Description
Vegan butternut squash and tempeh tacos topped with salsa verde make for a comforting and satisfying fall meal with a southwest twist!
Ingredients
Scale
For the tacos:
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch cubes
- 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tbsp taco seasoning
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 8oz package of tempeh, crumbled (using your hands)
- 1/2 small bunch of cilantro, stems removed and chopped
- 10 corn tortillas
- Avocado slices and lime wedges to serve
- Optional toppings for vegetarians: queso fresco and/or plain Greek yogurt
For the Salsa Verde (adapted from Confessions of a Foodie):
- 1/2 lb tomatillos, husks removed and rinsed
- 1 jalapeño pepper, cut in half lengthwise, veins removed
- 1/2 medium yellow onion (chop 1/4 onion and leave the other 1/4 whole)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 tsp lime juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 small bunch of cilantro, stems removed and chopped
Instructions
For the tacos:
- Toss the butternut squash with 2 tbsp olive oil, cumin, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Place squash on a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook until tender and browned, about 10-15 minutes.
- In a large saucepan, add olive oil over medium heat. Once oil is hot, add chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes. Add garlic, and let cook for another couple minutes, until fragrant and before browning.
- Add crumbled tempeh, taco seasoning, lime juice, and stir to combine. Let cook for another couple minutes, remove from heat and add cilantro.
- Place corn tortillas over an open flame (medium heat) on the stovetop. Let cook until tortilla begins to bubble and brown, less than a minute. Using tongs, flip over to cook the other side, until it begins to brown and bubble.
- Assemble tacos by adding the tempeh mixture, butternut squash, and salsa verde. Top with a squeeze of lime and avocado slices.
- Optional for vegetarians: add queso fresco and/or plain Greek yogurt as a topping.
For the Salsa Verde (adapted from Confessions of a Foodie):
- Roast tomatillos, onion wedge, garlic, and jalapeno on a lightly greased skillet over medium-high heat. Using tongs, continue to rotate vegetables so that they’re blistered on every side. Roast until tender and blistered, about 10 minutes (note: tomatillos will take longer).
- Transfer onion, pepper, garlic, and tomatillos to a food processor. Add lime juice and water. Pulse to combine until smooth. Add salt to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl and stir in chopped onion and cilantro.
Notes
Tomatillos will take longer to roast (wait until they start to release their juices to remove from heat).