Lentil Walnut Tacos with Smoky Cashew Queso Sauce
These tacos aren’t intended to replicate meat, however, they are extremely “meaty” in their own way. They’re chock full of flavor, great texture and drizzled with the best dang cashew queso sauce I’ve ever had. Meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans alike can enjoy these tacos because when it comes down to it, they’re delicious. We enjoyed them two night in a row and on the third night made “hippie” nachos with the leftover queso sauce per my husband’s request. We served the nachos with ginger mint margaritas. It was a seriously delicious evening—you can find the recipe on my blog. Until then, it’s all about these tacos!
I first tried lentil walnut tacos at a cafe in Portland a few years back and absolutely loved them. If I remember correctly they were also served with a spicy cashew cream sauce. These tacos are my knock off version. I made a simple lime and cabbage slaw to throw into the mix which complimented all the flavors.
This is the kind of dinner you make on a warm evening with good company and a batch of fresh margaritas to take the edge off.
I hope you all enjoy these tacos as much as we do. Bon appétit!
Cabbage Lime Slaw
1 cup green cabbage, shredded
1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño pepper, minced
4 radishes, chopped
1 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
1 1/2 Tbl olive oil
1 1/2 Tbl fresh lime juice
1 1/2 tsp honey or maple syrup
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
Lentil Walnut Filling
1 cup French green lentils, cooked
1 cup walnuts, lightly toasted
1 Tbl tamari or soy sauce
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1-2 Tbl water (add more to thin, if necessary)
Smoky Cashew Queso Sauce
1 cup raw cashews, soaked at least 30 minutes in water
2 Tbl tomato paste
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1-2 tsp smoked paprika (more or less depending on preference)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
2 Tbl fresh lemon juice
1 cup water (add more to thin, if necessary)
corn tortillas for serving
Notes:
*Queso sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week
*Taste test as you go
*Adjust measurements and ingredients as necessary
*Have fun in the kitchen
Prepare the lentil walnut filling by combining all the ingredients (minus the water) in a food processor and processing until well combined (make sure to leave a little texture). Add water to the mixture if it’s too dry. Taste test and adjust seasonings if need be. Set aside.
Prepare the cabbage slaw by whisking together the lime juice, olive oil, honey and salt in a small bowl. In a larger bowl, toss the rest of the ingredients together and drizzle with the dressing.
Prepare the cashew queso by draining the soaked cashews and rinsing them under cold water. Place all the ingredients for the sauce in a high-speed blender and whirl away on the highest setting until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This takes about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides as necessary and add water 1 tablespoon at a time to thin if need be. Taste test and adjust seasonings as necessary.
Warm up a few corn tortillas in the oven and divide the lentil walnut filling and cabbage slaw between tortillas. Drizzle with the queso sauce and enjoy!






