Black bean tacos
Delve into a delicious Mexican-inspired feast with our black bean tacos. Combining a variety of flavours, these tacos are the perfect go-to dinner with lightly spiced mushrooms, vegetables, black beans, and a rich avocado and cottage cheese dressing. A final scattering of fresh coriander makes these tacos even more inviting.
Ingredients
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1 tsp
Butter
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100 g
Mushrooms, cut into small pieces
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300 g
Carrots, coarsely grated
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30 g
Taco seasoning
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3 tins
Black beans (720 g), drained
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Dressing
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2
Small avocados, flesh only
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¼ tsp
Salt
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Freshly ground black pepper
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To serve
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4
Wholemeal tortillas
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250 g
Red pointed cabbages, finely shredded
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200 g
Red peppers, diced small
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Fresh coriander for garnishing
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Instructions
To serve
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Moisture can quickly build up as the mushrooms and carrots cook, so keep it under control. As the vegetables release liquid into the pan, leave the pan uncovered and let it evaporate rather than allowing the vegetables to sit in it. If needed, turn the heat up slightly and stir regularly to help the liquid cook off, leaving the filling dry, flavourful, and easy to spoon into tacos.
Let the black beans cook a little longer if you want a refried-style filling. Start with beans that still have some bite, then keep them on the heat until they soften and begin to break down. As they cook, stir regularly so they thicken into a smooth, paste-like texture. Once the beans are soft, mash them directly in the pan before adding them to the wholemeal tortillas.
Unripe avocados lack flavour and have a solid texture that is unpleasant and often contains woody fibres throughout the flesh. For the avocado and cottage cheese dressing, choose avocados that feel slightly soft when pressed, without being mushy. If you remove the small stem at the top, the flesh underneath should be green rather than brown. Ripe avocados blend more easily with the cottage cheese and seasoning, creating a smooth dressing.
FAQ: Questions about black bean tacos
Everyone wants to make the best black bean tacos, and we are here to share our secrets. Our answers to frequently asked questions about the tacos will get you clued up on essentials, so you can storm ahead and make a mouthwatering meal.
How do I stop the black bean tacos from getting soggy?
Prevent black bean tacos from becoming soggy by minimising liquid in the bean mixture. Excess moisture is usually the culprit behind a soggy taco, but luckily, it is easy to avoid. Remove the lid from the pan if lots of liquid forms while the vegetables cook. This will help the moisture evaporate. Also, drain the canned beans well, ensuring all of the liquid is removed.
Can I prepare the black bean filling in advance?
You can prepare the black bean filling in advance to make the process even easier. Follow the recipe directions for cooking the filling, then allow it to cool completely. Add it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat the black bean mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave, ensuring it heats thoroughly throughout. It can then be used in the tacos alongside the dressing and crunchy fresh vegetables.
How should I store leftover black bean tacos?
Leftover black bean tacos can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. It is best to store components separately to avoid creating soggy tortillas. Scoop any leftover black bean mixture into an airtight container and place it in the fridge. The dressing can be stored in a separate container, as can the sliced cabbage and peppers. To keep the tortillas fresh, place them in a sealable bag to prevent them from becoming stale.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
258 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | - | 7.5 g |
| Protein | 17.3 % | 11 g |
| Fat | 60.7 % | 17.7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 % | 14 g |
Quick and easy homemade black bean tacos
Did you realise it was possible to make tasty black bean tacos at home in just 30 minutes? With tricks like using canned black beans, store-bought tortillas, and thinly sliced vegetables, our recipe for black bean tacos is quick, easy, and stress-free. Ideal for a Mexican-themed dinner party or comforting meal for the whole family, these tacos will go down a treat, opening up minds to the beauty of Latin American-inspired cuisine.
Aromatic bean filling with mushrooms and carrots
The real work happens inside the black bean tacos. These tacos feature a dreamy blend of lightly spiced mushrooms, carrots, and black beans, served in warm wholemeal tortillas. The hearty black bean filling satisfies hungry stomachs while exciting taste buds with aromatic taco seasoning. The umami-rich mushrooms are enhanced by the natural sweetness of the carrots, together creating a firework of flavour.
Joined by crisp vegetables, creamy avocado dressing, and fresh coriander
Every layer in these black bean tacos is divine, delivering a mixture of flavours and textures that will even impress meat lovers! A highlight of this dish is the creamy, tangy avocado and cottage cheese dressing that is smooth, rich, and ideal against the spiced black bean filling. The thick dressing balances the robust flavour of the beans and perfectly coats the garnish of red cabbage and ruby cubes of diced red pepper. And for a final flourish, the tacos are topped with fresh coriander leaves, giving off a bold, bright, herbaceous flavour with notes of citrus and mint.
Turn it into a taco night with plenty of sides
Simple to prepare and easy to serve, these black bean tacos are ideal for a relaxed taco night. Set the tacos out alongside a selection of sides and let everyone help themselves, building plates as they go. From a quick weekday meal to a dinner party with friends, these black bean soft tacos are a winner all around.
Complement the tacos with a side of Mexican-style rice or a fresh corn salad. Also, include a lightly dressed cabbage slaw or shredded lettuce with a squeeze of lime. A bowl of zingy guacamole or a dollop of sour cream adds a cooling, creamy contrast, while pickled red onions, sliced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce let everyone adjust the heat to their liking.
If you want to explore more taco recipes, have a look at our fish tacos with cod, pulled chicken tacos with cabbage and berry salad, breakfast tacos, and beef tacos.
Have fun with the fillings
Experimentation is part of the cooking (and eating) experience! Try different mushroom varieties, such as shiitake or portobello, for a meatier texture and stronger umami flavour. A sprinkling of smoked paprika or a squeeze of chipotle paste adds a smoky twist that works well with the lightly spiced black beans. For spice lovers, use thinly sliced jalapeños, dried chilli flakes, or a spicy salsa on the side.
To change up the texture of the tacos, consider roasted corn or diced tomatoes for a gentle hit of sweetness. Brighten up the dressing with some lime zest or a small grating of fresh garlic for a bolder flavour. The cottage cheese can even be substituted for Greek yoghurt or sour cream for a tangy flavour that cuts through the rich mushroom and bean filling.
Explore more wholesome meals and dive deeper into our collections of high-protein, high-fibre recipes, including inspiration for high-protein meals, high-fibre meals, and combinations that deliver both. If you are curious about the role these nutrients play in everyday eating, our articles about dietary fibre and why it matters, foods naturally high in protein and fibre, and high-fibre vegetables offer a good place to start.
