! I love lentils, and though I often add beans to taco meat, I've never thought to add my favorite legume! Thanks for linking up to Friday Potluck!

Debbi Does Dinner Healthy said...

Love lentils & tacos and this sounds wonderful! Thanks!

Ann Kroeker said...

My kids would have a cow (pun intended) if I added lentils to their Mexican ground beef!

But...I may set aside a batch and work the lentils in for my husband and me. It's such a healthy idea!

Thanks for linking to Food on Fridays this great reminder for how we can stretch the expensive stuff and add some healthy stuff.

cman said...

Lentils taste great in chili too!

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

This sounds pretty darn tasty! I love all the flavors, and the addition of lentils makes it a homerun in my book.

Lori said...

I like this recipe. Healthy and yummy looking. I am a new follower and hope you'll visit our blog soon!

Lori

♥ Willa @ Postage Journal♥ said...

Thanks for linking with us.

Arlene said...

Great way to enjoy legumes! Thanks for sharing your recipe.

Hopping from Food Trip and Food Friday. :)

Arlene

Unknown said...

I've never tried lentils, but this looks pretty tasty. Did you quit doing the link up for this?

cheerful said...

something new to try, thanks for sharing your recipe...sounds really delicious! sorry for i was visiting late from FTF. anyway, have a great week! :)

Rachel said...

Brilliant ideas to stretch meat! I've added beans to our taco meat mix, but not lentils! Will do that next time! Thanks for visiting QM and introducing me to your blog!

Alison said...

This sounds amazing! I'm going to have to try this VERY soon! Looks like a nice and healthy (and frugal) meal!

I saw you on the list for the Slimmer This Summer challenge over at Debbi's blog. I’ll be participating, too! I’ve got a lot to lose. Although, I’m a bit nervous about taking part in a challenge, I know that I’ll find the inspiration and support I need among new friends! I’m a GFC follower and look forward to reading about your progress throughout the Slimmer This Summer challenge!
Under the Big Oak Tree

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