Vegetarian Lentil Nachos
Deliciously easy vegetarian nachos are made with lentil taco “meat” over tortilla chips, cheese and all the toppings you can handle! Whether you’re a vegetarian or just like going without meat every now and then, this is the perfect way to enjoy some nachos meatless edition.
Anytime I can find an alternative to meat, I’m game. I like switching up my meals and getting protein from all kinds of sources! One day I was so hungry dreaming about nachos, but for the month of January I stopped eating meat. I was like how can I make nachos with no meat? Just veggies? Ehhh didn’t sound that great.. and then the idea popped in my head! How would lentils end up tasting with taco seasoning? So I made them and the rest is history.
If you’ve never had lentils before, they are small legumes that have almost no flavor so they are very versatile. They cook in about 20-25 minutes and are amazing sources of plant based protein, fiber and iron. My boyfriend and mom are not vegetarian at all, but they loved these lentil nachos and were amazed that it was meatless! And then even kinda look like ground beef!
How to make vegetarian lentil nachos
Start by bringing the water to a simmer with a little salt. Add the lentils and cook for about 25 minutes until the water is absorbed, turn off the heat. The lentils will become soft. I recommend adding all the spices at one time and giving a big stir. The more you stir the lentils, the more it will break them up and you want most of the texture to be whole. So, stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
Next arrange the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet and cover with shredded cheese of your choice. I like to do my nachos in layers so the chips on the bottom have cheese too! I do one layer of chips then cheese, then repeat. Top with the lentils and pop em in the oven until the cheese is melted.
Once the nachos are out of the oven, it’s toppings time! I used shredded lettuce, sliced black olives, cilantro, sour cream, onions and lime. Not pictured is the garlic hot sauce I doused every chip in, but get creative with your toppings, anything goes!
Topping ideas:
queso
avocados or guacamole
salsa and hot sauce
roasted corn
red or green onions
roasted peppers
diced tomatoes
sliced jalapeños
I hope you all love these vegetarian lentil nachos and try them soon! It would be a great appetizer for the Superbowl!
Vegetarian Lentil Nachos
1 cup lentils
3 cups water
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 1/4 tsp cumin
1 1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp onion powder
3/4 tsp black pepper
Tortilla chips
2-3 cups preferred shredded cheese
cilantro, lime slices, diced onion, shredded lettuce and any other toppings desired
Bring the water to a boil in large pot with a sprinkle of salt. Once the water begins to simmer, add the lentils and cover with a crack allowing for ventilation. Cook over a simmer until all the liquid has been absorbed, about 25 minutes. Stir every now and then. Once the water is absorbed, add the spices and stir to incorporate.
Spread half of the tortilla chips out on a large baking sheet and top with half of the cheese. Repeat again for two layers of chips and cheese. Top the last layer with the lentils, evenly distributed across the top. Bake for 5-10 minutes in a 375 degree oven until the cheese is melted. Top the nachos with diced onion, cilantro, lime wedges and any other toppings of your choice.
