makingababybumblebee-blog - Tumblr blog

[makingababybumblebee-blog]

Lentil Tacos

I have a confession. I used to eat vegan. I am no longer vegan or vegetarian full time but I did learn a lot of great ways to make food without meat. One of those things that I still make is lentil taco “meat”. I boil the dried lentils for about 5 minutes and then I drain them and crisp them up in a pan. They take on a whole new texture and it is delicious. Ground turkey HAPPENED to be on sale when I went to the store so I picked it up and decided to mix the two for more nutrients. This is totally optional and would be great with just lentils or just turkey. 

I have another confession. I never measure anything. Especially spices. I will add amounts for the main parts but I honestly just add some spice and taste to see if it needs more. I don’t use seasoning packets or premade sauces. Not only do I not like how those taste, there is always some kind of junk in there that I don’t want to be putting in my body. It is so easy to just add spices I like and taste to see what it needs. I will try to measure and see what works so I can write a proper recipe but I feel like everyone who cooks should adjust to their own tastes. I can’t remember which celebrity chef said it but...be your own chef.

Ingredients:

For the lentil “meat”

- 1 cup dried lentils

- adobo seasoning

- cayenne powder

- garlic powder

- onion powder

- dried oregano

- salt (only a little since adobo has salt)

- go nuts, add some lime juice

For the toppings:

- shredded cheese (any kind you like, I had Mexican blend)

- sour cream (or Greek yogurt with lime and salt for added protein)

- diced fresh tomato

- avocado 

- BPA free can of black beans (I added the same spices that I put in the lentils)

- tortillas (not a topping but important)

Directions:

1. Boil lentils for 5 minutes.

2. Strain lentils and add to a saute pan with olive oil and spices. Saute until brown and crispy. Taste to check for seasoning. Meanwhile, put beans in a pot to warm and add spices to taste.

3. Prep toppings. Dice one tomato and slice up the avocado. 

4. Assemble. Y’all know how to put a taco together.

I know this is a weird way to write a recipe but it’s more of an idea for dinner. A healthy and yummy version of tacos. If you’d like the lentils to be more wet and a little more ground beef-y, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste with a splash of water to make it more “juicy”.

You can make this recipe vegan but just leaving out or replacing the sour cream and cheese. I also have a vegan/yummy/super easy recipe I use for tortillas if anyone is interested.

Enjoy :)

[makingababybumblebee-blog]

Weekly Meals and Sunday Grocery List

Every Sunday I sit down and plan my meals for the week and write my grocery list. I plan my dinners for two so you may need to adjust quantities. I always repeat breakfasts, which is why there are only three things listed. I have been drinking chocolate milk in the morning and pretending it’s coffee. I try not to plan more than four dinners for the week. I know there will be leftover or something will happen during the week. I can always go back to the store or the farmers market on Friday or Saturday. I find if I plan too many dinners something will go bad in the fridge. 

On the menu this week...

Breakfasts:

Chocolate Milk

Yogurt

Oatmeal

Avocado Toast

Lunches:

Chickpea Salad

Smoothie and small snack

Leftovers (heated properly and only 1 day old!)

Dinners:

Veggie Quiche

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Loaded Rice Bowls

Lentil Tacos

Snacks:

Cucumber Slices

Nuts

Cheese and Crackers

Fruit (whatever looks good at the store that day)

Here is the grocery list...

Produce:

avocado (2)

cucumber (2)

tomato (3 or 4)

spinach

sweet potatoes (3)

Bananas (5) I peel them and put them in the freezer when I get home for smoothies.

Fruit (I usually go for watermelon, blueberries, strawberries, or bananas)

Meat:

chicken (1 package, usually 3 breasts)

Dairy:

eggs

whole milk

cheddar cheese block or sticks

yogurt (I like blueberry Greek yogurt)

plain Greek yogurt

Frozen:

frozen fruit (any combo, I like blueberry and mango)

pie crust (it is ok to not make it from scratch)

Center Aisles:

chocolate syrup

whole grain seed bread

oats

canned or dried chickpeas and black beans (If buying canned, look for BPA free lining. I have only found them at Whole Foods)

Sun-dried tomatoes

balsamic vinegar

brown rice

dried lentils

tortillas

crackers (multigrain Club crackers are my jam)

nuts (I like to get almonds and cashews)

It might look like a long list for two people but chances are you already have some of these things at home in your pantry. I will be adding the recipes as I make them this week. 

Happy cooking :) 

[makingababybumblebee-blog]

Hi, I’m new here.

Let’s get right to it...I am a late 20-something teacher and I have a secret...I recently found out that I am pregnant! I have always been interested in nutrition and living a healthy life is important to me (even though pizza and wine are my favorite foods). 

Cooking is my hobby. And I’m good at it ;) I love making everything from scratch, experimenting with foods from other countries, and challenging myself in the kitchen. I make fresh pasta, homemade tortillas, breads, and complex sauces. Don’t get me wrong, I also love making grilled cheese and easy crockpot meals. 

I have been scouring the internet trying to find a good resource to help me plan my meals during my pregnancy and I haven’t really found anything helpful. I love medium rare steak, soft cheeses, sushi, and wine so I will have to figure out other ways to nourish my body over the next few months. Soooo...I decided to make my own pregnancy food blog that will eventually turn into a food blog for moms and kids.

I know that I will be tired during my pregnancy and probably not want to make crazy food all the time. That being said, I still want healthy home cooked meals everyday. I plan on making simple, healthy, DELICIOUS food throughout my pregnancy and beyond. Every Sunday I sit down and plan out all of my meals for the week and head to the grocery store. I will be sharing my grocery lists and meal plans as well as snack ideas and any tips I figure out along the way.

Enjoy!