Lentil Nachos

Let's talk about all of the things that are amazing about this meal. 1. It's such a low cost meal. We're using totally humble and relatively cheap ingredients, and we're able to feed a CROWD. 2. All of the ingredients that we're putting into today's recipe are pretty healthy. We're using protein rich legumes. We're making a preservative free homemade seasoning. And we're using lots of fresh, nutritious produce. 3. This tray of food is GORG. If we eat with our eyes first, our eyes are completely satisfied. Look at all of those colors. And, last but not least...4. NACHOS. No explanation needed on that one.

Nachos are traditionally pretty hearty thanks to the loads and loads of beef or chicken that you usually see piled up on them. But, we're using lentils as our meat replacement today. Lentil are crazy cheap, maybe $1-2 per pound, and they're a blank canvas. So to flavor our lentils, we're going to use a can of tomatoes with chilies and a little homemade taco seasoning made with mostly pantry staples. Throw everything in a pot with some water, and let the lentils simmer for about an hour to absorb all of that delicious flavor.

While the lentils are becoming nice and plump and flavorful, we can prepare our toppings. Here's the thing about nachos. You can put whatever you like on top in whatever quantities you want. You like things spicy? Add some jalapenos or canned green chilies. Don't like avocado? Skip it. Love sour cream on every darn chip? DO IT. But in my opinion, when it comes to nachos, the more the merrier. You know what I'm saying?

When the lentils are cooked through and perfectly al dente, we're going to use them to top some store bought tortilla chips. Spread the chips on an oven safe tray (a baking sheet is great for this), pile on the lentils, and give the whole thing a good sprinkling of cheese. Pop the nachos base into the oven so the cheese can melt and the chips can get a little crispy, then we can get working on the cold toppings.

I added one of everything to these nachos. We have some lettuce and tomatoes. We have some radish and red onion. We have some creamy avocado and sour cream. One. Of. Everything. The lentils have a little tiny kick to them from the taco seasoning; but if you can take the heat, like I said, feel free to invite some jalapenos to the party.

When it's time to get that perfect bite, here's what you'll taste. The lentils give you the flavor of a ground taco meat while giving you a texture that almost reminds you of the black beans that you sometimes see in nachos. Then, you have the pops of freshness from all of the veggies. And, the sour cream makes the bite in my opinion. It's my favorite part of a nacho situation. And because of the way things spread out on the tray, every bite is just a little different but equally as delish!

And, bonus. These nachos aren't just for celebrating Meatless Monday. It's game day season, you know. And this is the perfect offering for meat and meatless lovers alike. Talk about one delicious compromise!

Ok, everyone. If there's anything you want to see us make for Meatless Monday, let me know!

Until then, let's eat!