As we continue to add more meatless meals to the menu, I have found that the key is to stick to the same flavors that we’re already accustomed to. This vegan picadillo made with lentils is the perfect example! It’s got all the traditional picadillo flavors with potatoes, olives, raisins, and onions. You can eat on it’s own or serve alongside white rice or even with mashed potatoes!
Vegan Picadillo made with lentils
Picadillo is a ground beef hash that can also be used for empanadas, potato balls or even tacos! You can also make a great vegan picadillo by adding a handful of quinoa (this version is a complete meal) to the lentils but after trying both versions, lentils for me was my favorite.
Rather than serving this with platanos maduro, like we usually do I decided instead to have a side of veggies.
Vegan Picadillo
Ingredients:
5 cups of lentils
1 small diced onion
3 tablespoons of tomato paste
1 teaspoon of cinnamon *you can add a half teaspoon more for a sweeter taste
2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoons of cumin
2 teaspoons of oregano
A pinch of nutmeg
2 28 ounce cans of whole tomatoes **keep juice to add a little sauce
1 large cooked potato **diced
1 large red pepper
2 tablespoon of vinegar
1/2 cup of olives
Salt and pepper to taste
White rice
Handful of cilantro
Directions:
In a large pan sautéed onion. Add tomato paste and all your seasonings and fry for a couple of minutes.
Stir in tomato sauce, potatoes, salt, pepper and vinegar. Simmer for a 2-3 minutes.
Now last but most certainly not least you can add lentils, olives raisins and cook until sauce is simmering. **If you want more sauce add a splash of water.
Don’t forget to Pin Vegan Picadillo Made With Lentils recipe for later
Do you guys have any recipes to share?
More meatless recipes:
Quinoa Blue Cheese Burger
Cajun Mushroom & Spinach Rigatoni
Wow! Such a perfect lunch recipe which seem so appetizing and palatable, Jasmine! I will definitely give it a try. What kind of onions do you use?
You know I have never had lentils! I need to give this a try, it looks good!
It looks so good! I’ve been looking for more recipes with veggies! Can’t wait to try this one!
You did make this look super easy to make! Our family really needs to add some more meatless recipes to our weekly meal plan. Can’t wait to try this one!
Yum! We eat a lot of vegan and vegetable dishes at our house and I can’t wait to try your recipe. I’ve been looking for a new way to prepare the lentils I have in my pantry.
My family is vegan and… I pinned this! I can’t wait to give it a go!!
Mmmm this looks so tasty! Definitely adding it to my must-make list on Pinterest. Thanks for the recipe inspiration!
I should really try making this for when my daughter comes over. It definitely sounds flavorful!
I have never cooked with lentils. I have eaten them several times. I should make them myself.
Hmmmm. I have never had picadillo before. I really love lentils though so I’m going to give this recipe a try.
I never realized what picadillo was, so now I know. I like the idea of your meatless version. It does sound interesting and I would enjoy it with white rice and a side of veggies.