Meatless Tacos

I once took a history graduate class on "The History of Food". In this class, the professor brought some kind of historical dish every week for us to try. When we were learning about the history of the tortilla in Mexico, the professor brought tortillas, black beans, cilantro, and green onions to class. I didn't think I would like it because (1) It seemed like odd ingredients for tacos (2) There were so few ingredients (3) I had never had cilantro before and family members (and Paul) had always told me that it was disgusting.

However, I tried it anyway and I fell in love with that simple-ingredient meal! I loved it so much that I started making it for dinner. However, as previously mentioned, Paul is not fond of cilantro. He doesn't really complain about meals, but I knew something needed to be done to make us both happy. I found a "Meatless Taco" recipe on allrecipes.com that was also very simple. I then combined the two ideas and soon came up with my own meatless taco recipe.

My recipe for meatless tacos is SO good! So light and refreshing! Optionally spicy! So healthy! It is a bit more complex than my previous meals, but only because there are more parts. The fun thing about this meal is that you can add other items or exclude items depending on your taste preferences. That is what is fun about tacos! :)

I hope you enjoy my Meatless taco recipe. If you have a meatless taco recipe that you use and feel like sharing, please email it to me!

Ingredients:
*tortilla shells
*shredded cheese or warm queso (your choice)
*1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
*salsa (optional)
*sour cream (optional)
*my "greens mix" (see recipe and picture below)
*my guacamole (see recipe and picture below)

Directions:
(1) Warm up tortilla shells. Put on toppings of choice. Enjoy!


My "Greens Mix" recipe:

Ingredients:
*spinach leaves, chopped
*6-8 green onions, chopped
*cilantro, chopped (add as much as you desire)
*1 fresh jalapeno pepper, diced really small (optional)


Directions:
(1) Add all these greens together and mix thoroughly. Depending on your preference, add more or less spinach to the ratio. I like a spicy greens mix, so I add 1 jalapeno pepper. If it is too spicy, I add more spinach, etc. This "greens mix" makes a great, pretty, crunchy, healthy, perfect addition to tacos!


My Guacamole recipe:

Ingredients:
*5 avocados
*1/2 white onion, chopped
*4 roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
*1 clove garlic, minced
*lime juice
*1 dollop of sour cream
*1/3 packet of guacamole spicy spices (in mexican aisle of most grocery stores)


Directions:
(1) Cut avocados in half. Gently press a sharp knife into center of avocado pit and twist. This should easily detach the pit. After removing the pit, use a small spoon and "gut" the avocado halves. Add all the avocado to a large bowl. Add the white onion, garlic, and lime juice (a few drops at first...you can always add more later). Use a vegetable masher and mash these ingredients to a smooth consistency.
(2) Add the chopped tomatoes to the mix. Mash together, but leave tomatoes chunky.
(3) Add the dollop of sour cream, spice packet (about 1/3 of a packet), additional lime juice if needed. Mix together and taste test. Too bland? Add more spice packet, lime juice, and/or garlic. Too bold? Add more sour cream. Perfect? Eat quickly before the husband devours it all. ;)