Tempeh Tacos

Tempeh can be a great substitute for ground beef.  While it doesn't taste like ground beef, when crumbled it looks sort of like it and has a similar texture.  This recipe uses tempeh as a replacement for the ground beef typically used to fill tacos. Cooked in tomato sauce, veggie broth, and plenty of spices, it's quite tasty!  If you normally don't really like the flavor of tempeh, load up on the toppings and you will hardly notice it!  I personally really liked the taste of this and enjoyed it for two nights.

One reason this meal is great is that it is super quick and easy to adapt.   I served this on little corn tortillas one night (as shown).  We had peppers, green onions, salsa, Mexican cheese, and avocado for toppings.  When we had leftovers I cut up and baked the tortillas into chips and Mark made nachos (with all the same ingredients) and I made a mixture of the tempeh taco filling and toppings and dipped the chips in.  You could also put this in regular hard taco shells (as was originally intended by this recipe!).   Get creative and enjoy!

Tempeh Tacos

serves: 4-6 (depending on toppings)

INGREDIENTS:

Tempeh Taco Filling:

• 2 teaspoons canola oil
• 1 onion, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder (or another tablespoon of regular chili powder)
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 8-ounce packages tempeh (any flavor), crumbled
• 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
• salt and pepper

To Serve (these are just some ideas- get creative!):

• tortillas or taco shells
• diced sweet mini peppers
• chopped green onions
• shredded Mexican cheese
• salsa
• sliced avocado or guacamole

DIRECTIONS:

1) Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.  Add the chili powders, garlic, and oregano and stir to combine.  

2)  Add the crumbled tempeh and cook for about 3 minutes.  Stir in the tomato sauce, broth, and brown sugar.  Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-8 minutes.  [This is a good time to prep the toppings!]

3) Remove from heat and taste.  Season with salt and pepper as desired.  Serve on tortillas or in taco shells with toppings of choice.

(recipe adapted from The America's Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook)