Lentil Tex Mix
A hearty and flavorful lentil dish blended with cheese, tomatoes, green onions, and seasoned with taco spices, perfect for a nutritious, crowd-pleasing appetizer or side.
Ingredients
- 1 c. lentils ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 2 tomatoes, chopped medium fine ⓘ
- 1 c. green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. (8 oz.) Jack or Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 3 medium avocados ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 pkg. taco seasoning mix ⓘ
- 1 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 (10 1/2 oz.) cans bean dip ⓘ
- ripe olives, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash the lentils and cook in salted water, bringing to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes.
- Drain the lentils and save the cooking water.
- Add butter to the cooked lentils and mash them.
- Add the reserved liquid back to the lentils to achieve a smooth consistency.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing some garlic and onion in the butter before mixing it with the lentils. If you prefer a creamier texture, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also substitute the cheese with a dairy-free option if needed. For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lentil Tex Mix with tortilla chips for a fun appetizer or as a filling for tacos or burritos. It pairs beautifully with Kim'S Mexican Cornbread. For a complete meal, add a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad. Garnish with ripe olives and extra avocado slices for presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Lentil Tex Mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lentil Tex Mix contains roughly 987 calories, with 22g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), protein (44% of the Daily Value), and calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1385mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. Use plant-based cheese and replace sour cream and mayonnaise with dairy-free versions to keep it vegan-friendly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add spice, you can mix in chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. Using a spicy taco seasoning mix instead of the regular one can also enhance the heat level. Adjust to your taste preferences for the right amount of kick.
What can I serve with Lentil Tex Mix?
This dish is versatile and can be served with various sides. Consider pairing it with Mexican Rice And Bean Pie or a simple green salad. It also works well as a dip with tortilla chips or as a filling for burritos or tacos.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).