High-protein quinoa makes a great filling for tacos. It’s a fun, festive, and filling meal!

Serves: 6 (2 tacos per serving)

• 3/4 cup quinoa (any variety, though this looks nice with red quinoa), rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 small red or green bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 or 2 fresh hot chile peppers, seeded and minced, optional
• 3/4 cup canned or fresh tomato puree
• 2 teaspoons good-quality chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 12 taco shells

Garnishes

• Shredded lettuce, about 3 loosely packed cups
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• Bottled salsa or picante sauce, mild to hot, as desired,
  or bottled tomatillo sauce (salsa verde)

Combine the quinoa with 1 1/2 cups of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet. Sauté the onion over medium heat until translucent. Add the diced bell pepper, garlic, and optional fresh chile pepper, and sauté until all are golden, about 5 minutes.

When the quinoa is done, transfer it to the skillet and add the tomato puree, and chili powder, and cumin. Cook, stirring, until the mixture is well blended. Season with salt and pepper, remove from the heat, and cover.

Place the taco shells on a platter. Prepare the garnishes and place each in separate bowls.

Transfer the quinoa mixture to a covered serving container, or if it’s an informal family meal, leave it in the skillet. Have everyone assemble their own tacos as follows: Line each taco shell with a  handful of shredded lettuce, followed by a scoop of the quinoa mixture. Garnish the top with diced tomatoes, black olives, and salsa or picante sauce. Eat out of hand with plenty of napkins, and enjoy!

• Find more of VegKitchen’s Vegan Dinner Recipes ^[1] and more Burritos, Enchiladas, And Tortilla Dishes. ^[2]
• Here are more quinoa recipes. ^[3]
• Find lots more tortilla recipes in A Southwestern Supper. ^[4]