Chickpea-Walnut Taco Crumbles

These Chickpea-Walnut Taco Crumbles taste great and are a plant-based option for taco meat. They are full of flavor and protein and only take 30 minutes to make, so you can have them for Taco Tuesday or any other day of the week.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 8 small taco shells or tortillas
• Taco toppings of your choice lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, etc

Instructions:

In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas and walnuts until they resemble coarse crumbs

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat

Add chopped onion and garlic, and saut until they become translucent

Add the chickpea-walnut mixture to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it starts to brown and become slightly crispy

Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper

Stir well to combine

Pour in the tomato sauce and water, and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through and has a taco meat-like consistency

Warm the taco shells or tortillas according to package instructions

Assemble your tacos by filling each shell with the chickpea-walnut taco crumbles and your choice of toppings

Serve hot, garnish with your favorite taco toppings, and enjoy