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Close-up of easy vegan enchiladas with lentils served in a baking dish, topped with tomato sauce and fresh cilantro, soft tortillas filled with seasoned brown lentils, rustic homemade style in a bright kitchen with natural light.

Easy Vegan Enchiladas with Lentils

A simple, protein-packed vegan enchilada recipe featuring brown lentils and a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for a healthy and hearty meal.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup dry brown lentils (~200g)

810 medium whole wheat or corn tortillas

1 medium onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 large bell pepper, diced

1 1/2 cups (360ml) tomato sauce

1 teaspoon chipotle powder or 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 1/2 cups (360ml) vegetable broth

1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Rinse 1 cup dry brown lentils well. In a medium saucepan, combine lentils with 3 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray.

3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Stir in cumin, chili powder, chipotle powder (or smoked paprika), salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices, then pour in 1 ½ cups tomato sauce and 1 ½ cups vegetable broth. Stir to combine.

5. Add the cooked lentils to the skillet and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and flavors meld.

6. Warm tortillas briefly in a dry pan or microwave to make them pliable. Spoon about ½ cup of the lentil mixture into each tortilla, roll it up tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all filling is used. Pour any leftover sauce over the top.

7. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the edges of the tortillas are slightly crispy.

8. Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top if using, and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.

Use brown lentils for better texture.

Season gradually for complex flavor.

Add a squeeze of lime juice at the end to brighten flavors.

Leftovers taste better the next day.

Can add extra veggies like corn, spinach, or zucchini.

Do not overfill tortillas to avoid rolling issues.

Let enchiladas rest after baking to hold together better.

  • Author: Angelina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1-2 enchiladas
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 12g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: vegan enchiladas, lentil enchiladas, healthy dinner, plant-based Mexican recipe, easy vegan meals