Vegan Lentil Enchiladas

Embark on a journey of flavor and nourishment with these exquisite Vegan Lentil Enchiladas. Bursting with wholesome ingredients and vibrant spices, this recipe offers a tantalizing twist on a classic Mexican dish. Made with hearty lentils, flavorful enchilada sauce, and melty dairy-free cheese, these enchiladas are a perfect choice for a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s suitable for vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether enjoyed as a hearty dinner option, a crowd-pleasing party dish, or a flavorful addition to your weekly meal rotation, these Vegan Lentil Enchiladas are sure to impress with their bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients:

For the Lentil Filling:

  • 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
  • 3 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Enchilada Sauce:

  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Enchiladas:

  • 8-10 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup dairy-free cheese shreds (cheddar or mozzarella-style)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Sliced avocado, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Lentil Filling: Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add dried lentils, vegetable broth or water, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Make Enchilada Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine tomato sauce, vegetable broth, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  4. Assemble Enchiladas: Spoon a generous amount of lentil filling onto each tortilla, then roll them up and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and rolled.
  5. Pour Sauce: Pour the prepared enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure to coat them evenly.
  6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle dairy-free cheese shreds over the top of the enchiladas.
  7. Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve warm with sliced avocado, if desired.

Nutritional Information:

  • Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
  • Calories: 400
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Dietary Fiber: 12g
  • Sugars: 7g
  • Protein: 16g

Vegan-Friendly: These Vegan Lentil Enchiladas are suitable for those following a vegan or plant-based diet, as they contain no animal products. With their hearty lentil filling, flavorful enchilada sauce, and melty dairy-free cheese, they provide a satisfying and delicious option for vegans and non-vegans alike.

Conclusion: These Vegan Lentil Enchiladas are a celebration of flavor and nourishment, offering a satisfying and delicious meal option that’s perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike. With their hearty lentil filling, flavorful enchilada sauce, and melty dairy-free cheese, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, with just 9 SmartPoints per serving, they are a smart and satisfying option for those following the Weight Watchers program. Whip up a batch today and treat yourself to a taste of Mexican-inspired goodness that’s as delicious as it is nutritious!